At the Books For Africa warehouse on Prior Avenue in St. Paul, students and administrators from the Mandela Washington Scholarship program Thursday sorted thousands of books into cardboard boxes, which were packed with children’s books and novels. Alongside those boxes, plastic-wrapped pallets of stacked biology and physics textbooks are ready to be shipped across the Atlantic to the African continent.
“An enlightened child can do whatever it takes,” said Mike Essien, president of Books For Africa. He believes that the “book famine” on the African continent is a pressing problem, especially for children.
This past fiscal year ending June 30, Books For Africa shipped more than 3.2 million books to 27 countries in Africa. They were joined on Thursday by Mandela Washington Fellows.
The scholarship, created in 2014 by the US Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, sends up to 700 young leaders from sub-Saharan Africa to the United States each year. Fellows spend six weeks in the United States, undergoing leadership training and getting involved in community work, including non-profit organizations such as Books For Africa.
Karim Y. Darboe, a fellow from The Gambia, said he believes that when children have access to books, “it entitles themselves to where they want to develop… It is critical that books and learning are the best ways to empower people. “, said.
Former BFA board member Emma Kasiga has seen the nonprofit grow during her three decades of action and encourages everyone to donate.
“These are books that will otherwise go to landfill. So if you have your own personal library at home and books from when you were a kid…instead of throwing them away, bring them here because someone could use them,” he said.
What is the objective of the community Solutions Program?
The goal of the Community Solutions Program is for committed community leaders to make a positive impact on the complex economic, environmental, political, and social challenges of their communities and to become ambassadors of mutual understanding.
What skills can I gain from Mandela Washington Fellowship?
I learned about governance, leadership, ethics, communication skills, organizing and engaging communities, establishing and maintaining nonprofits, marketing, fundraising, social media, and the arts and science of public policy. This may interest you : Offers of non-fiction, lifestyle and cooking books: July 8, 2022.
How long is the Yali scholarship? The fellowship is an unprecedented opportunity to… Participate in a six-week Leadership Institute at a US college or university to share your experiences and learn from US citizens and fellow fellows. Explore industries beyond your day job and broaden your experience.
What does the Mandela Washington Fellowship offer?
Each year, the fellowship provides up to 700 outstanding young leaders from sub-Saharan Africa with the opportunity to hone their skills at a US institution of higher education with support for professional development after they return home. Read also : Experts recommend the best challenging books for kids to read this summer.
What are the benefits of Mandela Washington Fellowship?
Scholarship Benefits: To see also : What the Old Firehouse Books staff suggests for your next great read.
- There are many benefits to being a Mandela Washington Fellow. …
- They will strengthen their leadership skills and experience personal growth through participation in academic sessions, workshops, site visits, community service, networking, and organized cultural and civic activities.
How do you qualify for Mandela Washington Fellowship?
Ideal readers are academics and/or professionals with experience in one or more of the fellowship’s subject areas (business, civic engagement, or public management), with experience working in Africa, or with experience working on sub-Saharan African issues. US Government employees and Fellowship alumni are eligible.
What is the aim of YALI?
YALI sets out to equip the next generation of qualified young African leaders. The goal of this association is to proactively engage, develop and support young leaders, exposing them to leadership tools, role models and diversity of thought in a network of other young people and organizations that are changing the world.
How long does the YALI program last? Are between the ages of 18 and 35 (inclusive) for the duration of the 4-week program; Are citizens and residents of one of the following countries: Burundi, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Who created YALI?
The Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) is an initiative of the United States Department of State. It was started in 2010 by President Barack Obama.
What is civic leadership YALI?
Civic Leadership: This track is geared toward those who are or aspire to be civically engaged and serving the public through non-governmental organizations, community organizations, or volunteerism.
