It would be true to say that President Barack Obama (a son of Africa), deeply loves Africa. In this article, we delve deeper into one of his initiatives meant to benefit African youths.
“Africa’s future belongs to its young people…We need young Africans who are standing up and making things happen not only in their own countries but around the world…” – US President Barack Obama in South Africa, June 2013.
True to his word, Mr. Obama founded the Young African Leadership Initiative (YALI). YALI is an initiative that aims to identify and nurture young brilliant (and entrepreneurial) people from Africa in a bid to change the course of our continent.
Kuza Biashara Is Excited About YALI, What about You?
Kuza Biashara has been in the front-line as far as this years (2014) YALI initiative is concerned. We’ve been following up on all developments just to keep track of what our young ladies and gentlemen who have been nominated for this worthy cause have been up to.
- We recently featured the inspirational story of Eric Ngondi (JKUAT alumni) who was nominated for the 2014 YALI fellowship earlier this year. (Watch Eric’s Video)
- We also participated in the Google+ hangout session coordinated by the US Department of State
- We are re ready to do much more to ensure you (the African youth) make the most out of this precious gift from the US government
Without taking much of your time, here are some quick facts about the YALI initiative and how you (the African Youth) can benefit from it.
5 Quick Facts about YALI
1. Brilliant young people are selected to join to top Universities in the USA
2. This year some 450 youths from Sub-Saharan Africa (aged between 25 and 30 years) were selected
3. All 49 Sub-Saharan Africa countries, including Kenya, are represented
4. The inaugural YALI fellowship began on June 16, 2014
5. Nominated fellows participate in a 6-week program studying one of three topics namely: Business and entrepreneurship, civic leadership and public management training.
5 Benefits of Being Selected as a YALI fellow
1. Fellows are eligible to receive grants (capital) to start small business and social enterprises
2. 6 week long, fully-paid for, educational program in one of 20 prestigious Universities in the USA
3. Internship opportunities and professional placements across prestigious sectors
4. Access to a wide network (continent-wide and world-wide) of young and resourceful leaders
5. Blessings to mentor other young leaders in a bid to shape the future of our continent
Would you like to be recognized as a YALI? Do you know of a young person who is doing exceptional things in your area? Feel free to engage with us via the comment box.
