Africa-Press – Lesotho. The Books for Africa through the Merck e-reader project have on Wednesday given specially designed tablets to the Young African Leadership Initiative (YALI) alumni who are in the
medical field to trade their ply with ease and convenience. Presenting the gadgets to these medical professionals, Associate Professor Christopher Johnstone, the
Director of Graduate Studies at the Department of Organisational Leadership at the University of Minnesota who also doubles as the Academic Manager for the
YALI’s Mandela Washington Fellowship (MFW) said these e-readers tablets will encourage the recipients to do well in their field of work. This he said on Wednesday
while presenting these gadgets to the YALI alumni in the medical profession. These gadgets have two applications which are the Merck Manual Professional Edition and the Merck
Manual Consumer Edition. The applications boast content from the Merck manuals pre-loaded and can also be accessed offline. According to the Books for Africa, these tablets “are intended for use by the medical professionals or
students in a medical setting”. Appreciating the gesture and speaking on behalf of the recipients Paseka Temana said the COVID-19 has disrupted many things and exerted pressure to embrace the power of technology.
The Villa Private Hospital Manager further said through technology, pregnant women can consult online without having to visit the health centers. Temana said these tablets
had come in handy as they will enable them to study and conduct the research. “We are grateful; we feel better; we will be improved,” he remarked. For his part, the YALI
Regional Leadership Center (RCL) Lesotho Chapter Sustainability Coordinator, Letsatsi Lekhooa echoed similar sentiments saying: “We are grateful for these
[tablets]
. We are happy for this collaboration. It encourages young people to do better. ” He also pledged the YALI
alumni’s willingness to undertake corporate social responsibility (CRS) projects on behalf of the Books for Africa and the University of Minnesota. Meanwhile, Professor
Johnstone expressed delight in working with YALI fellows. The other recipients are Kanelo Khabane, Mamello Makhele, Hopolang Mathaba and Retšepile Motiki.
YALI is the United States (US) signature effort to invest in the next generation of African leaders. MWF is the YALI’s flagship program, bringing African civic, business and community
leaders for academic coursework, leadership training and networking at U. S colleges and universities. Also, the MWF is a program of the U. S Department of State with funding provided by the U.
S Government and administered by IREX. The University of Minnesota is the sub-grantee of IREX and has hosted a Leadership in Public Management Institutes
a part of the fellowship since 2014. YALI program also boasts the online-based YALI Network. The YALI Network provides free tools and resources to help young African leaders develop the skills and connections they need to become a positive force for change in their communities.
