A private ceremony was organised to welcome of the 2018 Mandela Washington Fellowship Cohorts.
Out of a thousand youths, 33 Ghanaians were set to head for the United States of America to undertake a six-week academic and leadership training program in the areas of Business and Entrepreneurship, Civic leadership, and Public Management.
The fellowship is the flagship program of the Young Africa Leaders Initiative (YALI) which started in 2010 under former president of the USA Barak Obama
The program according to Cultural Affairs Officer of the USA Embassy in Ghana Elizabeth Ategou seeks to nurture Ghanaian youths to be leaders, entrepreneurs who can compete with their colleagues from other parts of the world.
“Our hope is that, we create a space for these young leaders and people who are talented to grow and develop and meet their colleagues from other African countries. And when they come back to their states they form deep networks and the impact is long lasting.”
The program since its implementation has supported 3,500 young African men and women in developing their skills and potential.
The YALI initiative also has the regional leadership center programs and the online platform YALI network.
Addressing the fellows, Charge d’ Affaires Christopher J. Lamora advised them to utilise all connections and experienced gained in their field of work.
“The fellowship has ended, but you’re energized, full of ideas, and ready to leverage all those new connections you made through the program. Continue your awesome work. Share your experience with your colleagues, friends, neighbours, and families. Be leadership multipliers. Mentor those under and around you. You’ve already made significant strides on your own. Just imagine what you can do together.”
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By: Ann-Shirley Ziwu/citinewsroom.com/Ghana