The Patriotic Advocacy Network (PAN) has commenced the 2026 edition of its flagship Leadership and Public Speaking Masterclass (LPMC), bringing together 150 young people selected from more than 400 applicants.
The 12-day intensive training officially began on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at the FSSG Hall in Freetown, with participants drawn from diverse professional and social backgrounds.
The masterclass is designed to equip young people, emerging entrepreneurs and aspiring community leaders with practical leadership, communication and problem-solving skills needed to contribute meaningfully to national development.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, PAN Convener and Team Lead, Ansumana Keita, underscored the organization’s commitment to developing ethical and effective leaders capable of driving positive change in Sierra Leone.
Keita encouraged participants to remain focused, disciplined and committed throughout the training, quoting the late American civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to remind them of the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges.
He also expressed appreciation to PAN’s Board of Directors, partner institutions and volunteers for their support in making the 2026 edition possible.
The 2026 curriculum features more than 20 practical modules covering key areas including effective leadership, public speaking, self-discipline, financial management and independence, financial compliance, emotional intelligence and the ethical use of artificial intelligence.
The opening day featured presentations from six facilitators drawn from different professional backgrounds.
Dr. Ibrahim Alusine Kebe led the academic sessions with a presentation on John Maxwell’s Five Levels of Leadership, emphasizing that effective leadership is built on positive influence and the ability to develop other leaders rather than merely holding positions or titles.
Iris Aminata Bangura followed with a session on the fundamentals of public speaking, focusing on how participants can structure impactful messages using the PREP framework.
Cecilia Alice Sesay introduced participants to a 7-Day Speaking Challenge aimed at helping them reduce filler words and improve conversational timing.
Daniel Sawaneh, Esq. addressed strategic thinking and visionary leadership, while Sheku Putka Kamara presented a systematic approach to problem-solving through the R.A.C.E. framework.
The opening day concluded with an interactive workshop led by Abubakarr Fomba Swaray, Esq., who introduced participants to his CRAFT framework for persuasive speechwriting and pitching practical solutions to real-world challenges.
More than 20 facilitators are expected to lead interactive sessions during the remainder of the programme.
The training is scheduled to continue through September 12, 2026, and will culminate in a grand graduation ceremony at the Bank Complex in Kingtom, Freetown.