The Sora Kaufman Fellowship is undoubtedly making positive impacts on the lives of the first six beneficiaries as it continues to establish a network of Africa leaders and practitioners in the field of community-driven development and advocacy.
The Fellowship is a flagship program of Advocates for Community Alternatives (ACA), an Accra-based NGO operating in Ghana and other African countries.
“It’s been enriching and a transformative experience” Benedicta Naa Odarkor Lamptey, one of the fellows noted as she was reflecting on her journey with the Sora Kaufman Fellowship.
“What started as a professional development opportunity quickly became a journey of personal growth, fostering valuable lessons, forging deep bonds, and laying the foundation for a future built on impactful leadership”, she added.
Please find Benedicta’s personal accounts of her stings with the SK Fellowship program below:
One of the most profound lessons I learnt during this fellowship was the importance of empowering communities to champion their own development – a model of development that encapsulates what endogenous development theories advocate for. Prior to this training, I had always understood the concept of development in a top-down manner approach, where decisions are often made by experts at the top, without necessarily considering the input or the needs of the community at the bottom/down. However, through this fellowship, I was introduced to the power of effectively involving communities at the grassroots level in identifying and solving their challenges, through participatory engagement approach (PEA), thereby making the communities to own the solutions to their challenges/problems and confronting them.
The learning sessions and the field activities like the community visits to Dadetsunya and Ahinkwa Sisi where ACA’s projects are underway and the two-day community stay at Addo Nkwanta showcased how communities, when empowered with the right knowledge and tools, can drive sustainable solutions that are rooted in their cultural aspirations, culture, needs, and available resources. This shifted my perspective on development and showed me how essential it is to build solutions that are not only effective but also community centered.
One of the most impactful aspects of the fellowship was the opportunity to develop leadership skills. The various leadership training sessions, both in the classroom and our time with Captain (Rtd) Prince Kofi Amoabeng, forced me to examine my approach to leadership. I discovered the value of active listening, empathy, and collaboration. I also learnt that leadership is not just about directing or instructing others but about inspiring and empowering them. During the training session with Captain Amoabeng, I learnt that leadership requires self-discipline. By working alongside passionate peers who brought their unique perspectives, I was constantly challenged to grow in my thinking, and in turn, this experience allowed me to reflect on my own values and how I can lead with integrity, humility, and purpose. 
The fellowship also provided me with the unique opportunity to forge strong bonds with fellow participants. I was ushered into a cohort of other fellows like Solomon, Comfort, Margaret, Martin and Eric. We came from diverse backgrounds, yet we shared a collective vision of making a positive impact on our respective communities, culminating in the formation of an unspoken connection built on mutual respect and shared aspirations. We supported one another and celebrated each other’s successes, (reflecting on Martin’s success story). These relationships will continue to be a source of strength and inspiration as I navigate the path ahead. The fellowship created a community within itself—one that encouraged openness, growth, and collaboration.
In terms of impact, the knowledge and skills I have acquired since I joined this fellowship continue to influence my work in significant ways. For instance, in my current role as a Project Lead for Community and Family Aid Foundation, I am now equipped with tools that allow me to engage communities more effectively, ensuring that the people we serve have a voice in shaping solutions that directly affect them. Whether it’s designing programs, drafting policies, or executing projects, I now have the confidence and understanding to approach challenges in a more inclusive and sustainable manner. The emphasis on community-driven development will guide my efforts in fostering collaboration between stakeholders, ensuring that the solutions we create are both relevant and lasting.
Looking toward future roles, the lessons I have learnt will shape my approach to leadership. As I progress in my career, I plan to implement a more participatory style of leadership, where I encourage the people, I work to contribute ideas and solutions rather than simply executing directives. I will also advocate for community-driven models in any new projects, understanding that true sustainable development can only occur when the community is at the heart of the process.
The Sora Kaufman Fellowship has not only equipped me with invaluable skills but has inspired me to lead with greater empathy, foresight, and integrity.
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