Mandela Washington Fellows

A World of Lessons

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Wed, 07 Aug 2024 13:44:00 +0000

A World of Lessons BBENSON@bridgew.edu Wed, 08/07/2024 - 09:44

Young African leaders visit campus for public management institute

August 8, 2024

Brian Benson, G'23

Obianuju Iloanya’s brother was killed by police in Nigeria when he was just 20 years old. Now, Iloanya is turning her loss into action.

She is fighting for a better tomorrow free from the class-based discrimination and police brutality that is pervasive in her home country. And she sees participation in a public management institute at ��ؿ��Ƶ State as a key step.

“I wanted to learn how to make my impact through a different channel,” said Iloanya, a nonprofit program director who often expresses her anger and passion through protests. “I needed to learn how to influence the change I want from the inside.”

Iloanya is one of 23 leaders from sub-Saharan Africa who spent six weeks at BSU this summer through the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders. This marked the eighth time since 2016 that ��ؿ��Ƶ was a host institution for the fellowship, which is funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and implemented by IREX.

This year, fellows met mayors, lawmakers and criminal justice leaders; sewed dresses for girls in Africa; participated in ��ؿ��Ƶ’s Juneteenth celebration and Independence Day parade; and attended classroom sessions taught by BSU criminal justice, communication, education and political science faculty.

Fellow Beth Z. Zarweah-Munford enjoyed hearing from President Frederick W. Clark Jr., '83, who the fellows noticed was as comfortable taking selfies as he was lecturing.

“In leadership, you have to be patient, you have to be earnest, you have to have a goal,” Dr. Zarweah-Munford, a medical doctor from Liberia, said of takeaways from his presentation.

That perspective will be important as Zarweah-Munford aspires to improve care for children and pregnant women. Her country of 5.2 million people has less than 40 pediatricians.

“The Mandela Washington Fellowship gives you a platform where you stand above everyone else,” she said. “It gives you opportunity because of the relationships you build with all of the fellows and the people you meet.”

A professor with six years of experience in peace and security studies, Tagel Wondimu Shanko appreciated visiting Brockton’s restorative justice court, where he noticed the humanizing approach the judge took with defendants. The court aims to rehabilitate people and use alternatives to incarceration.

Shanko hopes to use ideas gained at BSU to help end conflicts in his native Ethiopia. He learned how everyone can be an ambassador by being welcoming and open to interaction, just like those he met during the fellowship.

“It’s a sign for me to go back home and do the same thing,” he said.

The fellows left ��ؿ��Ƶ impressed by the generosity and kindness of everyone they met.

“They have opened their doors to us,” Iloanya said. “This has made me so happy to be here. I am far away from home, but I do not feel like I am without family here.”

Do you have a BSU story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu.

The Mandela Washington Fellowship gives you a platform where you stand above everyone else. It gives you opportunity because of the relationships you build with all of the fellows and the people you meet.

Beth Z. Zarweah-Munford

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Photos by Kendell French, '25

Inspiring Visit

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 12:52:46 +0000

Inspiring Visit BBENSON@bridgew.edu Wed, 07/26/2023 - 08:52

CEO of the U.S. African Development Foundation speaks with Mandela fellows

July 27, 2023

Brian Benson, G'23

Growing up Black in Tennessee, Travis Adkins acutely felt the impacts of racial inequality. He saw it in the unrepaired potholes on the streets of his neighborhood and, more significantly, how his family was met with disdain everywhere from the grocery store to the classroom.

Those experiences helped propel him into a multi-decade career of public service working on international development in more than 50 nations across Africa and the Middle East.

“I didn’t want to accept a society where my mother was less than other people, where my grandmother was less than other people,” an emotional Adkins, the president and CEO of the U.S. African Development Foundation, recently told ��ؿ��Ƶ State’s Mandela fellows while fighting back tears.

Hailing from 18 African nations, the fellows are spending six weeks at BSU for a public management institute. The institute is part of the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, a program funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and implemented by IREX.

“You’re leading in the present moment and that’s what it’s all about,” Adkins said, adding: “I didn’t come here because I’m special. I came here because you are.”

Adkins spoke at a dinner during a multi-day visit to Massachusetts organized by Vinny deMacedo (special advisor to BSU’s president) and Dr. Wing-kai To (institute director and administrative co-director for the Mandela program at BSU).

Appointed by President Joseph Biden, Adkins oversees an independent agency established by Congress to invest in grassroots African enterprises and entrepreneurs.

The agency supports agricultural, renewable energy, and entrepreneurial projects, and employs African nationals who live in the countries it serves. It invests in organizations and people to help build a prosperous future.

“Many of them are people who don’t have a business just to make money, but they have a business to solve a problem,” Adkins said.

Fellows Ronard Lubaga, a corporate social responsibility officer from Tanzania, and Floriane Klinklin Acouetey, a social worker from Togo, said they were inspired by the talk to connect their clients with Adkins’ organization.

“Back home, I have an opportunity to influence young people who are entrepreneurs to seek opportunities like this to help advance and grow their businesses,” Lubaga said.

Klinklin Acouetey was struck by the raw emotion Adkins displayed when sharing his personal story.

“When I see what he has managed to accomplish, it gives me hope. It gives me joy,” said Okeoghene Ifiezibe Akusu, a doctor from Nigeria. “It’s like a beam of light telling me if he can get to where he is now, I can also get things done.”

Do you have a BSU story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu.

You’re leading in the present moment and that’s what it’s all about. ... I didn’t come here because I’m special. I came here because you are.

Travis Adkins to the Mandela fellows

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Photo by Kendell French, '24

Emerging African Leaders Celebrate America

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Thu, 06 Jul 2023 12:49:34 +0000

Emerging African Leaders Celebrate America BBENSON@bridgew.edu Thu, 07/06/2023 - 08:49

Mandela fellows take part in July 4th parade, local food and Americana

July 6, 2023

Brian Benson, G'23

July 4th is a special day for Rwandans like Kalema Solange. In her native land, the holiday is known as Liberation Day, which each year commemorates the 1994 ending of the Tutsi genocide and Rwanda’s liberation from the genocide regime.

Marked by community reflections on the tragedy, cultural performances, and emotional celebrations, Liberation Day recognizes Rwandans’ perseverance and commitment to a united future. This year, while attending a public management institute at ��ؿ��Ƶ State, Kalema experienced firsthand that other holiday that shares the same date: American Independence Day.

“The community here is really strong,” said Kalema, who wore a patriotic headband while marching in ��ؿ��Ƶ’s July Fourth parade alongside her peers from the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders. “You can feel that spirit in everyone.”

Kalema is one of 25 emerging leaders from Sub-Saharan Africa spending six weeks at BSU for the fellowship thanks to a program funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and implemented by IREX. This is the seventh time since 2016 that ��ؿ��Ƶ has hosted the institute. BSU is one of 28 U.S. educational institutions – and the only one in New England – welcoming fellows this summer.

The institute enhances fellows’ leadership, decision-making and policy implementation skills through lessons from faculty and guest speakers, site visits, cultural activities, and community service. In addition to participating in the parade, fellows attended a clam bake on Cape Cod, learned about an inmate reentry program in Attleboro, and conversed with Brockton Mayor Robert Sullivan.

The group plans to volunteer with Dress a Girl Around the World to make dresses for people living in poverty. They will also attend a Nelson Mandela Day ceremony at the Statehouse and meet a leader of the U.S. African Development Foundation.

Fellow Joshna Bhoobun, a lawyer from Mauritius who works at her country’s Supreme Court, was inspired by American efforts to provide mental health care, even to those who are incarcerated.

“It’s not the same back home,” Bhoobun said. “I appreciate the way you take care of individuals as humans.”

Ngundambiriko Katire aims to bring an interdisciplinary perspective to Namibia by incorporating lessons from criminal justice and public administration into his work as a psychological counselor at the Namibia Ministry of Labour.

As they marched in the parade through downtown ��ؿ��Ƶ, Katire and other fellows waved American flags and those of their home countries while singing African songs.

“I realized community is also important in the United States of America,” said Ayodeji Erubu, a doctor from Nigeria. “Everyone appreciates that sense of being together.”

The fellows fed off the energy of cheering townsfolk who lined the route even through a downpour.

“It felt like a moment where you are part of history,” Katire said. “We’ve been feeling welcomed but now we feel like we’re being celebrated.”

Do you have a BSU story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu.

It felt like a moment where you are part of history. We’ve been feeling welcomed but now we feel like we’re being celebrated.

Mandela fellow Ngundambiriko Katire

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Photos by Kendell French, '24

Learning to Lead

BBENSON@bridgew.edu — Tue, 19 Jul 2022 17:18:46 +0000

Learning to Lead BBENSON@bridgew.edu Tue, 07/19/2022 - 13:18

Mandela fellows study public management at BSU

July 21, 2022

Brian Benson

Equipped with new leadership skills, Tshepiso Larona Mokgetse wants to end gender stereotypes that discourage Botswanan girls from pursuing science, technology, engineering, and math.

“We're living in the 21st century,” said Mokgetse, who participated in the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders’ public management institute at ��ؿ��Ƶ State University. “Everything a man does, women can do.”

Mokgetse, who has a background in computer science and a passion for teaching girls about STEM, is one of 25 emerging leaders from across sub-Saharan Africa who spent six weeks at BSU. ��ؿ��Ƶ is one of 27 colleges and universities across the United States (and the only one in New England) that collectively hosted 700 fellows.

“These fellows have been so collaborative and really motivated and engaging,” said Dr. Wing-kai To, assistant provost/senior international officer and institute director of Mandela programming at BSU. “They all want to make change and to make their country and the world better.”

This was the sixth time since 2016 that BSU hosted the fellowship, which is funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and administered by IREX. The Minnock Institute for Global Engagement coordinated activities as BSU welcomed fellows to campus for the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The young leaders met with Massachusetts politicians and networked with local business leaders. They toured Tufts Medical Center, Brockton Neighborhood Health Center, Attleboro District Court, and a homeless shelter run by Father Bill’s & MainSpring. The group also marched in ��ؿ��Ƶ’s Independence Day Parade and attended Juneteenth celebrations in Boston and ��ؿ��Ƶ.

Namibian Marchell Hoeb broadened his cultural understanding by conversing with Americans and fellows from other African countries. Hoeb, who is senior legal officer with his country’s Ministry of Justice in the Office of the Prosecutor General, aims to use skills gained during the fellowship to expand psychotherapy for victims of domestic violence and rape.

“I’m passionate about human rights,” he said. “I do not like to see what is wrong go unpunished. I’m a prosecutor without favor, fear or prejudice.”

Mokgetse, who aspires to create a STEM center in Botswana similar to one she saw at BSU, appreciated meeting Governor Charlie Baker, U.S. Sen. Ed Markey and BSU President Frederick W. Clark Jr., ’83. That level of access, she said, is rare in her country.

Mokgetse also enjoyed community service activities, including sewing dresses to be donated through the Dress a Girl Around the World campaign.

“It has been amazing,” she said. “I’ve been getting an all-around experience as a leader.”

Do you have a BSU story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu.

These fellows have been so collaborative and really motivated and engaging. They all want to make change and to make their country and the world better.

Dr. Wing-kai To, assistant provost/senior international officer

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A Worthy Outfit

Anonymous — Thu, 09 Jan 2020 15:35:58 +0000

A Worthy Outfit Anonymous Thu, 01/09/2020 - 10:35

University supports local chapter of Dress a Girl Around the World

July 31, 2019

Heather Harris Michonski

Story Series

News Feature

For most women, it’s hard to imagine a complete wardrobe consisting of just two outfits. However, for many girls living in rural areas, that’s reality.

��ؿ��Ƶ State University is doing its part to change this by providing a Community Initiative Grant to support the local chapter of Dress a Girl Around the World.

The chapter meets every week to create colorful dresses that are then distributed across the globe to help bring dignity to the lives of young women and girls living in poverty. Each dress contains a new pair of underpants tucked into the pocket.

When the visiting Mandela Washington Fellows were on campus this summer, they made a trip to meet with the volunteers.

During their visit, the fellows helped iron, cut and sew fabric. Each of them committed to bringing at least five dresses back to Africa for distribution.

“This gives them a chance to feel beautiful and helps with their self-esteem,” said Grace Mganga, a fellow from Malawi. “I think a lot of times when discussing problems girls face in developing countries, people think of solutions based on the bigger picture…this initiative is amazing because local resources are used to bring awareness and meet the needs of these girls.”

According to Evelyn Delutis, one of the ��ؿ��Ƶ chapter organizers, in two years members have produced more than 600 dresses, each with the “Dress A Girl” label clearly visible.

“What we’ve learned is that when predators see a little girl with a dress carrying this label they know somebody is taking care of them and they don’t bother them. This little label protects these girls,” Delutis said.

As Mandela fellow Ibrahima Diba smoothed out fabric on an ironing board, he said the ability to create and bring these dresses back to his native Senegal is an honor.

“To be able to make dresses and bring them to girls who might not even have a dress to wear to school, it gives me a sense of satisfaction. As an African I’m humbled and grateful for this organization,” he said.

Gail McCarthy, ’77, serves as an ambassador for the Dress a Girl organization. Having the fellows participate is valuable, she said. Knowing the dresses will be delivered directly to a deserving girl is reassuring.

“A lot of times they get stolen and then sold, plus they can be expensive to ship,” McCarthy said.

For anyone interested in learning more about the program or to volunteer visit https://bit.ly/2YwjXRv. No sewing experience is required.

“These children literally have nothing. This is a way to help and give them something,” Delutis said.

Do you have a BSU story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu

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Triumph on the Home Front

Anonymous — Thu, 09 Jan 2020 15:35:58 +0000

Triumph on the Home Front Anonymous Thu, 01/09/2020 - 10:35

Mandela fellow from South Sudan reflects on life’s journey

July 22, 2019

Brian Benson

Story Series

News Feature

If you saw the African village of Angol where Chol Duang grew up, you’d be hard pressed to imagine him as an international traveler and national broadcast journalist.

“Many people did not get the opportunity to go to school in our area due to the negative attitude towards education back then. Political conflict was also a factor,” Duang said. “My classroom was under a big tree (called Kuel) because there were no classrooms. I wrote on the floor, as there were no books.”

Middle schoolers taught Duang and other youngsters in Nyamlell, a community by today’s South Sudan-Sudan border that was the epicenter for Sudanese civil war predating South Sudan’s 2011 independence.

“I never had a comprehensive early childhood education, meaning I didn’t have a strong knowledge foundation, and this affected my academic pathway in both high school and college years,” Duang said.

Duang beat the odds thanks to perseverance. His late brother, Santo Chan Duang, took him to Uganda as a refugee child for a better education and Duang taught himself reading and writing. He went on to earn an advanced diploma in journalism, the equivalent of an American associate’s degree. Now working for South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation, he is one of 24 young leaders from sub-Saharan Africa spending six weeks at ��ؿ��Ƶ State University through the Mandela Washington Fellowship.

He appreciates the opportunity to connect with Africans and Americans and contribute to world affairs.

“The Mandela Washington Fellowship and ��ؿ��Ƶ have given me a great, great platform,” Duang said. “I am really indebted to ��ؿ��Ƶ because of the connections I’ve gotten. Their advice, encouragement and expertise have given me a new hope toward life.”

Duang, who acknowledges there is much he still needs to learn about his profession, reported from war-torn areas of South Sudan during the country’s five-year civil war and tries to tell harrowing stories of those caught up in the crisis. He was recognized for his conflict reporting in 2016 and is part of a pioneering group of reporters for this emerging country, which is the world’s newest nation.

“I love journalism because it helps you tell stories. I never thought I would succeed to be a journalist and write for a news organization,” he said. “When you tell a story with sincerity and honesty, it changes lives.”

But, Duang’s most powerful story might just be his own.

Back along the Sudan-South Sudan border, Duang improves schooling and talks to today’s children about how he has succeeded. While there have been enhancements, some pupils still learn under the same tree where Duang began his schooling.

“I need to encourage others to believe in themselves because I’m heartbroken every time I see our little brothers and sisters learning under trees, in desperate conditions. I’m a strong advocate of education. I believe knowledge is power,” he said. “There’s nothing more beautiful than realizing your own potential.”

The Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and administered by IREX. ��ؿ��Ƶ State University is a sub-grantee of IREX and is implementing a U.S.-based Leadership Institute as a part of the Fellowship. For more information about the Mandela Washington Fellowship, please visit yali.state.gov/mwf.

Do you have a BSU story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu.

I need to encourage others to believe in themselves because I’m heartbroken every time I see our little brothers and sisters learning under trees, in desperate conditions.

Chol Duang

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Celebrating an Icon

Anonymous — Thu, 09 Jan 2020 15:35:58 +0000

Celebrating an Icon Anonymous Thu, 01/09/2020 - 10:35

Mandela fellows honor program’s namesake at Statehouse

July 19, 2019

Heather Harris Michonski

Story Series

News Feature

The Mandela Washington fellows spending part of the summer on campus traveled to Boston on Thursday to take part in the city’s annual celebration of Nelson Mandela International Day. The event is celebrated each year on July 18, Mandela’s birthday, and commemorates the former South African president’s commitment to social justice and his lifetime of service to others.

The celebration took place at the Massachusetts Statehouse, where the fellows from ��ؿ��Ƶ State University shared with legislatures, business leaders and others what it means to participate in the event and the impact Mandela has had on them.

Godfrey Sivolo is a legal officer for public prosecutions in his native Namibia where he strives to defend women and children who are victims of violent crimes. Mandela’s message of peace has always resonated with him.

“I get inspired by Nelson Mandela because he was hurt, beaten down, and even taken to prison, and the very first thing he said when he got out of prison was, ‘May peace be with you,’ and that is why he is an inspiration,” Sivolo said.

Kenya’s Costa Oguta is implementing an HIV-awareness project in his home country that ensures people with disabilities are included and educated. He said Mandela’s example of dedication, courage and sacrifice are what stand out to him.

“This is what we are called to do as young leaders, without giving up as Mandela did not give up until he achieved his goal,” he said.

Growing up in Senegal, Ibrahima Diba said it was Mandela’s story, how he struggled against racial oppression, that helped define the kind of person he wanted to be.

“Mandela's story taught me courage, perseverance and forgiveness. Thanks to him, I am always striving to be a better person,” he said.

Today Diba works as the regional head of sports in Matam, Senegal, where he creates, implements and evaluates public policies focused on youth and education. He also volunteers at a local nonprofit organization that specializes in community development.

“Mandela taught me that to be able to live a peaceful life, I would have to be useful to my community,” he said.

This summer marks the fourth consecutive year that ��ؿ��Ƶ has hosted a cohort from the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders. BSU is hosting 24 fellows for a six-week academic and leadership institute.

“To be part of Mandela Washington Fellowship means a lot to me because through this I have been given opportunities to network with folks from different background and experiences. This enables me to learn share and implement good ideas back in my country,” Oguta said.

Do you have a BSU story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu

Mandela's story taught me courage, perseverance and forgiveness. Thanks to him, I am always striving to be a better person.

Ibrahima Diba

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Mandela Fellows Arrive

Anonymous — Thu, 09 Jan 2020 15:35:58 +0000

Mandela Fellows Arrive Anonymous Thu, 01/09/2020 - 10:35

24 young leaders from Africa ready to learn at BSU

June 21, 2019

Brian Benson

Story Series

News Feature

Sarah Adole isn’t content to simply work for the prison system in Nigeria. She wants to be a nationwide reformer and thinks a fellowship at ��ؿ��Ƶ State University is critical to accomplishing that goal.

Adole, who is participating in the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, saw the difference past fellows made and is eager to do the same.

“Their work can be felt all over the nation,” said Adole, who is starting a nonprofit to reduce prison overcrowding. “I want to be that kind of person.”

She is among 24 fellows from sub-Saharan Africa who are in ��ؿ��Ƶ for a six-week leadership in public management institute. This is the fourth consecutive year BSU has been chosen as an institute partner in this flagship program of the U.S. government’s Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI).

The fellowship helps participants grow as leaders through academic study, mentoring, networking, service and other activities. They build strong ties with U.S. citizens. After returning to their home countries, fellows participate in alumni programming to continue building skills and networks.

This year’s group will learn from BSU faculty and staff, local municipal officials and other distinguished guests. The fellows will leave campus to visit Brockton Mayor Bill Carpenter, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the U.S. Senate, and other government, nonprofit and cultural organizations. They will conduct community service and enjoy relaxing at a Cape Cod beach house and marching in ��ؿ��Ƶ’s Independence Day parade.

Nigerian Gloria Mabeiam Ballason knows firsthand how the fellowship benefits her home country. Ballason was a fellow at ��ؿ��Ƶ in 2016 and is back to welcome this year’s cohort.

She praised her interactions with Africans and people at BSU. Those experiences helped her build relationships in Nigeria as she fights for human rights. Ballason is principal partner at MIVE Legals, executive director of MollumaYakubu Loma Centre for Medical Law, and CEO of law conglomerate House of Justice, among other accomplishments.

She encourages 2019 fellows to be inquisitive and get to know each other and their American hosts since the best lessons can happen outside of formal programming. She also hopes they develop as strong leaders.

“If things are going to get better, we must be able to confront certain issues,” she said. “I hope they can learn who they are and be able to challenge whatever needs to be challenged in their country.”

Adole, who researched fellowship locations, is pleased to be at BSU and ready to make her mark.

“We’re all excited about meeting people within our line of work and learning new things,” she said. “I know I’m in the right place.”

Do you have a BSU story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu.

If things are going to get better, we must be able to confront certain issues. I hope they can learn who they are and be able to challenge whatever needs to be challenged in their country.

2016 fellow Gloria Mabeiam Ballason, on this year's fellows

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Mandela Fellows Returning

Anonymous — Thu, 09 Jan 2020 15:35:58 +0000

Mandela Fellows Returning Anonymous Thu, 01/09/2020 - 10:35

State Department program selects university for fourth straight year

February 13, 2019

Brian Benson

Story Series

News Feature

A taste of Africa is coming once again this summer to ��ؿ��Ƶ State University.

For the fourth consecutive year, the U.S. Department of State-sponsored Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders has chosen BSU to host some of the continent’s brightest emerging leaders. This year, ��ؿ��Ƶ is the only college or university in New England – and one of just 27 across the country – selected as an institute partner.

The program, founded in 2014 and administered by the International Research & Exchanges Board (IREX), helps fellows develop leadership skills as they take part in academic study, mentoring, networking, public service and other activities. They also build strong ties with U.S. citizens they interact with. After returning to their home countries, fellows participate in alumni programming to continue building skills and networks.

Nearly 3,700 fellows have taken part in the program thus far and positively affected more than 45 million people across Africa, according to IREX, which recently announced ��ؿ��Ƶ as a host institution.

BSU will welcome 25 fellows beginning June 19 for a six-week leadership in public management institute. The program is designed for those who work or hope to work in government, regional or international organizations, or other fields of public service. Fellows, who range in age from 25 to 35, learn about U.S. public management models and best practices.

Funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and working closely with its implementing partner, IREX, host institutions will offer leadership programs that will challenge, motivate, and empower these inspiring young leaders from Africa.

Last year’s group (pictured above) toured a high-tech simulator program at Boston Children’s Hospital, visited the homelessness assistance and prevention organization Father Bill’s & MainSpring, and saw a demonstration of drones. They also participated in summertime life in Massachusetts by walking in ��ؿ��Ƶ’s Independence Day parade and enjoying a Cape Cod clambake.

Dr. Wing-kai To, assistant provost for global engagement and senior international officer, leads the institute. Dr. Michael Kryzanek, professor emeritus of political science, serves as academic director. (Story by Brian Benson, University News & Video)

The Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and administered by IREX. For more information about the Mandela Washington Fellowship, visit yali.state.gov/mwf and join the conversation at #YALI2019.

Do you have a BSU story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu.

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