International leadership development
Photos courtesy of Mike and Karen Luck, Center for Global Programs and Services September 13, 2024
UD hosted 25 Mandela Washington Fellows for annual professional development and leadership initiative
Lloyd Chunga, a 2024 Mandela Washington Fellow, believes in making a difference one step at a time. As a software engineer, Chunga leverages technology to address educational gaps and climate issues in his home country, Malawi. This summer, he took the next step in his career by developing essential leadership skills at the University of Delaware.
“This Fellowship is a chance to affect the world you want for your country,” Chunga said. “It puts you in a position to be the change you want to see.”
The Mandela Washington Fellowship, the flagship program of the Young African Leaders Institute (YALI) in the U.S. Department of State, invites emerging African leaders to participate in a six-week leadership institute at colleges and universities throughout the United States. These young, accomplished leaders already have established records of promoting innovation and positive impact in their communities and countries. The Mandela program is designed to help propel them in their careers and to become the next generation of leaders in Africa.
Since 2014, the Fellowship has supported 6,500 professionals who have profoundly impacted their communities and countries. Throughout the program, Fellows with interests in business, civic engagement and public management participate in networking opportunities, professional development workshops, academic sessions, mentorship programs, valuable cultural experiences, and a culminating summit in Washington, D.C.
The University of Delaware welcomed its tenth cohort of Mandela Washington Fellows, which included 25 young professionals from 20 different countries in sub-Saharan Africa. While 28 universities and colleges were selected to host the prestigious leadership program in 2024, UD is one of eight universities to have hosted Fellows every year since the program’s inception.
“After a decade of partnership, we were honored to host the Fellows once again this summer and to continue this important tradition at the University,” said UD Provost Laura Carlson. “This program embodies the spirit of global engagement and we are grateful for the opportunity to engage with these global leaders.”
With support from UD faculty and Student Engagement Leaders, the Fellows engaged in academic sessions, community service experiences, networking receptions and professional site visits that directly advanced their leadership goals and helped them develop practical skills that can help them take their work to the next level in the fields of public service and business. According to the Fellows, visiting the Delaware Legislative Hall, interacting with Senator Chris Coons, and touring the United Nations Headquarters stood out as some of the most enriching experiences.
For Fellow Sohaibou Diane from Senegal, these experiences provided insight into policy advocacy that is essential for his work in the public health sector.
“I applied to the Fellowship because I am deeply committed to driving change in health, youth empowerment and community development across West Africa,” Diane said. “The connections I made and knowledge I gained have bolstered my desire to pursue a PhD in Health Promotion. This will allow me to continue advocating for improved health outcomes in the African region, which we affectionately call our home.”
To enhance the Fellows’ experience, the UD leadership team also planned cultural exchange visits to Philadelphia, New York City, Baltimore and Rehoboth Beach. Fellows were also invited to traditional American dinners with local host families to promote a sense of belonging. A common theme among Fellows was that they felt “seen” by everyone they met during their time at UD.
While the extensive lineup of networking opportunities connected the Fellows with valuable contacts and resources, Alex Chitumba, a 2024 Fellow from Zambia, shared that building relationships within his cohort enhanced his experience.
“I found the best networking started within our own team of Fellows,” Chitumba said. “I was very safe and in great hands with the wonderful and committed leadership at UD. They made our stay unforgettable.”
According to Ravi Ammigan, associate provost for international programs, this year’s cohort was exceptionally cohesive and collaborative.
“This program built lasting relationships not only within the cohort, but also with the staff and community members who were consistently impressed by the Fellows’ enthusiasm and dedication,” said Ammigan. “As with past programs, we’re confident that the experience will result in sustained collaborations on important local and global issues that will extend beyond their time at UD.”
“Participating in this program was an exceptional experience that allowed me to discover the role we play in creating a better world where all human rights are respected,” Diane said. “Indeed the challenges we face in Africa are numerous and urgent, but the future is promising for a more equal society.”
About the Mandela Washington Fellowship
The Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders is the flagship program of the U.S. Government’s Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI). Established in 2014, the Fellowship is celebrating its tenth anniversary in 2024 and has brought nearly 6,500 young leaders from every country in Sub-Saharan Africa to the United States for academic and leadership training. The Fellows, between the ages of 25 and 35, are accomplished innovators and leaders in their communities and countries. Learn more about the Mandela Washington Fellowship program at the University of Delaware.
About the Center for Global Programs and Services
The Center for Global Programs and Services (CGPS) at the University of Delaware is home to the operations of UD Global, which includes Study Abroad, International Student and Scholar Services, World Scholars Program and Global Outreach and Partnerships. The Center provides leadership and collaborative innovation in support of all of the University's global initiatives and campus internationalization efforts, with its Global 360 Strategy serving as a roadmap for infusing international perspectives throughout the University’s scholarship, research, and service missions. Focused on a student-centered approach, CGPS provides expert advising and a wealth of global engagement opportunities to the UD campus community, including the weekly International Coffee Hour in the fall and spring semesters.
Follow and engage with @UDGlobal on LinkedIn, Instagram and X for the latest updates on everything global happening at UD.
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