The University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of International Studies released a press release officially announcing the UW-Madison and U.S. State Department partnership that will bring 25 of Africa’s emerging leaders to campus for a six-week institute in June.
UW–Madison is among 36 universities selected as hosts for the Mandela Washington Fellowship, the flagship program of President Obama’s Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI). The program aims to empower young African leaders through academic coursework, leadership training, mentoring, networking, professional opportunities, and support for activities in their communities.
The African Studies Program is coordinating the fellows program at UW–Madison, and recently sent representatives to Washington D.C., for a planning session.
“These fellows are leaders before they come to the U.S.,” Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Linda Thomas-Greenfield, a UW–Madison alumna, said at the D.C. gathering. “We picked them because they’re leaders, and we want to give them additional tools for leadership.”
The African Studies Program is seeking volunteers to engage with fellows, as well as local organizations interesting in offering tours or other collaborative ventures. To learn more or get involved, contact Meagan Doll at yali@africa.webhosting.cals.wisc.edu.
“UW-Madison to host 6-week institute for emerging African leaders,” UW-Madison Division of International Studies, 02/15/2016.