Porticus Africa initiated the Next Generation Leadership Program (NGLP) in 2005 to develop the capacity of the church in East Africa. The NGLP targets consecrated women and men and lay persons working for the Church to access educational opportunities.
In addition to the academic courses, scholarship recipients must also complete four additional leadership courses provided through the NGLP: Servant Leadership, Child Protection and Safeguarding, Executive Leadership and Management, and Catholic Social Thought. The NGLP is hosted in three universities across the region: Tangaza University College in Kenya, Mwenge Catholic University in Tanzania and University of Kisubi in Uganda.
The programme currently has approximately 491 ongoing scholars. A further 165 scholars are expected to be selected in 2022. The programme has an alumni of approximately 1,200 scholars. At least 300 Church leaders are envisaged to benefit from a new Phase programme at the end of the project, (2022-2024).The targeted beneficiaries of the NGLP are Catholic Religious Sisters, Brothers and Priests who can demonstrate leadership traits and potential who are nominated by their congregational or diocesan superior.
Being accepted on the programme requires that scholars are recommended by the highest authority in the sending congregation. Fields of study will be limited to those that support Education, Building just societies, Effective congregational as well as Church management and leadership.
The Next Generation Leadership Programme (NGLP)- Creating Servant Leadership for the African Church
The Next Generation Leadership Programme (NGLP), formerly Catholic Scholarship Program (CSP) is a transformational leadership development program for new and existing leaders in the African Church designed to help build their leadership skills and competencies through servant leadership and fostering a culture of Synodality. This is achieved primarily by providing selected religious and laypersons with advanced educational opportunities as well as courses and immersion in Servant Leadership, Child Protection and Safeguarding, Executive Management, and Catholic Social Teaching.
The program is designed to help participants develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to lead effectively and is delivered through an assortment of classroom training, experiential learning activities, and individual coaching.
The programme has been in existence since 2005 and is implemented in three core countries i.e Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania through partnerships with other tertiary institutions – Tangaza University – Kenya, Kisubi University –Uganda and Mwenge University –Tanzania.
Program Summary
In addition to academic courses delivered through various universities, the NGLP programme is distinct from other scholarship programmes because it offers additional training and immersion to all its scholars on Servant Leadership- Mary Mcguiness Inc, Child Protection and Safeguarding – IYS, Executive Management- Starthmore University, and Catholic Social Teaching – CUEA all delivered by world class institutions.
The four additional courses are delivered through;
- Workshops and training sessions that focus on key leadership skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and strategic thinking.
- Mentorship and coaching from experienced leaders, who provide guidance and support.
- Networking opportunities with other emerging leaders, peers, and industry experts.
- Opportunities for participants to put their leadership skills into practice through project-based work and practical experiences.
The Next Generation Leadership Program helps individuals become well-rounded, confident leaders who are competently equipped to lead and make a positive impact in the Church as an institution (including the religious congregations and dioceses).
By participating in the program, individuals gain the skills and experiences they need to care for tens of thousands of under-served and marginalized people, whom they serve daily in their apostolic works.
As trusted role models and advocates who live and work among the poor and marginalized, NGLP builds a pipeline of emerging leaders who are equipped with the tools and techniques they need to tackle the complex challenges of running and managing schools, hospitals, clinics, social care institutions, diocesan offices, and parishes throughout the region.
These leaders possess not only a strong influence on the local and grassroots levels of the Catholic Church, but they also act as interlocutors between civil society, government, and Catholic institutions, where many play key roles in advocating for human rights, good governance, economic development, and improved livelihoods, helping to solve some of the root problems facing the Church and society at large in Africa.
IMPACT:
- NGLP has gained positive brand perception and recognition among scholars and nominating institutions.
- 61% of NGLP alumni move into leadership and managerial positions in their apostolic work/ congregations within a year of graduation.
- 122% of NGLP scholars are already in managerial positions. Through the programme, they harbour a greater capacity to discharge their duties.
- All alumni make significant knowledge gains during their programs, increasing the average familiarity with the areas of study supported by the NGLP from 20% before the program to 73% after the program.
- 85% of alumni improve their organizations through servant leadership and NGLP principles. The vocation of alumni influenced where they made organizational improvements since their NGLP scholarship.
Who can benefit from the programme?
Though it originally targeted religious and lay persons, the programme leadership courses are open to congregational leadership, episcopal conferences, and religious associations.
Please note: We do not accept unsolicited requests due to the high amount of requests received. A nomination letter from your sending institution must be submitted through the Country specific NGLP office.