Africa is at a turning point. The continent represents some of the fastest growing economies in the world, with a third of all Africans reaching the middle class in 2019. Greater freedoms in civil society and effective experiments in multilateralism through the African Union and regional organizations have led to stronger and more peaceful communities. Africa leads the world with some of the highest rates of female representation in legislatures, with women holding at least 30% of seats in 11 countries and over 60% in Rwanda. But, as two-thirds of Africa’s population is under 25 years old, any continued progress requires investments into both the abilities and networks of young Africans.
25 young leaders representing 20 different countries across sub-Saharan Africa arrived at the Presidential Precinct on Wednesday, June 19 to engage in six weeks of academic coursework and reciprocal cultural networking. This dedicated and inspirational group of young Africans includes architects, journalists, lawyers dealing in human rights and gender equality, police officers, peace workers, and more. The 25 Mandela Washington Fellows placed at the Presidential Precinct are:
Reem Ahmed Alrasheed Ahmed, Sudan
Rogério Marques Benedito Junior, Mozambique
Marvelous Nhamo, Zimbabwe
Edgar Gweshe, Zimbabwe
Rhoda Nakungu, Uganda
Cecilia Msafiri Kibada, Tanzania
Saida Amour Abdalla, Kenya
Masele Masudi Msita, Tanzania
Dina Peter Cirillo, South Sudan
Meléne Cynthia Rossouw, South Africa
Claire Sambou, Senegal
Wuraoluwa Soibi Ayodele, Nigeria
Emmanuel Godbless Otubure, Nigeria
Lukeno Meschtilde Hangala, Namibia
Chikondi Chauwa, Malawi
Riambelo Onjaniaina Rasamimanana, Madagascar
Sonnie Christine Lawrence, Liberia
Yasmin Shariff Abdulkadir, Kenya
Abubakar Mbarak Salim, Kenya
Ebrima Sonko, The Gambia
Hewan Goitom Berhane, Ethiopia
Menzi Thulani Nhlabatsi, Eswatini
Abdourahaman Omar Walieh, Djibouti
Martial Kashori Elfi, DRC
Yannick Ndayisaba, Burundi
The Presidential Precinct, an official host institute of the Mandela Washington Fellowship for the sixth year in a row, will immerse the Fellows in the immense resources and natural beauty of its five-member consortium including the University of Virginia, William and Mary, and the historical sites of James Madison’s Montpelier, James Monroe’s Highland, and William Short’s Morven.
Throughout the program, the Mandela Fellows will engage critically with material across the Precinct’s focus areas – good governance, human rights and justice, women’s empowerment, civic engagement, economic opportunity, and cultural heritage – all within a rigorous curriculum entitled “Leadership in Civic Engagement”. Our job at the Presidential Precinct is to support their learning and provide the tools for life-long collaborations as they return to their respective countries. That is where their newfound knowledge and networks lead to a better world.
Opening Ceremonies
Friday, June 21 marked the official start of the program, as William & Mary leadership and faculty offered a warm welcome through opening ceremonies. All was held in William & Mary’s Wren Building – the oldest university building still standing in the United States.
Fellows learned new perspectives on leadership from Levar Stoney, Mayor of Richmond, Virginia. Mayor Stoney, using the words of his Father, encouraged Fellows to relentlessly pursue work that is impactful, challenging, and fun.
In conclusion of lunch, and to set the tone for the next six weeks, Irene Ikomu, 2014 Presidential Precinct alumna, offered her experience as a Mandela Washington Fellow. With a wave of nostalgia and passionate call for open minds, Irene challenged 2019 Fellows to get the most out of their next six weeks at the Presidential Precinct.
Engage with the Fellowship
Friends of the Presidential Precinct who wish to engage with the program should keep an eye out for two premier live stream discussions – #MWFLive – in addition to the annual Africa Ideas Summit. All live streams will be hosted on the Precinct’s Facebook page.
July 2 – Williamsburg, VA – #MWFLive | Human Rights & Good Governance
July 16 – Charlottesville, VA – #MWFLive | Women’s Empowerment in Africa
July 24 – Charlottesville, VA – The Africa Ideas Summit at the University of Virginia
The Presidential Precinct is also proud to announce two premier Washington, DC based events with Mandela Washington Fellows. On Thursday, July 25, 2019, Precinct Fellows will join together with 25 Fellows from Virginia Tech for the fifth annual Africa Business Forum, presented in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. This year, for this first time, the Africa Business Forum will also be followed by Salute Africa: A Tribute to Mandela Washington Fellows.
To learn more about the Africa Business Forum, visit:
presidentialprecinct.org/africa-business-forum/
To learn more about Salute Africa, visit:
presidentialprecinct.org/salute/
#ShareTheLight
With the arrival of 2019 Mandela Fellows, we’re also re-launching the #ShareTheLight campaign. We know from their long track record that Mandela Fellows represent the light of one of the most influential continents in the world. As we celebrate the arrival of 2019 Fellows, take a look at last year’s #ShareTheLight film, featuring last year’s Fellowship alumni. And don’t forget to post your commitment to #ShareTheLight, no matter where or what your passion may be!
