LEAD MFA Alum Paul Sandi’s Path to the African Leadership Academy
“LEAD has shown me that I have the power to become whoever I choose to be.”
For Paul Sandi, those words reflect how far he’s come since joining LEAD Monrovia Football Academy (LEAD MFA) in 2023. Raised in Nimba County, Liberia, where educational opportunity is limited, Paul faced barriers that might have held him back. But at LEAD MFA, he found a community that recognized his potential and nurtured his talent.
In just under two years, he emerged as a student leader, a top-performing athlete, and a curious, driven student with a passion for science. Paul is taking a bold step in his journey by becoming the first student to represent LEAD MFA at the African Leadership Academy (ALA) in South Africa. Known for cultivating the continent’s most promising young leaders and entrepreneurs, ALA has welcomed Paul into its prestigious two-year, pre-university Diploma Program on a full scholarship.
Through this program, Paul will receive an academically rigorous curriculum alongside entrepreneurial leadership training, workshops, and experiences that foster critical inquiry, cross-cultural competence, and a strong pan-African community. He arrived on campus on August 22, 2025, and is eager to connect with his peers as classes begin in early September.
To mark this milestone, Paul sat down with someone who’s walked a similar path: James Kiawoin, a longtime friend of LEAD MFA, who has served as a Program Advisor and is currently transitioning out of his advisory role and stepping into a leadership role as Board Chair at LEAD MFA. James is also the Country Manager at Luminos Fund and a proud ALA alum. James interviewed Paul to learn more about Paul’s ambitions and what this opportunity means to him.
Watch the video below and read the blog to learn more.
Incoming LEAD MFA Board Chair James Kiawoin sits down with LEAD MFA alum, Paul Sandi to discuss his acceptance to the African Leadership Academy.
When Paul found out about his acceptance to ALA, he was doing one of the things he loves most: playing soccer. The news was so exciting it stopped him in his tracks. He rushed to share it with his father, who beamed with pride. “From all over Africa, for me to be accepted, it was just something I couldn’t believe at that moment,” Paul remembers.
In reflecting on his journey, Paul credits LEAD for supporting him every step of the way. He recalls a pivotal moment with Anita Farsad, LEAD Edu’s Executive Director, who encouraged him to apply to ALA. Once he made the decision, LEAD MFA’s Academic Manager, Mr. David Allison, guided him closely through the application process. As Paul advanced to the finalist stage and prepared for his interview, he also received mentorship from James Kiawoin, an ALA alum himself, who shared advice, encouragement, and words of wisdom.
As the first LEAD MFA student to be accepted to ALA, Paul also has advice for those who dream of following in his footsteps: “Be creative, be real, and don’t fake anything about your story.”
Looking ahead, Paul is most eager to study science at ALA. When asked what he hopes to become, Paul doesn’t hesitate. His goal is to pursue neurosurgery and eventually establish a hospital in Liberia that offers medical services currently unavailable in the country. In his words, he is determined to serve Liberia and Africa at large through his work.
Paul’s journey is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when young people are equipped to lead. From LEAD MFA to the African Leadership Academy, he’s forging his own path forward.
At LEAD, we’re committed to helping students like Paul unlock their potential and shape a brighter future for themselves and their communities. His journey is only just beginning, and we can’t wait to see the impact he’ll make.
Stay tuned as we follow Paul’s progress and celebrate the many other LEAD students who, like him, are leading with purpose.