The Journey Matters: Where You Start Doesn’t Define Where You End | Kah Angel Courage

In a small room where grinding machines were stored, I embarked on a journey that I initially doubted would succeed yet became what has shaped my life’s trajectory. Two years ago, with the help of my amazing elder sister, Kah Kyria, I clicked on the submit button for the African Leadership Academy (ALA). I was a 15-year-old girl who had just finished the 2023 Summer Academy at Open Dreams. The excitement of being accepted to ALA and taking my first flight filled me with anticipation.

I looked forward to attending the courses, meeting inspiring and amazing teachers, and experiencing a different education system. However, after my first test, I was taken aback. It made me realize that being amongst the best in my previous school didn’t guarantee success here, surrounded by top achievers. This realization pushed me to adapt, strategize, and find new coping mechanisms. I readjusted my schedule, prioritized my tasks, and persevered. The academic courses at ALA, grounded in both hands-on practicality and theory, helped me understand subjects deeply.

I enjoyed every moment in my classes, Entrepreneurial Leadership, African Studies, Writing and Rhetoric, Chemistry, and Biology. Biology, in particular, surprised me. I never imagined I would delve so deeply into using the microscope, examining slides of my cheek cells, plasmolyzed onion cells, and plant structures. Engaging in assignments like creating a rap song on mitosis and building a 3D model of DNA replication made learning enjoyable and creative. In Chemistry, the excitement of conducting practical experiments every week fueled my passion. I worked on group projects like the esterification of perfume oils and gel electrophoresis. African Studies became one of my favorite courses, where I learned to write policy briefs on community-based challenges and conduct close readings of texts. My curiosity led me to research how different soil compositions affect permeability, and presented them at the African Scientific Symposium at ALA. This research was inspired by my observations of flooding in the Northwest Region of Cameroon during my 2024 summer break.

ALA opened up a world of leadership roles that aligned with my passions, and I eagerly embraced these opportunities. As a climate advocate passionate about environmental sustainability, my journey began with being elected as the Environmental Representative for the Student Government for the 2023/2024 academic year by the students. In this role, I was part of the organizing team for ALA’s first-ever Environmental Week, which included initiatives like tree planting and implementing a watering system using the water bottle tree irrigation method to help the trees grow during the dry season. Recognizing the significant paper and food waste on campus, I shared statistics to raise awareness and encourage mindful waste management. I proposed sustainable practices through awareness talks at assemblies and practical solutions, such as using notice boards for postings instead of walls, which enhanced campus aesthetics. Additionally, I promoted responsible food consumption in the dining hall to help minimize waste and also organized a trip to the Walter Sisulu Botanical Garden for 30 students, allowing them to connect with nature through hiking, picnics, and games.

As part of the Student Enterprise (SE) program in year two for Entrepreneurial Leadership class, I joined EarthFlow as the Head of Events and Logistics. The SE  focused on promoting environmental awareness and sustainability. I led the planning and execution of a workshop with the South African Climate Action Network (SACAN) for the South African Post Local Conference of Youths (LCOY) 2024. This event empowered youths from schools in rural areas and addressed the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 13: Climate Action. It provided a space for 120 youths to discuss ways to adjust our behaviors in response to current and future climate challenges. We explored topics like climate finance, understanding the Believe, Understand, Invent, Listen, and Deliver (BUILD) model for climate solutions, and the complexities of policymaking and stakeholder involvement. This experience strengthened my organizational and leadership skills and deepened my commitment to planning events that address environmental challenges. Through EarthFlow, I learned about the power of youth-led initiatives and how, through collaborative efforts, we can drive meaningful change. And I am happy to be part of this change by Co-founding the Green Fields Development Center (GFDeC), an organization that contributes to environmental stewardship, sustainability and climate action. 

My role as a Residential Assistant (RA) for Valkyrie Hall during the 2024/2025 academic year was another highlight. Overseeing about 17-20 residents, I prioritized using clear communication to promote events, maximize participation, and foster connections among residents from different backgrounds. We found common ground to relate to each other and understand our differences. This experience taught me the importance of empathy, how to love people deeply and actively listen, creating a welcoming space that felt like home and allowed me to connect meaningfully with hall members. It improved my conflict management skills and understanding of temperaments.

Balancing my responsibilities as an RA with academics was challenging, but I learned to set boundaries and used my time effectively.

 As a lover of music and dance, I eagerly joined the African Dance Team at ALA. By the end of my first year, I was honored to be nominated as the African Dance Captain for the next academic year 2024/2025, leading the largest team in ALA's history with 18 members. In this role, I organized rehearsal schedules and mentored team members struggling with choreographies, helping to build their confidence and improve their performances. We showcased our talents at various events with our best performances, including the UMUZI Creative Arts Festival, the African Leadership Academy Model African Union (ALAMAU) cultural ceremony, and several assembly performances.

ALA not only nurtured my leadership skills but also inspired me to give back to my community. In July, I served as one of two facilitators for the BUILD in a Box Cameroon program during the Open Dream Summer Academy 2024. Leading a session with over 50 participants on the BUILD model, I aimed to empower youths in Africa to tackle authentic pan-African problems. The positive feedback from participants affirmed the impact we created, and many expressed their desire to become ambassadors for change.

In the ALA community, I hosted two bead-making workshops, teaching participants how to create jewelry. The first workshop during the UMUZI festival attracted over 25 participants, while the second invited students from other schools for income-generating activities like sewing, crocheting and bead making. 

Additionally, I had the privilege of being selected as a TEDx speaker for TEDxAfricanLeadershipAcademy2025. On February 14, 2025, I delivered a talk titled "Period Silence" as part of this year’s theme, "The Unspoken: Thriving in Contradictions." My passion for Sexual Reproductive Health Education (SRHE) drove me to address menstrual stigma, advocating for accessible menstrual products for young girls to ensure they don’t have to choose between dignity and education.  Attached is my TED Talk: Watch here.

Reflecting on my time at ALA, I am grateful for the dedicated support systems; teachers, advisors, and friends who played crucial roles in my journey. It was an incredible journey, and it transformed me into someone open-minded, explorative, bold, and resilient. As I close this chapter, I am filled with gratitude to God, my family, and everyone who has been part of this journey.

I am excited to begin a new chapter at the American University of Beirut under the Mastercard Foundation (MCF) Scholars Program. As an MCF scholar, I look forward to the incredible experiences that await.

• Kah Angel Courage | Open Dreams