International Institute For Global Leadership
Issue #78 * June 2008
www.global-leadership.com
Asheville, NC. USA
Guest Editorial
The Three Paths to Enlightenment
By Rwamatwara Egide (Republic Of The Congo)
When I joined the International Institute for Global Leadership I was hesitant as I had no idea about the program, let alone the organizers. However as I progressed through the program and read a couple of books my interest grew and I reached a point of no return. All the books I read left me with invaluable new skills and wisdom which has affected my behavior and attitude and definitely improved my social and professional life. I have just finished one book entitled “the Real Magic” in which one topic captured my attention as it sounded like a narriation of my life story. The topic is about the three paths to enlightenment, which the author refers to as enlightenment through suffering, enlightenment through outcome and enlightenment through purpose.
On the first path, as the author rightly puts it, we all tend to feel singled out and unfairly treated when we go through difficult moments or real suffering. When we manage to successfully overcome these difficulties we feel good and when we look back we realize that the so called difficult moments were actually necessary for us to learn a lesson and/or grow mature. This is why we say that wisdom and experience come with time and trying moments.
This reflects my personal life and experience. I went through trying moments due to political turmoil that occurred in my country in the 1990s. I lost close relatives and friends, disrupted my university studies and was forced out of my comfortable home and led a life of destitution for a couple of years. At a certain point I would ask myself why this happens to me at this particular moment of crucial time of my life. Why my country? Why me? But after I managed to pull through and reorganize my life I could appreciate the hard lessons of humility, tolerance and generosity that I owe to these difficult moments of my life. I saw hatred but I also saw compassion and love; I saw arrogance and inconsideration but I also humanity and understanding. I experienced what the author refers to when he says that many people remain at this stage and spend their entire life morning and blaming everyone for their misery without noticing the window of opportunity that each difficult moment brings. Indeed, I was not the only one affected by the events in my country, practically everyone was negatively affected by the war but many could not get up and carry on.
As the author rightly says, those who move to the next path of enlightenment through outcome develop the spirit of saying that everything that happens to us happens for a purpose. Instead of mourning they try to find the positive message that the trying moment is carrying to them and how to make use of the experience gained and lessons learned. In my own experience, the trying moments of my life have equipped me with skills and experience which helped to plan and orient my life in a positive direction.
On the third path of enlightenment through purpose, as the author says, one needs to see himself/herself as having a mission to accomplish and to work hard towards accomplishing it. I entirely agree with the author. With a clear objective to attain and continuous effort to achieve it we successfully go through hard times and trying moments. My driving force through this trying moment has been to reach the highest academic and professional success. This force alone pushed me out of dangerous circumstances close to death and has been a guiding star to this very moment. I think and believe that I am not far from achieving my ultimate goal. To those currently living pitiful moment I not only recommend IIGL but also and meanly to believe in themselves and set a challenging goal and strive to reach it no matter what comes in their way.
New Students
We are very pleased to welcome two new students during the month of May; one with the English division from Nigeria and one with the French division from Niger.
Okewole Akinyemi (Nigeria)
I am the first born out of the family of four male children. I am a graduate of Agricultural Economics and Extension and I am presently working with Critical Rescue International as a Team Leader in a call centre. I attended the Daystar Leadership Academy where I obtained a certificate in Basic Leadership. I find leadership interesting and challenging. One basic things I have learnt about leading is that you must be honest and accept responsibility for whatever you do or is done by those you are leading. In my quest for my business passion in film production, I combined with a friend with the same vision and we registered Cavid Media Limited with the corporate affairs commission with the aim of having a magazine and a film production line, since producing a film will be costly and producing a magazine will equally be costly we decided to start with Corporate Event Coverage. I have a dream to become the governor of my state and towards that I have dedicated the next three years of my life to learning about leadership, studying politics, have my masters and also learn about my business.
After the three years I will also spend another five years in experimenting on all that I have learnt and raise money to finance my Governorship project because I have discovered that people do not perform in position of authority because they have to dance to the tune of those who put them there. Therefore I want to be independent so that I can achieve my goal of raising my state to a world standard in all aspects. I weep in spirit when I see people suffering in a country like Nigeria where we make billions of dollars on oil and I believe if I can start from my state then the fire of development can burn round the country. I love football and I think I use most of my leisure time on football, I also love traveling and reading motivational books.
Kanni Abdoulaye (Niger)
I hold a Degree in Applied Business computing obtained at the University of Sciences and technology of Blida, Algeria, in 2001 and I am working currently as a manager and computer specialist.
I performed my National Civic service at the High Council of Communications (CSC) which is the communication regulation authority in Niger. And in parallel I have taught free-lance for five (5) years in the Schools and Professional Training institutes of Niamey (GROUP SODESI, IRIMAG/CFM) in Genius Data-Processing; precisely the MERISE method, Data Base Management Systems (DBMS), Microsoft Access, MS Excel, Word, Windows, PowerPoint and Navigation to the students in BTS and professional License. I am also an activist with the civil society in Niger. I am Secretary to Foreign relations of the Independent Committee of Reflection and Orientation for the Safeguard of the Democratic Assets (CRUSADE), one of the greatest Defense and of promotion of human rights associations in Niger. All the information which is in relation to; as well as books which deal with justice, life, and culture is of great interest to me. My favorite films are those of investigation, and debates. I am the elder son of a family of 7 children including 5 boys and 2 girls. I listen much and speak little but I attempt to be very relevant when I speak.
Student News
IIGL Student Wins International Public Speaking Award
At the recent General Assembly meeting of the Junior Chamber of Commerce, International, in Antalya, Turkey, IIGL student, Francis Mwale, from Zimbabwe was one of four individuals internationally to be awared the prestigious JCI public speaking award. Francis was the top speaker for the region of Africa and the Middle East. Francis, who is 26 years old, received his Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resource Management with Honors. He is studying for a Master’s in Business Administration at the Nottingham Trent University in the United Kingdom while working as Training and Development Manager for Premier Finance Group, the second largest merchant bank in Zimbabwe. In additon to his IIGL studies, he has
also completed the Success Motivation International (SMI) Dynamics of Successful Management program. He is co-founded of the Harare Business Club in the capital of Zimbabwe which is dedicated to create a platform for entrepreneurial growth through business exchange.
In June 2006, Francis attended the JCI Area A Conference as JCI Zimbabwe’s chief delegate. At the JCI Zimbabwe National Convention in November 2006, he received an award for Internationalism in recognition for his efforts in that area. In October 2006, his local organization elected Vice President in charge of Development for 2007. At the 2007 African and Middle-Eastern Conference in Johannesburg, South Africa, Mwale won the Area Public Speaking Championship, which led him to represent Africa and the Middle East in the 2007 World Public Speaking Championships in Turkey.
For additional Information: http://www.jci.cc/local/harare
IIGL French-Division Host Get-Acquainted Party
On Sunday May 11, Roger Yomba, the director of the IIGL French division hosted a get-acquainted party for IIGL students and prospective students at his home in Abdijan, Cote d’ Ivore. The purpose of the gathering was to meet each other, exchange ideas and to have fund. The twelve attendees brought food, drinks and music to share. In addition to the social time they were able to see the office of the French division and watch a brief film devoted to teaching tolerance and harmony-in-diversity. The film was followed by a discussion of what each had learned in their IIGL studies and how this applies to their individual realities as young African leaders. In addition to the good time and exchange of ideas, the group was introduced to the new French division website at http://www.
IIGL Student Heads Nigerian CyberCrime Fighting Unit
IIGL Student, Prince Devison Nze, from Nigeria, was recently featured in the Government Technology Magazine for his Work in fighting cyber crime. The GT Magazine is a publication of the US based organization, Government Technology: Solutions For State & Local Government in the Information Age (http://www.govtech.com). You can read the full article here:
http://www.govtech.com/dc/articles/316440?id=&story_pg=2
What Our Students Are Saying
Evans I Malenge (Kenya)
With the ideas I gained from from this book (Real Magic), I was inspired to start a group in the church to address the needs of women specifically. In this group, we have women come together and air out their life challenges and how they have handled them. The main aim of this group is to help those women who are suffering from emotional problems and other kinds of issues to find solutions and get the encouragement they need in their lives. Besides the womens group, I also initiated a youth group which meets every Sunday evening. The aim of this group is to help the youth have forum where they can meet together and develop their talents by engaging them in activities that promote their gifts and talents. Also we help them see the importance of living a disciplined life among many other things.
What Our Students Are Reading
Change The World: How Ordinary People Can Achieve Extraordinary Results
By Robert Quinn
Robert Quinn’s Change the World offers profound yet practical guidance for those who truly want to improve their surroundings. Quinn, a University of Michigan professor and author of five books on change and organizational performance, bases Change on eight “seed thoughts” drawn from the philosophies of Jesus, Gandhi, and Martin Luther King Jr. After relevant quotations from each, he cites contemporary real-life examples to show how these principles — Envision the Productive Community, First Look Within, Embrace the Hypocritical Self, Transcend Fear, Embody a Vision of the Common Good, Disturb the System, Surrender to the Emergent Process, and Entice Through Moral Power — can really be used. “All our lives we have been explicitly and implicitly taught to see human influence as an exercise in domination,” Quinn writes. By learning instead to practice a new type of “transformational behavior,” he suggests, even “ordinary people” can have “extraordinary impact.” The section on asserting moral authority, for example, segues from his own fifth-grade coaching experiences to those of basketball superstar Larry Bird to details on building a bond between “change agents and change targets” that effects desirable modifications. Recommended for anyone open to new ideas on motivation and stimulating change. In this empowering book, Quinn gives readers the courage to use personal transformation to positively impact their home life, work life, and communities — to be what he refers to as “inner-directed and outer-focused.” We are all potential change agents, but most of us are trapped by belief that we as individuals cannot make a difference. Following his advice, each of us can access and apply the power that lies within us in ways that will change our world for the better.
What Our Donors Are Saying
Wanda Gail Campbell (USA/AL)
Peace Minister, Ph.D.
I support IIGL because it is important to me to give back in like fashion from what I have been blessed to receive. I well remember the days when college felt like an unrealistic dream. Thanks to the countless ways, over a lifetime, that I have been supported emotionally, financially and spiritually I recently attained a Ph.D. at the age of sixty-one. It is truly my honor to serve the highest purpose of humanity by offering similar support to others. I am abundantly blessed as I serve others.
Thanks!
We extend a special thanks to the following 25 individuals and/or organizations which contributed to IIGL during May. Their ongoing support makes this work possible.
Deb Silver (Israel)
Lale Eterm (Turkey)
Wanda Gail Campbell (USA/AL)
Lynne Murguia (USA/AZ)
Rommy Banaszczyk (USA/AZ)
Naomi Stauber (USA/CA)
Corine Wilson (USA/FL)
Hope Gorman (USA/MN)
Margie Tice (USA/NC)
Michael Lightweaver (USA/NC)
Janis Thayer (USA/NC)
Lily Ann (USA/NC)
Janae & Barry Weinhold (USA/NC)
Judith Royer (USA/SD)
Julie Loosbrock (USA/WI)
Deb Rosen (USA/WI)
Kehinde Omotayo (NIGERIA/UK)
Julian Murphy (UK)
Jesse Syverson (USA/WA)
Rashmi Singh (Philippines)
Robert Kaplan (USA/NC)
Deborah Shelton (USA/NC)
Sean Guy (USA/NC)
Anderson Hewitt (USA/GA)
Adams Unaji (USA/TX)
Make A Difference In The World!
You can make a lasting difference now by investing in the future of young heart-centered leaders throughout the world who will soon be making critical decisions that will determine the future of humanity and the planet. How? By becoming an active partner in this work with your financial contribution. We are supported by people like you; people who believe that it’s more important to light a candle, however small, than to curse the darkness. We welcome contributions in any amount, however small, because this isn’t just about money. It’s also about energy and connection.
Checks on US banks, payable to the International Institute For Global Leadership, can be mailed to PO Box 18909, Asheville, NC. 28814. Contributions may also be made by credit card. Contributions are tax deductible under the 501(c)3 tax codes of the United States Internal Revenue Service.
Student Progress
We had 21 students from 13 countries complete a total of 25 books in May. These students were from Burkina Faso, Burundi, Congo, Cote d’ Ivore, Ethiopia, Ghana, Niger, Nigeria, Peru, Senegal, South Africa, Venezuela, Zimbabwe
English Division
Bereket Alemayehu (Ethiopia)
* Keys to Success
Gottfried Duku (Ghana)
* Psycho-Cybernetics
Evans Ichuliza Malenge (Nigeria)
* Real Magic
Kishor Bajracharya (Nepal)
* How To Win Friends & Influence People
* A practical guide to vibrational medicine
Joel Ebute (Nigeria)
* Built To Last
Sunday Abidemi Obarinu (Nigeria)
* Success Through Positive Mental Attitude
Mabadeje Abiodun (Nigeria)
* Non-violent Communication
Okewole Akinyemi (Nigeria)
* Jonathan Livingston Seagull
* As A Man Thinketh
Olita Talent Nyathi (South Africa)
* Giant Steps
Elisabeth Tepper (Venezuela)
* Blame It On The Cow
Francis David Mwale (Zimbabwe)
* The New Dynamics Of Winning
French Division
Pascal Nepa (Burundi)
* Abracadabra…
Anselme J. Kabore (Burkina Faso)
* Attitude 101 Principes de base…
Jean Louis Mumpono (DR Congo)
* Le Maître dans le Coeur
Viviane Ndjole (Cote d’Ivoire)
* Le Maître dans le Cœur
Francois Nanou (Cote d’Ivoire)
* Comment Développer son Leadership
Gwladys Moro (Cote d’Ivoire)
* Les Sept Lois Spirituelles du Succès
Abdoulaye Kanni (Niger)
* Jonathan Livingstone le Goéland
* L’Homme Est le Reflet de Ses Pensées
Bihibindi Andre (Senegal)
* Pouvoir Illimité
* Atteignez vos Objectifs…
Spanish Division
Mayra Blanco (Venezuela)
* The Power of Intention
Christian Villón (Peru)
* What Are Your Goals
Statistical Report
New Enrollments
3 enrolled in May
30 enrolled in 2008
Book Assessments
23 in May
163 in 2008
Books Shipped
72 in May
339 in 2008
Cost of books
$1,062.22 in May
$5.671.76 in 2008
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