US selects 16 Malawians for Mandela fellowship programme

The United States of America (USA) embassy has announced the selection of 16 Malawians who will participate in the prestigious Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders.

Making the announcement in Lilongwe on Thursday, U.S. Ambassador to Malawi Virginia Palmer who was together with the visiting U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Todd Haskell said her government has been geared to help Malawians with skills that would help in developing the country.

In her remarks, Palmer congratulated the new fellows saying Malawi looks forward to use the skills they are to acquire through their studies in America.

“You will join 1,000 young leaders from across Africa working toward positive change in your communities. This is an incredible opportunity to enhance your professional skills, grow as a leader, and network with other like-minded young leaders from across Africa.” said Palmer.

The 16 Malawians are Nancy Chawawa, Bester Chilombo, Admore Chiumia, Davies Chogawana, Mixon Faluweki, Lusungu Kalanga, Virginia Khunguni, Dr. James Kumwenda, Charles Lipenga, Chikondi Mandala, Rachel Mhango, Mandela Mwanza, Joshua Ngalande, Linda Sichali, Halima Twabi, and Peter Yakobe.

The group will travel to the U.S. in June for a six-week program on the campus of an American university before attending a summit which will be hosted by U.S. President Barack Obama in Washington DC.

According to Palmer, the number of fellows for the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders has been doubled from eight in 2015 to 16 this year as one way of creating a chance for Malawians to have skills that can bring change in the country.