Africa-Press – Botswana. Minister of Education and Skills Development, Dr Douglas Letsholathebe has encouraged youth to apply for admission into Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders programme, aimed at developing young people.
Speaking during the Mandela Washington Fellowship Outreach at Themashanga on Wednesday that was organised for youth in the Tati East Constituency, Dr Letsholathebe said although not all applicants could be admitted into the programme, it was vital that they believed in themselves and applied as the fellowship offered a life-changing experience.
He said while each year up to 700 young leaders in Africa were enrolled into the fellowship, not many young Batswana accessed the programme as they did not visit the United States Embassy and other offices for advice.
He advised them to believe in themselves in order to achieve their desired goals in life, and urged them to engage in civic activities and participate in events that would build their references.
“This would assist the country in attaining the pillars of Vision 2036, Agenda 2063 and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in which no-one is left behind,” he said.
Dr Letsholathebe urged young people to transform their thinking in order for them to become agents and drivers of mindset change.
He advised the youth who are engaged in business to use digital technology to advertise their products as a way to reach international customers.
Emerging Voices and Alumni Coordinator Ms Olebile Tau said the fellowship was an exceptional opportunity for fellows to participate in six week’s leadership training at a US college as well as share experiences with each other.
She said the fellows got an opportunity to explore industries beyond their work, expand their expertise, and acquire new contacts, skills and ideas. Ms Tau said it is also an opportunity to join a continental and global alumni network that helped one to identify innovative solutions to common challenges. She pointed out that the fellowship aimed to create a vibrant network of young African leaders with the skills and motivation to spur growth and prosperity, strengthen democratic governance, and enhance peace and security across Africa.
A previous fellow, Bojosi Ncube said the programme was a life-changing experience for her and it helped her to build a strong network with both Africans and American citizens. She pointed out that she graduated from the fellowship with increased confidence and greater determination to contribute to her community.
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