Since 2018, the award-winning African Pathfinders Leaders Initiative (APLI) has been a beacon of hope for ambitious young Namibians. This youth and community development initiative has captured the nation’s attention with its mission to guide, uplift, and mentor the next generation of leaders.
This year’s bi-annual APLI youth development conference was held earlier this year and the second conference will commence in June 2024.
Their mission is rooted in nurturing leadership, personal growth and social responsibility. Building bridges of opportunity between the youth and industry leaders, financ”However, due to being exposed to so many creative and innovative individuals (fellows, speakers, and management alike) who have allowed themselves to dream, I began to redefine my purpose and expand the borders of my potentialiers, as well as entrepreneurs for mentorships. Encouraging youth members to start and scale robust, sustainable businesses. Lastly, constructing an environment of like minded peers and leaders. Over the past 5 years APLI hastrained 62 fellows, with 11 regions being represented thus far.
Being exposed to so many creative and innovative individuals (fellows, speakers, and management alike) who have allowed themselves to dream, I began to redefine my purpose and expand the borders of my potential.”
Prosper Kadhila
Although the application process may be vigorous and consist of multiple stages, the program encourages diversity. Youth members from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds have been accepted into the program. APLI alumni span from public health advocates, skateboarding enthusiasts, gender activists and many more.
Prosper Kadhila, a second medical student and 4th cohort APLI fellow, shares her special and fulfilling journey with Afterbreak Magazine. “The APLI team has successfully created a safe space for growth which resulted in a transformative experience. I started the program doubting my potential and holding onto the idea that my purpose and success was bound to the degree I am currently pursuing and any ambition beyond that was outside my reach,” Kadhila shared. Addiding, “However, due to being exposed to so many creative and innovative individuals (fellows, speakers, and management alike) who have allowed themselves to dream, I began to redefine my purpose and expand the borders of my potential,” She reflects.
Each guest speaker significantly contributed to teaching practical methods for envisioning, constructing, and effectively managing their business and NGO.
Additionally, she noted that engaging in public speaking exercises led to stepping beyond her comfort zone, culminating in increased courage and confidence in her abilities. Kadhila indicated that as a result of these experiences, her mindset has been transformed, and she feels more empowered, fostering a belief in her capacity to achieve any goal she set her mind to.
Ms Kadhila aspires to start a social enterprise that functions to provide a service through Christian apparel and funds a subsidiary non-profit foundation. The foundation aims to rehabilitate orphaned children mentally, by equipping them with the necessary resources to build a positive self-concept and hope to actively strive for a better future. This business plan was planted after her research on the traumatic psychological effects the orphanage system has on its recipients.
APLI has become a cornerstone for ambitious young individuals seeking to make a positive impact in their communities such as Prosper Kadhila.
