LEP Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Leadership Exchange Programme?
The Leadership Exchange Programme (LEP) is the annual flagship programme of Jela’s Development Initiatives (JDI)’s Youth Empowerment through Volunteering arm. This year, we are accepting applications from 18-25 year-olds who:
-Desire to be community builders and make social impact
-Are resident in Abuja, Nigeria
-Are available for the Programme from July 23rd to September 3rd, 2021
-Willing to be paired with host organisations to serve for 4 weeks in the month of August
-Willing to develop peace building and conflict resolution skills.
It is designed with JDI training young people on servant leadership and community building delivering passionate volunteers aged between 18 and 25 to host organizations for a period of four (4) weeks to serve in any capacity assigned to them.
2. When Does LEP Start and How Long Does it last?
A call for applications will be launched on June 18th, 2021 to last till July 12th while the workplace exchange begins on August 2nd, lasting for 4 weeks till August 26th. However, post-programme activities stretch till September 3rd.
3. What do I need to Become a Host Organisation?
Host organisations are still welcome and if you are interested in partnering with us in that regard, kindly email us through info@jdi.org.ng
4. How can I partner with JDI for the LEP?
There are many ways of joining us in this exciting journey! You can partner as a host organisation or media partner, offering us your platform to promote the LEP or producing media materials such as video and audio clips to aid our publicity. Email us through info@jdi.org.ng to connect with us.
5. What are the Highlights of the LEP?
From training workshops, excursions and radio show appearances to the Gallup’s Strength assessment coupled with a one-on-one personal coaching session, administered by a Gallup Global Strengths coach, the LEP is packed with empowering opportunities for the participants. Interestingly, they also have the opportunity to engage in a community service project and will be awarded with certificates of achievement upon completion of the Programme.
Also, this year we are implementing the LEP through support from the United States Department of State and in partnership with The Hijabi Mentorship Program, a Kenyan non-profit.
6. What is the Community Service?
The LEP culminates in the community service project which revolves around any of the other 3 initiatives run by JDI- providing access to water, mental health or blood donation. The participants choose the specific nature of project that they wish to work on and carry out the planning and implementation of the project.
7. What do the Training Workshops Entail?
The workshops include but are not limited to advocacy, Gallup’s Strength Assessment, servant-leadership, personal development, community building, fundraising, peace building, conflict resolution, accessing opportunities, project planning and implementation, youth and governance and networking.
8. What do I have to do to be eligible for the LEP?
The LEP is open to all young persons aged between 18-25, resident in Abuja and willing to serve as volunteers. We do not require any special qualifications.
9. Can I Choose the Host Organisation I want to Serve With?
Participants of the LEP are not allowed to choose the roles they want to function in or organisations they will serve with. However, JDI does its best to ensure that Participants are paired with hosts that align with their interests, to a certain degree.
10. Are LEP Applications Free?
Absolutely! You do not have to pay an application fee. However, you can apply only once for each cohort and once your application is submitted, you cannot make corrections.
11. What if I don't get Selected this Year, Can I Apply Again?
Applicants whose applications are unsuccessful are encouraged to apply for the next cohort. There is no penalty for this.
12. Must I have volunteer experience before I can apply?
While previous volunteer experience may bolster your application, it is not mandatory. You only have to show us that you have what it takes to be a committed volunteer.
13. Do I get paid by the Host Organization I serve with?
The LEP is a volunteer opportunity. Therefore, there is no payment attached to it.
14. Can I Work Elsewhere While Participating in the LEP?
Participants of the LEP are required to report at their host organisations 4 days per week and will be required to come in sometimes for check-in, coaching or excursions on the Fridays and Saturdays that the Programme lasts. As such, working elsewhere or activities that hamper this commitment are not allowed and reports of absenteeism attract dismissal from the Programme.
15. What Happens after the Workplace Exchange?
The workplace exchange ends on August 26th but the LEP doesn’t end there! A formal closing ceremony will be held on August 30th. Furthermore, as a show of our commitment, all participants of the LEP are added to a closed group where they have continued access to personal development opportunities and support.