A few months ago, I was counting down the days till Mauritius and anxiously looking forward to joining the ALC community. ALU’s inaugural campus in Mauritius is known as African Leadership College (ALC). I was excited, because it was going to be one of the biggest adventures that I’ve ever been on. I knew that ALC was the most innovative university that I had ever come across. I was certain that my experience was going to be unique and fun. But, I never thought that it was going to be as exceptional as it is or transcend academics to include everyday life.
I’ve been at ALC for almost two months and I’ve come to realise that ALC is a university where abilities and skills speak louder than grades, and where diversity is not just a trend but a way of life.
I have had the chance to meet bright people from more than 23 African countries. We speak different languages, have different backgrounds, but we are here for the same reason: contributing to the education revolution ALC is making, and moving our beloved Africa forward.
ALC is not only revolutionizing education but has taken the meaning of university to a whole new level. It is not a place where you sit and listen to endless lectures, get an influx of information from teachers and take a test at the end to label your skills and abilities. There isn’t a typical classroom session at ALC. On one day you’d do an experiential activity, on another day you will be in a group discussion or reflect on something you learned in your self-work time. Sometimes, it’s all three where the student takes ownership of his or her learning instead of being a passive receiver.
ALC is a culture, an entity that believes in diversity and embraces it. It pushes students to take ownership of their learning process and become the captains of their own journey. Being part of this community makes you realise that although you can do good things on your own, you can do greater things with a team. It fulfils your desire to learn and invest in yourself and at the same time, help those around you. If religion, skin colour and backgrounds make us different, our growth mindset and desire for change unite us.
At ALC, we believe in progress and push for it. We strive for excellence and we are willing to pay for it. We believe that integrity, passion and grit are the essence of a life worth living, but most importantly, worth sharing.
ALC’s culture makes you a founder instead of a typical student; a founder of a revolution and a wave of change that will move our beloved Africa forward. So if you want to live a life packed with passion and a meaningful vision, you definitely belong at ALC.
