Moving forward!

Moving forward! The adventure is going on for the thirty brilliant Young Senegalese leaders, selected for the 2016 Mandela Washington Fellowship under the auspices of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Program. After several meetings with eminent personalities and leaders of common knowledge in Senegal, the young leaders were the guest of honor of the Economic Social and Environmental Council (ESEC), on May 31st.

At the very beginning of the meeting, the young leaders seized the opportunity to present their respective academic and professional backgrounds, talked about their dedication to their communities, and shared their expectations regarding the YALI program. On behalf of the President, Mrs. Aminata Tall, the advisors explained, in their turn, the role and activities of the Council, and its key achievements since its creation in 2013. The meeting helped identify the shape of a future collaboration between the Council and the young leaders. Indeed, the advisors stated that this young generation of leaders devoted to community services, could clearly bring a significant contribution to the Council’s task with solving our country key issues.

Thes exchanges were followed by a lunch during which, advisors and fellows became acquainted enthusiastically. The invitation was then followed by a Council’s plenary session on the theme of “Green Economy“, which was a tremendous opportunity for young leaders to better understand the Council’s role by example. Last but not least, at the end of the session, the fellows were invited to a meeting with Mrs. Aminata TALL who reiterated her congratulations and showed much more interest about a future collaboration.

The group was accompanied by the Public Affairs Officer of the U.S. Embassy in Dakar Mr. Robert Post and the Alumni Coordinator, Mr. Adama Dieng. 

Marieme DIOP
Mandela Washinton Fellow 2016
diop.marieme@gmail.com