From private and public sectors, they will take part in a six- week study at a U.S University in one of the three tracks in order to share experience with others.-Diane Uwimana
A group of six Burundian participants in the six- week academic study ©Iwacu
The Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders is a flagship program of President Obama’s Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) that empowers young people through academic coursework. 500 Fellows among them six Burundians- Armel Ntwari, Director General, CEO, Development Inter-people Finance Operations (Microfinance), Fikiri Nzoyisaba-Director of Innovation and Production, Imagine Burundi Terimbere (NGO)- Martine Nibasumba, Director of Planning and Research at Burundi Revenue Authority(OBR)- Ketty Ruhara, Deputy Director in Charge of Operations and Francophone Africa, International Leadership Foundation- Jean Paul Simbashira, National Coordinator in National Network of Youths engaged in fighting HIV and Ariane Kampingwe, Deputy Coordinator of International Protection, National Office for the Protection of Refugees and Internal Displaced People- are selected each year to participate in a six-week academic program at a U.S University in one of three study tracks.
“Business and Entrepreneurship, Public Management and Civic Leadership are three courses that individuals who have already demonstrated leadership in the public, private or non-profit sectors are ideal candidates for the Washington Fellowship,” says Matthew Britton, the Public Affairs Officer in the Burundi US Embassy.
He highlights that these participants are also going to meet President Obama and other World-renowned leaders in Washington DC.
“Sharing experience, one of the main objectives”
Martine Nibasumba, one of the participants, mentions that the six-week academic study will help her gain insight into how U.S Government institutions maintain transparency in their operations and communicate the importance of their work to the public so that she can return home and apply these practices at OBR. “I have learnt this application via my friend. Fortunately, I have been chosen. And I hope that I will bring something which should change our taxes’ law in Burundi Revenue Office, says happily Nibasumba. The same view is shared by Fikiri Nzoyisenga, who is engaged in defending and protecting women: “it is true that there are many women’s association but there are still many challenges which must be solved. During this six -week academic study, the program will help me work in transparency, the main cause of the creation of this program by US President Obama.”
For Ketty Ruhara, it is a good opportunity to share experience with other African Youths. “We will build our capacity and reinforce the existing knowledge. Looking at how others deal with some situation will push us to promote and build our future.”
She also indicates that this delegation is going to follow up if those who have applied for this program this year are suitable candidates in the next fellowship.
As this program is in English, Matthew Britton mentions that French should be inserted next year to let many young fellows get this opportunity to take part in it.
These Burundians have flown this Friday 13th June 2014 to Washington DC.
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Eligible candidates must be:
-Citizens of, and residents, in a sub-Saharan African Country
-Proficient in spoken and written English&
-between the ages of 25 and 35 years old at the time of application
Individuals holding U.S citizenship or permanent residency in the United States are not eligible.
Applicants should have significant professional experience and a proven record in leading and promoting positive changes in their organizations and communities.
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