The
United States Embassy in The Gambia congratulates the ten young Gambians
selected for the 2017 Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders.
The
Fellows are Ida Jatta, Mariyann Jabang, Bakary Fatty, Kujeh Kah, Gabriel Gomez,
Fatoumatta Kassama, Ruqayah Sesay, Njogu Jeng, Benjamin Gomez and Yusupha
Keita. They were selected from among
almost 500 Gambians who applied for this year’s Fellowship.
These
young leaders are among 1,000 selected from across Africa through a rigorous
application process for this year’s program.
They represent The Gambia’s diverse society and were all chosen for
their community service and contributions to the country’s progress.
The
Gambian Fellows participated in an orientation session at the U.S. embassy on
Tuesday, May 2nd.
Ambassador
C. Patricia Alsup congratulated them, conveyed her best wishes that the program
would have a profound impact on their lives, and urged them to apply their
experience to serving their communities when they return.
The
Fellows were also joined by alumni from the 2016 cohort who shared firsthand
experiences and useful tips for a successful experience.
They
will leave Banjul for the United States next month for a six-week program at
universities throughout the United States.