Pan-African Parliament hosts African university students as part of student visitors programme

A group of senior students selected from various universities in Africa was recently hosted by the Pan-African Parliament as part of the student visitors participation programme.

The programme was initiated by the parliament to enhance the visibility of the institution.

The selected scholars are participating in an international exchange programme that has Pan-Africanism as the focal point.

Their tour of the seat of Africa’s parliament, therefore, provided a platform for aspiring leaders to learn about the functions of the parliament and its role in advancing African youth leadership.

The students also learned about the parliament’s civil society engagement initiatives and the mechanisms put in place for young Africans to effectively engage in the affairs of the African Union.

Welcoming the students, François Ango Ndoutoume, the fourth vice president of the parliament, said the visit was in line with the parliament’s commitment to interacting with Africans from a broad range of backgrounds, bringing together a variety of ideas and perspectives.

Ndoutoume said there was a recognition that the youth can play a key role in creating awareness about the parliament among their peers and leaders.

“This is your house and you will always be welcome. Organisations such as the Pan-African Parliament rely on young people’s innovative ability to disseminate information for maximum exposure and visibility,” said Ndoutoume.

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“This generation constitutes an integral part of civil society and can act as a powerful pressure group, capable of influencing decision-making in Africa.”

Acting deputy clerk for finance, administration, and human resources at the parliament, Vivian Abii discussed how young Africans could serve the parliament and the African Union and acquire vital professional experience, soft skills, social competence, international exposure, and leadership skills.

“We have identified the youth as a cornerstone in our long-term strategy to achieve visibility for the Pan-African Parliament across the continent and beyond. We encourage students to constantly monitor our digital platforms to take advantage of the short, medium, and long-term opportunities on offer to join the African Union family,” said Abii.

Sharon Boateng, head of the delegation of Edinburgh and Wits Scholars expressed gratitude to the leadership of the parliament for hosting the students and educating them on the prerogatives of the parliament within the architecture of the African Union.

Boateng believed that through this experience, students would be more inclined to highlight the parliament’s role in Africa’s integration.

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