The Impact Project 2019: Mentoring For Future and Sustainable Career

The Impact Project 2019 edition was held at the Education Resource Centre, Katsina on 18th May.

The programme was themed; Mentoring For Future and Sustainable Career.

Umar Faruk Kabir Esq., Senior Magistrate of the Katsina State Judiciary and a 2018 Mandela Fellow, in his welcoming address gave an insight into what the programme aimed to achieve.

“The goal of this project is to train and mentor YALI network members and youth across the Nigeria, empowering them with skills and knowledge required for innovative entrepreneurship, worthy employment and higher impact civic leadership.” He said.

” It’s our hope that by the end of today’s program we would learn and appreciate from our esteemed moderators the art of starting, maintaining and succeeding in our various chosen careers/endeavors, especially in areas of Public Management/ Legal Profession, Business and Entrepreneurship and Science and Medicine.”

This program is made possible by MWFAAN with the support of U.S Embassy, Nigeria holding in every state of origin/resident of the fellowship’s beneficiary (Mandela fellow).” Mr. Kabir said.

Mandela Washington Fellowship

The Fellowship, which began in 2014, is the flagship program of the Young African Leaders Initiative, YALI, empowers young Africans through academic coursework, leadership training, and networking. The Fellowship includes Academic and Leadership Institutes at a U.S. university or college, a Summit, an optional U.S.-based Professional Development Experience, and Africa based support following the conclusion of the Institutes. From 2014 to 2018, 3,700 Mandela Washington Fellows participated in the Fellowship. Through the Fellowship, young African leaders gain skills and connections that accelerate their career trajectories and strengthen democratic institutions, spur economic growth, and enhance peace and security in Africa. A key goal of the Fellowship is to create unique opportunities for Fellows to put this new knowledge to practical use in their careers, communities, and countries.

For more information, please visit yali.state.gov/mwf. The Mandela Washington Fellowship is a program of the U.S. Department of State and administered by IREX

Sponsors of Mandela Washington Fellowship

• The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) (dunder the Department of States) funds, designs, and manages the U.S.-based component of the Fellowship. Responsibilities include final Fellow selection and placement; visa sponsorship; and oversight of the Academic and Leadership Institutes, Professional Development Experiences, the Mandela Washington Fellowship Summit, and some alumni activities. The Bureau of African Affairs (AF) coordinates with U.S. embassies and consulates to oversee Fellow recruitment and interviews in Africa. U.S. embassies and consulates lead the Fellow recruitment, interviews, pre-selection, pre-departure orientation, visa applications and processing, and alumni activities.
• The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID): manages one year of follow-on programming in Africa for Fellows as well as the YALI Regional Leadership Centers. Fellowship follow-on activities include a continental alumni conference, professional development, mentoring, and seed funding.
• International Research & Exchanges Board (IREX): is a U.S. non-governmental organization with programs that focus on four areas: cultivating leaders, empowering youth, strengthening institutions, and increasing access to quality education and information. IREX implements the U.S.-based Fellowship through a cooperative agreement with ECA and implements program activities across Africa through a separate grant with USAID.
Components of Mandela Washington Fellowship;
1. Public Management Institute
2. Business and Entrepreneurship Institute
3. Civic Leadership Institute
The Institutes consist of intensive academic coursework, site visits, tailored to fellow’s track, leadership training, community service activities, and cultural events.

Generally, the Institutes focus on American, rather than African, case studies from which best practices can be drawn that may be applicable in fellow’s home country. Each of the Institutes has a unique academic curriculum including the standard program requirements. While the Institutes’ curriculum addresses variety of topics and interest areas within the track, each session or activity may not apply directly to fellow’s specific area of expertise. Fellow have a unique opportunity to expand his networks and develop lasting relationships with Americans and other Fellows. Fellow also have a time to explore American culture both through formal and informal activity sessions and free time.