YALI EAST AFRICA REGIONAL LEADERSHIP CENTER
The Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) was launched by President Barack Obama as a signature effort to invest in the next generation of African leaders. The need to invest in grooming strong, results-oriented leaders comes out of the statistics: nearly 1 in 3 Africans are between the ages of 10 and 24, and approximately 60% of Africa’s total population is below the age of 35.1 Who will empower and lead these young Africans? Who will shape the future of business and entrepreneurship, civic leadership, and public management? In order to answer these questions, YALI promotes three models designed to identify and empower leaders, one of which is the development of the YALI East Africa Regional Leadership Center.
What is the YALI East Africa Regional Leadership Center?
In July 2014, U.S. President Obama announced the creation of four Regional Leadership Centers in Ghana, Kenya, Senegal, and South Africa. These Centers are physical footprints across the continent, which will serve as hubs to encourage transformational learning and enhancing leadership skills. In collaboration with USAID, each Regional Leadership Center is managed under a public/private partnership. The YALI East Africa Regional Leadership Center is located at YALI in Nairobi, overseen by Deloitte and USAID, and supported by a growing number of African and international partners.
The YALI East Africa Regional Leadership Center is more than a location for learning or a venue for collaboration; it is a philosophy, a forward-leaning culture of diversity that invites dreaming and thinking differently to define and realize one’s potential. Its programs are inclusive, embracing future leaders regardless of ethnicity, socio-economic status, gender, or disability. Selected participants age 18-35 will engage in innovative leadership training across three tracks of study (1) Business and Entrepreneurship, (2) Civic Leadership, and (3) Public Management by immersing themselves in a 12-week format (3-week residential (on-site at the Center in Nairobi), 8-week virtual (distance learning via technology from the country of a participant’s residence), and a 1-week residential (on-site at the Center in Nairobi) wrap up and presentation session. During the program, participants in each track will contribute to an interactive and experiential education through project-based development and achievement both individually and in teams. More information on each track is included on the YALI East Africa Regional Learning Center Admissions site, which is www.yalieastafrica.org. Apply Now
What are the Specifics of the Three Tracks of Study?
The following three tracks that are part of the YALI East Africa Regional Leadership Center were developed to provide the broadest possible leadership experience to participants.
- Business and Entrepreneurship: This track caters to the range of emerging or aspiring entrepreneurs who hope to take on leadership roles within the private sector or build their own business ventures on the continent.
- Civic Leadership: This track is oriented to those who are or aspire to be civically engaged and serving the public through non-governmental organizations, community based organizations, or volunteerism.
- Public Management: This track is tailored to those who work or aspire to work in any level of government (including elected positions), regional organizations such as the African Union or the East Africa Community, international organizations such as the United Nations, or other publicly-minded organizations or think tanks.
There is more information on these tracks available at www.yalieastafrica.org/information. Apply Now
Who is the next generation of Africa’s business, public and civic leaders…YOU ARE! The YALI East Africa Regional Leadership Center is looking for young men and women who are ready to embrace leadership, working hard to achieve their goals as well as to make an impact on their countries. Young people between the ages of 18 and 35 from Burundi, Central African Republic, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Uganda are encouraged to apply to the Program, which will be based at YALI in Nairobi, Kenya.
The YALI East Africa Regional Leadership Center is a diverse and dynamic learning environment that will provide the training, networking, business and entrepreneurial skills to enhance your ability to lead.
The Center will launch in July 2015 and it is looking for young leaders who want to create their country’s future. Are you ready to lead? If so, you can find out how to apply, the application deadlines, criteria for
consideration, and the on-line application at www.yalieastafrica.org.
Some of the world’s greatest leaders have been those who made the conscious decision to be part of the solutions for their countries and regions. Unlock the leadership potential inside you by applying to be part of what will become a launching pad for East Africa’s future. Are you ready to lead? We’re ready to help!
If these words describe you, go to www.yalieastafrica.org and find out how you can become one of the next generation of leaders that powers Africa into the future.
What are YALI’s Other Components?
YALI’s other two components provide overall linkages that are changing the game throughout the Continent by training and empowering tomorrow’s leaders. The initiatives are different, yet have the common goal of creating a future filled with opportunities.
The Mandela Washington Fellowship
The Mandela Washington Fellowship (MWF) empowers Africa’s youth from ages 18 to 35 to increase their career trajectories by contributing to the strengthening of democratic institutions, spurring economic growth, and enhancing peace and security throughout the Continent. Each year, more than 500 African youth participate in this US and Africa-based program, thereby gaining global perspective and increasing their networks. It continues to be an integral part of the YALI effort, forging lasting partnerships that will result in positive change.
The YALI Network
The YALI network is all about connecting young African leaders with resources from the U.S. Government and to one another. One mechanism for doing this is the YALI Network “face2face” groups that promote dialogue on key issues through events and one-on-one interaction. The YALI Network is facilitating the creation of interconnected and empowered leaders throughout Africa that draw experience and support from both outside resources and from each other.
You know the facts; now use what you know and take action! It’s quick and easy….just follow the steps outlined on www.yalieastafrica.org and in a short time you can be on your way to a life changing experience. The YALI East Africa Regional Leadership Center is not for everyone and your application doesn’t guarantee admission…but you won’t be considered if you don’t apply! Apply today.
