An important auxiliary element of the LDP is the selection of participants. Obviously, this is of concern to all CLI supporters because it is the participants who will make good on CLI’s investment in the future of the Congo. The participants were selected in partnership with the Presbyterian Community of Kinshasa (CPK), which runs what is effectively the largest school district in the city. It is important to note that the students need not be Presbyterian to participate in the program, but they are expected to be excellent in the following ways as outlined by CLI in partnership with CPK:
– The student must love to serve others
– The student must be courageous and audacious
– The student must be intelligent and successful in the classroom
– The student must have a desire to continue his or her education at the university level
These characteristics are intended to find the young people with the highest potential for leadership from a number of schools within the CPK system. The first program brought together sixteen highly capable students, and year will undoubtedly do the same!