My YALI experience
A click on a link I came across that evening of 16th October 2016, on Facebook. That’s how my journey as a young leader started! It’s amazing how social media is a great tool if and when used responsibly. It seems crazy now that I haven’t been on social media for close to two years now, but that’s a story for another day!
I was excited and motivated to write the essays and fill the application after reading about the program and what it offered: An opportunity for vibrant, young African individuals to get trained on leadership and professional development. FYI at this point I wasn’t sure I was that ‘vibrant’ but there was clearly a drive and focus that really inspired me to finish and submit my application in only 3 days, to the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders Initiative (MWF-YALI). I have to admit, one of the greatest motivations was to travel to the United States of America. The program was to take place in different States and Universities across the States. This was going to be my first International trip and my first time on the plane! Cool, Right?!
Who and what is YALI? I get this question trizillion (editor will allow it this one time…) times!
The Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) is the U.S. government’s signature effort to invest in the next generation of African leaders. It targets young Africans between the ages of 18 and 35. YALI was launched in 2010 to support young African leaders as they spur growth and prosperity, strengthen democratic governance, and enhance peace and security across sub-Saharan Africa. It is divided into The Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders which is the flagship program of the U.S. Government. YALI Regional Leadership Centers (RLCs) are located at higher education institutions in sub-Saharan Africa and offer leadership training programs. The YALI Network is an online extension of YALI that provides members with invaluable opportunities to connect with other leaders in their communities and to learn from experts in their fields. The programs provide in-person and online training, networking, and professional development opportunities, and serve as a place for regional and international collaboration driven by young leaders.
Amazingly, I got selected as one of the 1,000 2017 Mandela Fellows. I was placed at Texas Tech University in Lubbock town in Texas. Together with the 24 other young people from different African countries, we had a great experience from the class trainings to site visits and community service in Lubbock town. Later on, I stepped into the Marriott Conference room full of 999 young leaders in Washington DC. I can never forget the beautiful smiles and energy that I came across that day, and I don’t think anyone at that summit ever will! There were also inter-cultural experiences: Ghanaian jollof rice amazing, Tacos are great and hey, everyone should try Liberian spiced stew when they get a chance to. And everyone should meet Sheriffya, now my best friend, from Benin and an accomplished nutritionist – she is amazing!
There is a lot of diversity and potential in young people. Just like Rotaract, YALI provides a platform for young and energetic accomplished leaders who are establishing records of promoting innovation and positive impact in their communities and countries to connect and partner.
I easily relate to both platforms because of the similarities in training, experiences and opportunities which are playing a big role in my early career development and position as a young woman leader in agriculture.
Article by: Rtr. Diana Atieno Wendy || Club Secretary || Rotaract Club of Kitale
