Peer Energy (PNRG)

“We are committed to realizing our common vision of the Information Society for ourselves and for future generations. We recognize that young people are the future workforce and leading creators and earliest adopters of ICTs. They must therefore be empowered as learners, developers, contributors, entrepreneurs and decision makers……” -- Section 11 of the WSIS declaration of Principles

The need for this empowerment is so obvious and strikes you in the face today as you see many young people graduate (or generally move on in life) as “still births” – dead on delivery, unable to cope with the expectations of the New Economy, and as green horns joining the mass labour market at the mercy of employers. Striving at the base of the pyramid, much of today’s youth stand the risk of being frustrated after years of training within the four walls of our tertiary institutions… but it should not be so! True, dynamic global precedence is not in conformity with the present level of preparation young Nigerians are exposed to but we need to take the bull by the horns and carve a path for ourselves within our chosen career sphere.

There are tons of issues to consider but we need to consider the possibility for today’s youth to take advantage of what ‘Gbenga Sesan refers to as PNRG (pronounced “peer energy”). PNRG stands as acronym for Personal Development, Nation Building, Regional Cooperation and Global Participation. The Youth Leadership Workshop is tagged “Peer Energy” because it will consider the standing issues – and describe the way out of the rat race. Please visit the PNRG Web page for more information.

For Peer Energy 2005, ‘Gbenga Sesan will spend the day with participants, sharing his experience on moving from personal grooming to global relevance. ‘Gbenga is a multiple award winner, and was Nigeria’s first Information Technology Youth Ambassador. He is a respected voice on Information Society issues and is Vice Chair of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa’s African Technical Advisory Committee. His website, www.gbengasesan.com, is a dynamic resource for youth leaders.

Learning Objectives:

1. Preparing youth for international leadership challenges and creating awareness for the new leadership paradigm;
2. X-raying international meetings – opportunities, challenges and required preparation
3. Incorporating Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in everyday activities in meeting national, regional and international needs;
4. Networking your way to greatness through guided passion and the opportunities ICTs offer;
5. Defining strategies towards bridging the Digital Divide among people-groups and nations;
6. Training youth to be independent in their course of engagements and how they can benefit from innovative personal development;
7. Encouraging the self-simulation of a conducive environment that is conducive for youth empowerment and development;
8. To encourage the interest of young people towards Nigeria and Africa, to engage the new factors of production – knowledge and technology;
9. To secure the future of Nigeria through appropriate and strategic positioning within the sphere of the Information Society; and
10. Creating an environment for intellectual engagement towards action.

Eligibility:
Youth leaders who are responsible for a team (or manage the affairs of a youth organization) with interest in young people and the role of ICTs in development. They must also have their eyes on impact within and beyond Nigeria’s borders. Applicants (intending participants) are required to write a 300-word essay on “A New Nigeria”, and send the same to pnrg@gbengasesan.com on, or before November 30 2005. Please note that specific emphasis has been placed on youths who can benefit from the workshop and drive home the expected change and create a multiplier effect by influencing other youths positively. This has informed why you are receiving this mail.

Cost:
=N= 6,000 for individuals. Group registration (more than one person from the same organization) attracts a discount of 5%. Selected participants will be provided with payment options and details.

Event Details:
The workshop will hold in Lagos (exact venue will be announced to selected participants) on Tuesday, December 20, 2005 between 9am and 5pm. Workshop materials (including a CD containing ‘Gbenga Sesan’s presentations, articles and project reports), coffee and lunch will be provided.

Contact:
‘Gbenga Adeyemo
Program Coordinator, PNRG Workshops
pnrg@gbengasesan.com
www.gbengasesan.com/pnrg.htm
+234 805 747 05 62
+234 805 243 60 15