Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) 2024 -YALI REGIONAL LEADERSHIP CENTER EAST AFRICA- APPLICATIONS ROLLING!
Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI)-YALI REGIONAL LEADERSHIP CENTER EAST AFRICA- APPLICATIONS ROLLING!
Introduction
The Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), initiated by the U.S. Government, aims to empower the next generation of African leaders. With Africa’s youth comprising over 60% of the population, YALI addresses the urgent need for capable leaders who can influence the continent’s future in business, civic engagement, and governance. Former President Barack Obama highlighted the initiative’s significance during his speech in Nairobi, Kenya, emphasizing the role of young leaders in driving Africa’s progress.
YALI Regional Leadership Centers
Launched in July 2014, YALI established four Regional Leadership Centers (RLCs) in Ghana, Kenya, Senegal, and South Africa to foster leadership development. These centers operate through partnerships with USAID, the MasterCard Foundation, and other private sector entities. The YALI RLC East Africa, located at Kenyatta University in Nairobi, is managed by Deloitte East Africa with support from numerous African and international partners. The center serves 14 East and Central African countries: Burundi, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, The Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Focus Areas and Tracks of Study
YALI RLC East Africa is designed to transform personal, leadership, and sector capabilities through its educational philosophy. The program offers three tracks:
- Business and Entrepreneurship: For emerging or aspiring entrepreneurs aiming to lead within the private sector or establish their own ventures.
- Civic Leadership: For those engaged in or aspiring to work with non-governmental organizations, community-based organizations, or volunteerism.
- Public Management: For individuals aiming to work in government, regional organizations, international bodies, or public policy think tanks.
Participants in each track engage in a 4-week residential program focusing on:
- Personal Leadership Skills: Developing individual leadership qualities and capabilities.
- Team Leadership Skills: Enhancing the ability to work collaboratively in diverse teams.
- Innovation and Creative Learning: Encouraging innovative thinking and problem-solving.
- Communication Skills: Strengthening both interpersonal and public communication abilities.
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Program Structure and Learning Opportunities
The YALI RLC East Africa program emphasizes experiential learning through:
- Group Design Challenges: Teams of participants tackle real-world challenges posed by partner organizations, applying the knowledge and skills acquired during the program. The process fosters teamwork, problem-solving, and practical application of leadership concepts.
- Mentorship Program: Participants are paired with experienced mentors who provide guidance and support throughout the program. Mentors continue to engage with mentees even after program completion, fostering long-term professional development.
- Community Service: Participants engage in community service projects, allowing them to apply their leadership skills in real-world contexts and make a tangible impact.
- Guest Speakers: Sessions with industry experts and leaders provide insights into various fields and inspire participants with real-world examples of successful leadership.
Selection Criteria and Process
YALI RLC East Africa recruits young leaders aged 18-35 from the 14 eligible countries. The selection criteria include:
- Fluency in English: Applicants must be proficient in reading, writing, and speaking English.
- Commitment to the Program: Participants must be willing to fully commit to the intensive 4-week residential program.
- Community Involvement: Applicants should demonstrate active involvement in addressing community, organizational, or national challenges.
- Diversity and Inclusion: The program emphasizes equal opportunity, welcoming applicants regardless of ability, disability, race, gender, or socioeconomic status. The selection process ensures gender parity and representation from all eligible countries through a merit-based, multi-stage review.
Post-Program Engagement
Alumni of the YALI RLC East Africa program are encouraged to continue their leadership journey through various opportunities:
- Volunteer Engagement: Alumni can serve as volunteers, helping to coordinate activities, recruit future participants, review applications, and engage their communities.
- Transformation Fund: Alumni can apply for resources to support community projects and initiatives.
- Networking and Continued Learning: Alumni have access to specialized networking events, continued educational opportunities, and platforms to stay connected with fellow graduates and leaders.
Eligibility and Selection Criteria for YALI Regional Leadership Center East Africa
To be eligible to apply for the YALI Regional Leadership Center East Africa program, applicants must:
- Age Requirement:
- Be between 18 and 35 years old (inclusive) for the duration of the 4-week program.
- Citizenship and Residency:
- Be citizens and residents of one of the following countries: Burundi, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.
- Not be U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the U.S.
- Not be living outside of the 14 eligible countries listed above.
- Visa and Language Requirements:
- Be eligible to receive any necessary visa to travel to Kenya.
- Be proficient in reading, writing, and speaking English.
Note: Applications will not be discriminated against based on race, ethnicity, color, gender, religion, socio-economic status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. All information provided in the application will be verified, and discrepancies or false information will result in disqualification.
Selection Process and Criteria
The selection process for the YALI RLC East Africa program is merit-based and involves the following steps:
- Application Submission:
- All eligible applications submitted by the deadline will be reviewed.
- Review and Evaluation:
- Applications will be reviewed by a selection panel that evaluates each submission based on the criteria outlined below.
- Interviews:
- Chosen semi-finalists will be interviewed to further assess their suitability for the program.
- Final Selection:
- Final selections are made based on the combined application and interview evaluations, and invitations to join the program are issued to successful candidates.
Selection panels will evaluate applications based on the following criteria:
- Leadership Demonstration:
- Proven leadership in public service, business and entrepreneurship, or civic engagement.
- Community Involvement:
- Active engagement in public or community service, volunteerism, or mentorship.
- Teamwork and Respect:
- Ability to work cooperatively in diverse groups and respect the opinions of others.
- Communication Skills:
- Strong social and communication skills.
- Positive Attitude:
- An energetic and positive outlook.
- Sector Knowledge and Experience:
- Demonstrated knowledge, interest, and professional experience in the selected sector/track.
- Commitment to Apply Skills:
- Commitment to applying leadership skills and training for the benefit of their country and/or community after the program.
Applications that do not meet the technical eligibility requirements will not proceed to the selection committee for consideration. For more information, or to apply, visit www.yalieastafrica.org.
Additional YALI Components
YALI encompasses two additional components:
- The Mandela Washington Fellowship: This flagship program brings young African leaders to U.S. universities for academic coursework, leadership training, and networking opportunities, followed by professional development activities in Africa.
- The YALI Network: This virtual platform offers resources, online courses, and a community for young African leaders to develop skills and connect with peers and global leaders.
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Conclusion
The YALI RLC East Africa is a transformative platform for young leaders, equipping them with the skills and networks necessary to drive positive change across the continent. For more information or to apply, interested individuals and organizations can visit www.yalieastafrica.org, email info@yalieastafrica.org, or call +254 700363741. The program’s commitment to diversity, innovation, and leadership excellence ensures that participants are well-prepared to contribute meaningfully to Africa’s future.
