U.S. Embassy
Avenida Marginal, 5467
Maputo, Mozambique
PRESS RELEASE
Applications for the Mandela Washington Fellowship 2022 Now Open
September 02, 2021 – The U.S. Embassy in Mozambique is pleased to announce that applications are open until September 15 for the Mandela Washington Fellowship 2022 (MWF) exchange program. The MWF is part of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) program, which began in 2010 and supports young Africans as they spur economic growth and prosperity, strengthen democratic governance, and enhance peace and security across Africa.
Since 2014, in honor of President Nelson Mandela, the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders has been YALI’s flagship program and reflects the U.S. commitment to investing in Africa’s future. To date, more than 60 young Mozambicans have participated in the MWF and are using that experience to implement activities that improve their communities.
The six-week MWF exchange program includes leadership institutes at U.S. universities, a networking summit, professional development experiences, and mentoring activities on the continent, among others. The fellowships are designed for young leaders ages 25-35 from sub-Saharan Africa through academic courses, leadership training, and networking opportunities.
Eight young Mozambican leaders participated in the MWF in 2021: Abdul Raufo Alfredo de Almeida; André Rafael Machava; Armando Chovano Mafanhana; Atija Alberto Assane; Carlitos Jorge Cassimo; Ludmila da Glória Mero; Maria de Lurdes Mangueleze; and Xangamira Salvador Sitoe.
Due to the global pandemic of COVID-19, the U.S. Department of State organized the 2021 MWF virtually, with the health, safety, and well-being of all grantees across Africa, and partners in the United States, as the highest priority. While in their home countries, the grantees participated in virtual Leadership Institutes, which included leadership training, mentoring, and professional development.
Following their Leadership Institutes, the Fellows participated in a Virtual Summit. In addition, up to 100 competitively selected Fellows participated virtually in professional development with U.S. organizations in the public, private, or non-profit sector. Upon completion of their fellowships, fellows are eligible to participate in alumni programming to further develop their professional skills and networks.
The Mandela Washington Fellowship is a U.S. Department of State program with funding provided by the U.S. Government and administered by IREX. The MWF 2022 application form is available online at: https://apply.mandelawashingtonfellowship.org/Account/Login.
For more information regarding this press release, please contact the U.S. Embassy Exchange Programs Section at MaputoExchangePrograms@state.gov.
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