U.S. Embassy and PDYC Join Forces to Empower Pujehun District Youths

The Pujehun District Youth Council (PDYC), in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy in Sierra Leone, is currently engaged in a transformative endeavour aimed at empowering the youth of Pujehun District. This initiative involves a crucial training program designed for individuals between the ages of 25 and 35, currently taking place at the Government Library in Pujehun Town.

The primary goal of this undertaking is to equip the youth of Pujehun District with the requisite skills and knowledge to take advantage of the esteemed Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders. This program is a flagship initiative under the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) of the U.S. Government, which seeks to identify and nurture emerging leaders on the African continent.

YALI, inaugurated in 2010 and celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2020, has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of African leadership. The Mandela Washington Fellowship, established in 2014, has been at the forefront of this effort, having provided intensive academic and leadership training to nearly 6,500 young leaders from across Sub-Saharan Africa who have visited the United States.

The fellowship is designed for individuals aged 25 to 35 who have demonstrated outstanding innovation and leadership within their respective communities and countries. Its aim is to equip them with the necessary tools, resources, and networks to drive positive change and development upon their return to Africa.

The training program, jointly organized by PDYC and the U.S. Embassy, will continue until September 12, 2023. It offers participants valuable insights and skills essential for them to compete for the Mandela Washington Fellowship.

As the deadline approaches, the youth of Pujehun District are embracing this opportunity with enthusiasm and determination. The collaborative efforts of PDYC and the U.S. Embassy hold the promise of opening up a realm of opportunities for these young leaders, potentially altering the trajectory of their communities and Sierra Leone as a whole.

According to Mohamed Kallon, the Acting Chairman of the Pujehun District Youth Council, the commitment displayed by these young individuals as they prepare to tackle future challenges underscores the profound impact of education and mentorship in nurturing the next generation of African leaders. He further emphasizes that the legacy of YALI continues to flourish, empowering young Africans to lead, innovate, and positively transform their nations.