Mandela Fellows visit Embassy of Liberia in DC

Washinton DC. August 15,2024. The Embassy of Liberia near Washington DC recently played host to 13 promising young men and women who represented Liberia in this year’s Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders.

One of Liberia’s Female television broadcast Icons, Welma Mashinini Redd who is currently the President of the Liberian Community Association (LCA) in the Washington DC metro area, graced the occasion.

Welcoming the young leaders, Liberia’s Diplomatic point man to the United States of America, His Excellency Ambassador Jeff Gongoer Dowana, thanked the Government and people of United Sates of America for the Mandela Washington Young African Leaders Initiative. Ambassador Dowana noted that training African future leaders was a sure way of strengthening the economic, legal, human rights, social and democratic foundations of the African continent. H.E. Dowana called on the young people to proudly return to their motherland and put their new skills and knowledge to better use for all.
In brief remarks, LCA DC-metro area President, Welma Redd, praised the fellows for their selection to represent Liberia. Miss Redd also challenged the fellows to transfer to Liberia the advance knowledge and best practices they acquired during their month-long rigorous training in America. She noted that by doing so they will strongly be contributing to the socio-economic and professional advancement of Liberians.

On hand to meet the Young Leaders were Diplomats; Minister Plenipotentiary and Deputy Chief of Mission Isaac Yeah Sr, First Secretary Tobias Togba, Third Secretary Isaac Zally Jr., IT Consultant Edmund Neblett and Minister Counselor for Press and Public Affairs, Al-Jerome Anastas Chede Sr.

During the meeting, the fellows expressed joy at visiting the Embassy. They praised the Ambassador and his Diplomatic agents for the sacrifices they make for Liberia abroad especially under difficult conditions. The visiting Mandela fellows were entertained to sumptuous Liberian dishes prepared by one of Washington DC’s best, Barbington Freeman. The students suggested that the Liberian Foreign Ministry and the Embassy in DC coordinate next time to ensure a more fabulous reception.
Young Leaders who attended the meeting included: Beth Zarweah-Munford, Norwu K. Harris, Jutonue Doetein, Esther Javille, and Spencer Taylor Jr... Others were: Allen Thomas, Amara Kamara, Ezekiel Allen, Garmai T. Yarsiah, Aaron Ireland, Rubie Nabie, Sele Max Fuah and Winnie Mameni. The fellows were accompanied by one of their local mentors, Professor Ajawavi J. Ajavon of Delaware.

The Young leaders were selected in Liberia by the US Government following a robust vetting process from among thousands of applicants to participate in the transformative six-week leadership program.

The Liberian fellows and their peers from several African countries attended several training programs at over more than 15 prestigious Universities in the United States.
Their Leadership skills were honed through workshops, networking with U.S. leaders in the nation’s capital, crash academic studies, mentoring, and interactions with local community leaders.
The Mandela Washington Fellowship is a program of the US Depart of State with funding provided by the US Government and administered by the International Research and Exchange (IREX), an international nonprofit based in Washington DC. Fellows can participate in Alumni programing after their fellowships to further build their professional skills and networks.

Launched in 2014, the Mandela Washington Fellowship is the flagship program of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) and embodies the U.S. commitment to invest in the future of Africa. YALI was created 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, many young leaders from every country in Sub-Saharan Africa have participated in the program.