Young adults participating in an activity at the Obama Foundation Training Day. (Credit: Nikhil Ghosh)

Young adults participating in an activity at the Obama Foundation Training Day. (Credit: Nikhil Ghosh)

by Nikhil Ghosh

The Obama Foundation hosted its final of three training days on Saturday, November 18, at the Reggie Lewis Center at Roxbury Community College. The first two took place in Chicago and Tempe. The Training Day allowed 150 young adults the opportunity to meet with each other and local organizations to develop leadership skills. Participants took part in a wide array of exercises and conversations to help shape leadership perspective and look for ways to get involved in their communities.

This goal of developing leadership has been an underlying theme of the Obama Foundation as a whole. Obama Foundation CEO David Simas spoke about the work the organization is doing. Simas explained that these training days are a good opportunity for men and women who want to get engaged in their community but might not know how. β€œA little bit of inspiration, some skills, and a network,” he says, is being provided in this experience. He emphasized that this campaign is not about what President Obama can give to these individuals, but more about their personal stories and values.

Elis Omoroghomwan, from University Massachusetts Amherst, attended the Obama Foundation Training Day. (Credit: Nikhil Ghosh)

Elis Omoroghomwan, from University of Massachusetts Amherst, attended the Obama Foundation Training Day. (Credit: Nikhil Ghosh)

Elis Omoroghomwan, a 21-year-old finance student at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, told us that he was excited upon receiving the news that he had been chosen to attend the event. He explained how he was looking forward to networking with people who share the same ideals as his own, but also learning from those who have different perspectives.

Simas made it pretty clear that these training days are only the first step in accomplishing the goal of the Obama Foundation. This goal is β€œto inspire, connect, and train the next generation of leaders who will lead in their communities in a way of active citizenship.”

Reporter Nikhil Ghosh with Obama Foundation CEO David Simas. (credit: Nikhil Ghosh)

Reporter Nikhil Ghosh with Obama Foundation CEO David Simas. (credit: Nikhil Ghosh)