Sixteen young Namibians who have demonstrated success in promoting innovation and positive change in their organisations, institutions and communities are leaving for the United States to participate in the Mandela Washington Fellowship programme.
The Mandela Washington Fellowship, which began in 2014, is the flagship programme of former United States President Barack Obama’s Young African Leaders Initiative, which empowers young leaders through academic coursework, leadership training, and networking.
Since its inception in 2014, the Mandela Washington Fellowship programme has attracted nearly 5 100 young leaders aged 25 to 35 from every country in Sub-Saharan Africa, including 117 from Namibia.
US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Jessica Long stated at a press conference on Tuesday that these inspiring young people share a common dream, a dream of contributing to Namibia’s continued development, alleviating poverty, and creating new opportunities for their country, which the American people share and which the US Government is proud to support.
“These fellows will leave tomorrow for the United States, embarking on a life-changing journey not only for them as individuals, but also for their communities and Namibia as a whole. Each of you will be able to participate in a six-week academic and leadership institute at a US college or university, where you will be able to hone your existing skills, gain new knowledge, and expand your professional networks both in the United States and around the world,” she said.
Each Mandela Washington Fellow will participate in a six-week academic and leadership institute at a US college or university in one of three tracks: business and entrepreneurship, civic leadership, or public management, as part of their programme.
Following the academic component of the fellowship, all fellows will meet for a three-day summit in Washington, DC. The fellows will then participate in networking and panel discussions with prominent US leaders from the public, private and non-profit sectors during this event.
Select fellows will stay in the United States for an additional six-week professional development experience with non-governmental organisations, private companies and government agencies in the United States that are relevant to their professional interests and goals.
Source: The Namibian Press Agency
