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Growing up in a refugee camp, Barcha Kuku Ibrahim struggled with feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. She also harbored deep-seeded tribal biases, which led her to distance herself from people of different backgrounds.
Barcha joined the Leadership Academy of South Sudan (LASS) in 2019. She describes it as the turning point that profoundly changed her perspective on leadership, others, and life. The warm reception she received from fellow students, including those from tribes she once avoided, shattered her preconceived notions and opened her heart and mind to embracing diversity. It was a pivotal moment that challenged her tribalistic mindset and encouraged her to foster genuine connections with others, regardless of their backgrounds.
LASS also served as the starting point for Barcha’s spiritual and self-worth journey. Through the nurturing environment and teachings at LASS, she discovered a newfound love for God as the guiding light in her life and confidence from within to carry her into leadership roles. This personal transformation not only provided Barcha with a sense of purpose, but also empowered her to navigate life’s challenges with faith and resilience.
She reflects on her time, saying, “LASS played a huge role in shaping who I am today. It wasn’t just about learning leadership skills; it was also about discovering my own potential and gaining the confidence to pursue my dreams. In essence, I owe a debt of gratitude to LASS for reshaping my perspective, breaking down barriers, and instilling in me the values of acceptance, empathy, and faith. Without the transformative influence of LASS, I would not have overcome my tribalistic tendencies or embarked on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth.”
Barcha graduated from LASS and is currently in her third year at Makerere University Business School, where she’s studying Human Resource Management. She noticed that some of her fellow international students at Makerere were struggling to get the support they needed. Fueled by a desire to make a difference and help her peers, she decided to run for office at the university. She was elected as the Guild Minister of Foreign Affairs for the 2023-2024 term.
Barcha recently visited Mt. Kenya University in Nairobi, Kenya. She had the opportunity to meet and interact with other student leaders from different backgrounds and universities. She describes her experience as, “eye-opening and incredibly enriching.” She left with a new understanding and knowledge about leadership, communication, diversity, and teamwork.
As she looks ahead, Barcha is filled with gratitude for the opportunities she’s been given. Her experiences at LASS, and now those at university, have equipped her with the skills and confidence to lead others well. Her passion and drive is to make a meaningful impact in people’s lives and to use her current position, as well as future roles, to bring about positive change in her community and beyond.
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