Before Awien Rose Madot joined the Leadership Academy of South Sudan (LASS), she was shy and hesitant, often retreating into solitude rather than engaging with the world around her. Social interactions felt daunting, and stepping into leadership roles seemed like a distant dream. But everything changed at LASS, where she discovered a nurturing environment that ignited her potential and transformed her life.
At LASS, Awien was immersed in a vibrant community that emphasized relationship-building and personal growth. Through dynamic leadership sessions, hands-on experiences, care groups, and public speaking classes, she not only honed her leadership skills but also built the confidence to start connecting with others.
What stood out most for Awien was the culture of open dialogue fostered by LASS. The emphasis on respectful communication between teachers and students allowed her to voice her opinions and engage in meaningful debates. This supportive environment cultivated critical thinking and self-expression, which she found both empowering and vital for developing strong leadership abilities.
As she embraced various leadership roles at LASS, Awien blossomed, overcoming her initial timidity and gaining the confidence needed to take on leadership positions at the university level. Inspired by her time at LASS, she chose to pursue a bachelor’s degree in journalism and communications at Makerere University. Clubs like “The Voice of LASS” played a pivotal role in preparing her for this path, sharpening her skills and igniting her passion for storytelling. While at university, she further honed her talents as a reporter during her internship at Juba Echo TV.
Awien was recently accepted into one of 4africa’s graduate placement programs with a like-minded organization in Kampala. She is diving into her role working on the complementary Pathways project, which comprises of 4 focuses: education pathways (connecting refugees with scholarship opportunities abroad), private sponsorship, labor mobility (helping refugees find employment opportunities abroad) and family reunification of refugees.
Awien’s commitment to impactful, Christ-like leadership extends beyond her professional endeavors. She is also deeply involved in her community, driven by the lessons of service and compassion she learned at LASS. One of her most meaningful initiatives is working with women in the Bweyale Refugee Settlement, where she trains them in beaded bag-making to foster financial independence.
As she prepares to graduate from university this January, Awien is excited about the future. She remains dedicated to making a difference in her community, inspired by the transformative journey that took her from a reserved young woman to a resilient leader.
