2023 Pan Africa Youth Leadership Program (PAYLP)

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Application Deadline: December 14, 2022

The Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy in Mozambique welcomes applications for the 2023 Pan-Africa Youth Leadership Program (PAYLP). PAYLP is designed to provide secondary school youth (ages 15-18) and adult educators the opportunity to explore priority policy themes such as civic education, climate resiliency, conflict resolution, economic development, entrepreneurship, respect for diversity, women’s empowerment, and youth leadership development. Approximately 75 youth and adult participants will travel to the United States from April 08 – 29, 2023. The exchange program will be conducted in English, and will take place at various colleges, universities, and institutions through the United States.

Program Details: PAYLP is an intensive academic program offered by the U.S. State Department Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA)’s Youth Programs Division. The intensive virtual exchanges will be hosted by various United States colleges, universities, and institutions over the course of three weeks in April 2023. Participants will engage in workshops on leadership and service, community site visits related to the program themes and subthemes, interactive training in conflict resolution, presentations, visits to high schools, local cultural activities, and with local American virtual host families. A key component of the program is for participants to develop follow-on projects in their home communities to bring about positive change after their return home.

The Department of State through an award to Meridian International Center will cover all program costs, including round-trip international travel, alumni activities, lodging, stipends, in-country program related expenses (including domestic travel for visa interviews and/or pre-departure orientation), in-country lodging and expenses, and other program associated costs.

Candidate Description and Qualifications:

Youth participants should be high school students aged between 15 to 18 years at the start of the exchange who have demonstrated leadership potential through academic work, community involvement, and engagement in extracurricular activities. Students with disabilities are also encouraged to apply.

Each exchange delegation will also include adult participants who are teachers, trainers or community leaders who work with youth. They will fill the roles of exchange participant, chaperone, and post-exchange mentor.

All Candidates should have sufficient proficiency in English to allow them to participate in an academic program.

A successful student candidate for this program will:

1-   Student candidates:

  • be a Mozambican citizen or permanent resident and live in Mozambique;
  • be a high school student who is 15, 16, 17, or 18 years of age by the start of the exchange;
  • be proficient in English;
  • be able to attend at least one additional semester of high school in his/her home country following completion of the program;
  • indicate a serious interest in learning about the United States;
  • demonstrate strong leadership qualities and potential in his/her school or community;
  • have a high level of academic achievement, as indicated by academic grades, awards, and teacher recommendations;
  • demonstrate a commitment to community service and record of engagement in extracurricular activities;
  • have had little or no prior study or travel experience in the United States;
  • be mature, responsible, independent, confident, open-minded, tolerant, thoughtful and inquisitive; and
  • be willing and able to fully participate in an intensive virtual program (synchronous and asynchronous activities) and follow-on activities.
  • be willing and able to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and provide proof of vaccination before travel.

A successful adult candidate for this program will:

2-   Adult candidates:

  • be a Mozambican citizen or permanent resident and live in Mozambique;
  • be a teacher, trainer, volunteer, or community leader who works with youth (familiarity with online learning and/or the ability to troubleshoot minor technology issues is helpful);
  • be proficient in English;
  • have a commitment to remain in teaching positions or other positions of influence on young leaders after the program ends;
  • indicate a serious interest in learning about the United States of America;
  • demonstrate an interest in further developing his/her professional skills;
  • be supportive of the teenage participants and assist them to become productive and responsible members of society;
  • exhibit maturity and open-mindedness; and
  • be willing and able to fully participate in an intensive virtual program, as well as to mentor youth in their follow-on activities afterward in their home countries.
  • be willing and able to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and provide proof of vaccination before travel.

Applications will be accepted until December 14, 2022.

A complete application package will include the following:

Please submit your application and a reference form by e-mail. Send materials to MaputoExchangePrograms@state.gov with your name and “2023 Pan-Africa Youth Leadership Program (PAYLP)” in the subject line.

Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Please review the DOs and DONTs of Applying before submitting your application.

For more information on the Pan-Africa Youth Leadership Program, e-mail MaputoExchangePrograms@state.gov

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