YALI: Obama’s Youth Centered Initiative To Change Africa

Recently, President Obama announced the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), a program aimed at training and mentoring Young African leaders equipping with  skills and opportunities to  propel economic growth, prosperity and strengthening of democratic institutions in Africa.  The program will create opportunities to Interact with President Obama at a Presidential Summit in Washington, D.C.; Participate in a 6-week leadership and mentoring program at a U.S. institution; Meet with U.S. government, civic, and business leaders; Access exceptional internship and apprenticeship opportunities; Expand your business or project through access to millions of dollars for small grant funding; and lastly Join a continent-wide and global alumni network to help you seek innovative solutions to common challenges.

The Initiative targets Young African leaders in the sectors of Public Management, Business and Entrepreneurship and Civic Leadership.  YALI will be accepting applications for the program on a date to communicated late this year . So if you are the African Leader that Obama is looking for, you will soon have the opportunity to apply. Below are the different categories explained and the eligibility criteria.

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Public Management Institutes

Public Management Institutes will be tailored to young Africans who work or aspire to work in all levels of government agencies, regional organizations such as the African Union, international organizations such as the United Nations, or other publicly-minded organizations or think tanks.  Public Management Institutes will expose participants to U.S. public management models and best practices, while building technical and leadership capacity in areas such as transparency, procurement, public financial management, government tender processes, legislative/executive collaboration, citizen engagement and outreach, human resource management, program implementation, and policy formulation.

Business and Entrepreneurship Institutes

Business and Entrepreneurship Institutes will cater to the range of aspiring entrepreneurs who hope to take on leadership roles within the private sector or start their own business ventures on the continent.  Business and Entrepreneurship Institutes will expose participants to business and entrepreneurial approaches in the U.S., including those that are employed to address social issues, while building technical and leadership capacity in areas such as strategy, operations, supply chain management, business ethics, social entrepreneurship, microfinance, organizational development and management, marketing, innovation and technology, emerging markets and risk analysis, strategic business planning, and corporate social responsibility.

Civic Leadership Institutes

Civic Leadership Institutes will be oriented to young Africans who are civically engaged and serving the public through non-governmental organizations, community based organizations, or volunteerism.  Civic Leadership Institutes will expose participants to the meaning of civic leadership in the U.S., while building technical and leadership capacity in areas such as citizenship, community building, economic development, grassroots activism, political organizing and leadership, and volunteerism.  In order to define the content of the Institute and enhance the academic experience, programs may focus on a specific theme or sub-themes such as  organizational management, strategic planning, fundraising, community relations and outreach, advocacy, monitoring and evaluation, media, and coalition-building.

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 Criteria for Applicants 

  • Be a citizen of and reside in a sub-Saharan African country. Persons holding U.S. citizenship or permanent residency are ineligible.
  • Speak and write proficiently in English.
  • Be between 25-35 years of age at the time of application submission, although exceptional candidates younger than 25 will be considered.
  • Have a proven record of leadership and accomplishment in public service, business or entrepreneurship, or civic engagement.
  • Demonstrate a commitment to public or community service, volunteerism, or mentorship.
  • Be committed to return to Africa and contribute their skills and talents to build and serve their communities.

Editor’s note: This press release is from the White House, Office of the Press Secretary.

Image: The Daily Sheeple

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    • Applications and Procedure are yet to be announced, you can keep checking the Techpost for an update or you can sign up for email updates on the YALI website and you will be informed when they are ready

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