May 8-9, 2017, the embassy of the United States of America in Ouagadougou hosted 15 young Burkinabe selected to represent their country as Mandela Washington Fellows in the USA. They will be part of a group of 1,000 young Africans from across the continent who will spend 6 weeks in the USA attending academic institutes and leadership training as part of the US government’s Young African Leaders Initiative. On day one, the Fellows had visa appointments, were interviewed by local media, enjoyed a face-to-face chat and photo session with Ambassador Young, and attended a reception with Ambassador Young, embassy staff, and YALI alumni. On day two, embassy staff and former YALI Fellows facilitated a day-long program of information sessions and activities. Fellows were given traveling tips, introduced to key aspects of American culture, and provided with other advice to help them best prepare to take maximum advantage of not only training but networking opportunities. Fellows obtained valuable information about the specialized study institutes as well as the leadership training they would be participating in during their stay in the USA. Before leaving the orientation session, Fellows received handy travel tote bags with books on leadership. The YALI program is a key program of the US government to support the training and development of future leaders in Burkina Faso and across Africa. Fellows will receive training in business and entrepreneurship, public administration, and civic engagement.
