Great opportunity for young African leaders

MSOGWABA – The United State is in a bid of empowering 500 young African leaders by next year through the Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders programme.

This is a new flagship initiative for the US’s young African leaders.

It is scheduled to bring over 500 young leaders to the US each year, starting from 2014 for leadership training and mentoring.

The programme is also aimed at creating unique opportunities in Africa and propelling economic growth, prosperity and strengthening democratic institutions.

Speaking to teachers and pupils who attended the recent Readerthon Day celebration at Msogwaba’s library on November 28, the US’s public diplomacy officer, Mr Ryan Ingrassia and the president of the African Youth Union (AYU)

Mr Timothy Mugerwa, talked at length about the qualities of leaders the States was looking for.

“The US president Barack Obama is looking for leaders who will be able to make a change in their own countries, not people who will enrich themselves,” said Ingrassia.

He described a good leader as someone who is also a servant. “We want those persons who will have the interest of others at heart,” he said.

He added that leaders were innovative, courageous and allowed people to try new things.

Applicants need to be fluent in both reading and writing English and must be aged 25 to 35.

He said 50 successful candidates would be chosen from each African country and would have an opportunity of a lifetime of interaction with Obama at the presidential summit in Washington DC, participate in the six-week leadership and mentoring programme at a US institution, and also meet these government, civic and business leaders.

“Candidates will have the chance to access exceptional internship and apprenticeship opportunities and to expand their business or projects through accessing millions of dollars for grant funding,” he said.

The candidates will also enjoy a continent-wide and global alumni network to help them seek innovative solutions to common challenges. Applications will be made available on the Internet before the end of December on www.youngafricanleaders.state.gov

The day was marked with the presentation of certificates of appreciation to Msogwaba’s librarian Mr Michael Matsane and Mike Mlambo of Nhlazatshe and of Tiboneleni and Sibambisene combined schools for their contribution to the library’s Readathon Month.