[wanabidii] White House African Diaspora Briefing: Answers to questions

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Judy Miriga
Diaspora Spokesperson
Executive Director
Confederation Council Foundation for Africa Inc.,
USA
http://socioeconomicforum50.blogspot.com


From: Tsehaynesh Abebe <tsabebe@usaid.gov>
Subject: White House African Diaspora Briefing: Answers to questions
Date: June 5, 2014 11:01:58 AM EDT
To: Tsehaynesh Abebe <tsabebe@usaid.gov>
Cc: Jonta Williams <mariewilliams@usaid.gov>

Hello,
During the May 21, 2014 White House African Diaspora Briefing we provided note cards for questions that were unable to be answered due to time constraints. There were a few questions for Grant Harris, the Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for African Affairs on the National Security Council Staff of the White House. I am providing the answers to a couple of those questions in this email, and as the remainder of the questions are answered, I will share the responses with everyone as well.
Thank you,
Tsehay


Question from Bai Kamara, International Youth Foundation:




I recently came back from [the] DRC where we launched a youth assessment in collaboration with USAID. Part of the event focused on celebrating YALI Fellows and having them think through the findings of the assessment and role[s] they can play in the future development of the country. They were able to engage with high ranking officials of the government of [the] DRC, USA, civil society, foreign governments, and private sector. I am curious to know what networks or systems/support will be in place in each country that will allow these Fellows to continue to engage on these issues, network and also mentor other young people within the country? I understand that Regional Leadership Centers will be created, but what role do these Centers play in not only supporting YALI Fellows but young Africans who will not benefit from the fellowship in the U.S.A.?


Answer to question from Bai Kamara, International Youth Foundation:
Thank you for your question. Washington Fellows will be a part of a vibrant network that will continue to connect Fellows to new opportunities in Africa and to each other. Regular local and regional events and networking opportunities will sustain strong ties over the years as program participants assume leadership positions in their respective sectors. In addition, to receiving their own continued mentoring, participants will be involved in mentoring other promising young leaders, enhancing the impact and sustainability of the initiative. When the Washington Fellows return home, our Embassies will be well-positioned to support them in connecting with additional professional development opportunities and small grants to support Fellows who work together on innovative local projects. Our Embassies will also help the Fellows form alumni associations and connect with other young leaders and Embassy resources. Please read more about the Washington
Fellowship here: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2013/06/29/president-obama-announces-washington-fellowship-young-african-leaders


Question from Mawuli Dake, Moremi Initiative for Women's Leadership in Africa:




What is the plan in place for YALI to earn legitimacy from the communities the Fellows will be coming from? There should be a deliberate strategy to ensure that they don't get labelled or bastardized. For instance in a conversation with some activists in Kenya, they maintained that the goal of YALI is to brainwashed (sic) the Fellows. YALI no doubt is a timely and extremely relevant and will make a huge impact. However, I think you should be mindful that it is not "THE" solution to Africa's complicated leadership crisis. So the strategy should go beyond YALI, to also support great leadership initiatives on the continent. Moremi Initiative for Women's Leadership in Africa for instance has been running a flagship program for 10 years now.




Answer to question from Mawuli Dake, Moremi Initiative for Women's Leadership in Africa:




Thank you for your feedback. Through our Embassies and diplomatic engagement on the continent, we plan to continue to engage partner governments on the importance of young leaders in promoting peace, inclusive economic growth, and democratic governance. While not the only solution, we agree that this is timely and will have a great impact on the opportunities and challenges facing the continent. Please read more about the Washington Fellowship here: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2013/06/29/president-obama-announces-washington-fellowship-young-african-leaders

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