Five young leaders from Gabon and three young leaders from Sao Tome and Principe are on their way to the United States to take part in the Mandela Washington Fellowship, the flagship program of the Young African Leadership Initiative (YALI). The Mandela Washington Fellowship brings together 700 Fellows from sub-Saharan Africa in a program that empowers young people through academic coursework, leadership training and networking.
During their six-week visit, the Mandela Washington Fellows from Gabon and Sao Tome and Principe will hone their skills at one of the 28 universities selected to host the 700 Fellows this summer. They will have the chance to share knowledge with participants from all over sub-Saharan Africa, the American people, and each other. Each Fellow is taking part in one of three tracks: Business and Entrepreneurship, Civic Leadership or Public Management. Several of the Fellows will remain in the United States for an additional six weeks to participate in a professional development experience at select companies and organizations.
The Fellows, who are between the ages of 25 and 35, were selected because they have established themselves as youth leaders. During conversations with both Ambassador Joel Danies and Deputy Chief of Mission Randall Merideth before they left, the Fellows promoted innovative thinking and expressed their desire to have a positive impact in their communities and in their countries.
For more information on the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders and other opportunities available through the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) please see: www.youngafricanleaders.state.gov
