Young African Leaders Initiative

On June 8, IU welcomed 24 accomplished young professionals (ages 25 to 35) from 18 countries across sub-Saharan Africa for a six-week Leadership in Civic Engagement Institute sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. The cohort hosted by IU was part of a group of 700 fellows at 27 educational institutions across the U.S. The Mandela Washington Fellowship, the flagship program of the Young African Leaders Initiative, empowers participants through academic coursework, leadership training, mentoring, networking, professional opportunities, and local community. Top: The 2022 Mandela Washington Fellows celebrated Fourth of July with the City of Bloomington. Back row (left to right): Tunu Yongolo, Thandeka Chauke, Cincinantia Lebjane, James Mawien Manyuol Dau, Antuf Mhoudine, Kileshe Josline, Larona Lekgabe, Tracy Onabirekhanlen, Luyando Muchimba, Linda Lloyd, Rafiu Lawal, Boubacar Mahmoud, Zebiba Kedir, Zainab Bala, Lithalethemba Stwayi, Nokwanda Takitsi Ngwenya. Front row (left to right): Meganne Boho, Daniel Adama, Khadija Rassoul Wade, Mduduzi Dube. Bottom left: Lithalethemba Stwayi engages in discussion at the Maurer School of Law June 8. Stwayi has more than eight years of experience in human rights and social justice advocacy; currently, she is litigation manager at LegalWise, focusing on impact litigation. Previously, she worked in children's rights. Bottom right: Lesley Davis, assistant dean for international programs at the Maurer School, meets with visiting fellows at the law school on June 8. The cohort worked to develop skills, experiences, and technical capacity in areas such as community development, volunteerism, grassroots activism, leadership, social entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and fundraising for non-profits. Photos by James Boyd (bottom) and the Office of the Vice President for International Affairs (top)