The Pujehun District Youth Council (PDYC), in partnership with the U.S. Embassy in Sierra Leone, has embarked on a transformative journey to empower the youth of Pujehun District through a crucial training program, designed to benefit young individuals aged 25 to 35, currently underway at the Government Library in Pujehun Town.

The primary objective of this initiative is to equip the Youths of Pujehun District with the necessary skills and knowledge to seize the opportunity presented by the prestigious Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders. This program, a flagship of the U.S. Government’s Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), seeks to identify and nurture the continent’s emerging leaders.

YALI, initiated in 2010, marked its 10th anniversary in 2020 and has since played a pivotal role in shaping the future of African leadership. The Mandela Washington Fellowship, established in 2014, has been at the forefront of this effort. To date, it has brought nearly 6,500 young leaders from across Sub-Saharan Africa to the United States for intensive academic and leadership training.

The fellowship targets individuals aged 25 to 35 who have demonstrated exceptional innovation and leadership within their respective communities and countries. It aims to provide them with the tools, resources, and networks needed to drive positive change and development upon their return to Africa.

The training program, organized by PDYC in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy, will run until 12th September 2023, providing participants with valuable insights and skills required to compete for the Mandela Washington Fellowship.

With the deadline fast approaching, the youths of Pujehun District are embracing this opportunity with enthusiasm and determination. This collaborative effort between PDYC and the U.S. Embassy promises to unlock a world of possibilities for young leaders, potentially changing the trajectory of their communities and Sierra Leone as a whole.

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According to the Acting Chairman of the Pujehun District Youths Council Mohamed Kallon, as these young individuals prepare to take on the challenges of the future, their dedication serves as a testament to the power of education and mentorship in nurturing the next generation of African leaders, adding, the legacy of YALI continues to thrive, as it empowers young Africans to lead, innovate, and transform their nations for the better.