The U.S. Embassy in Namibia congratulates nine Namibian young leaders selected to participate in the Washington Fellowship of the Young African Leaders Initiative June 13-August 31, 2014 in the United States. “The nine selected young leaders distinguished themselves admirably by articulating, in written essays and personal interviews, what they have done to shape the narrative of their country, to lead initiatives in their fields of study or work, and to develop their communities,” said Priscilla Hernandez, U.S. Embassy Acting Deputy Chief of Mission and Public Affairs Officer.
The Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders is a flagship program of U.S. President Barack Obama’s Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), which empowers young people through academic coursework, leadership training, and networking. The Fellowships will provide outstanding young leaders with the opportunity to hone their skills at a U.S. university, and will support their professional development after they return home.
Individuals were selected by a diverse panel based on the candidates’ demonstrated leadership in the public, private or non-profit sector. Namibia’s nine participants will join young leaders from across Africa and be presented with the opportunity to share their wealth of professional experience. All 500 African participants have a proven record in leading and promoting positive change in their organizations, institutions, and communities.
The nine Namibians are listed as follows with their host U.S. universities:
Petrina Auino (University of Notre Dame); Piet Carstens (University of Arkansas); Gregory Feris (Dartmouth College); Elizabeth Hamupembe (University of Minnesota); Tomas Kalimbo (Syracuse University); Rachel Kalipi (Clark Atlanta University); Paskaline Ngunaihe (Rutgers University); Beata Shemuvalula (University of Austin); Fransina Shivute (Howard University). Two candidates Beata Shemuvalula and Fransina Shivute will also participate in an eight-week internship during which they will have an opportunity to network with mentors in their respective fields.
For further information, please contact Public Affairs Officer Priscilla Hernandez at 0811280816 or Information Assistant Roger Lyners at 229801 [ext. 226].
