Author: Brima Rawlings Koroma
As Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone, gears up for its Student Union Elections, the discourse surrounding the two leading factions, the Black Family and the White Family, has taken a contentious turn. The Black Family is poised to present the youngest candidates in the college’s history—a dynamic group of Gen-Z leaders ready to introduce fresh perspectives and innovative solutions. However, their youth has been unfairly weaponized by the opposing camp, which is focusing on stereotypes rather than the substance of their leadership potential.
It is time to challenge these outdated narratives and recognize the unique strengths that Gen-Z leaders offer. As Amanda Schneider aptly stated in her TED talk, “Work is broken, and Gen-Z can help fix it.” This sentiment is particularly relevant in the context of our student union elections. The challenges facing our student body, including administrative inefficiencies and a lack of inclusive representation, necessitate a new approach—one that embraces creativity, adaptability, and a forward-thinking mindset. These are precisely the qualities that Gen-Z leaders embody.
The White Family’s campaign has centered on questioning the competence and readiness of Gen-Z candidates, using their age as a proxy for inexperience. However, we mustn’t confuse youth with incapacity. History has consistently demonstrated that young leaders can spearhead transformative change. From Malala Yousafzai’s advocacy for education to Greta Thunberg’s climate activism, young people have proven time and again that age is no barrier to effective leadership; rather, it can be a catalyst for innovation and progress.
Gen-Z leaders are uniquely equipped to confront the dysfunctional systems that have long plagued our institutions. As digital natives, they are adept at leveraging technology to streamline processes and enhance transparency. They prioritize inclusivity and equity in their decision-making, and perhaps most importantly, they are unafraid to challenge the status quo, offering bold solutions to longstanding problems.
The Black Family’s Gen-Z candidates are not merely youthful; they are visionary. They comprehend the complexities of our modern world and possess the tools to navigate it effectively. Their campaign is not about perpetuating stereotypes but about dismantling them. It asserts that leadership is not defined by age but by the capacity to inspire, innovate, and effect meaningful change.
To the voters of Fourah Bay College, I urge you to transcend the stereotypes and not let the fear of the unknown cloud your judgment. Instead, embrace the potential of Gen-Z leaders to redefine what leadership means. As Amanda Schneider reminds us, the future of work—and the future of leadership—belongs to those willing to challenge conventions and build a better tomorrow.
The Black Family’s Gen-Z candidates are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the leaders we need today. Let us allow them to demonstrate that while work may be broken, together, we can fix it. Vote for progress. Vote for innovation. Vote for the future. Vote for TEAM ALFRED.
Together, let us construct a student union that embodies the aspirations and potential of every Aureole student.
The time for change is now.
