The YALI Regional Leadership Center (RLC), West Africa, Accra crowned the 8-week training for Cohort 49, with an online closing ceremony on August 9th, 2024. Cohort 49 was the RLC’s maiden online, sector-specific cohort for youth using digital technologies to solve community challenges. The closing ceremony was moderated by 2 YALI alums, Henry Adams of Ghana from Cohort 46, and Morenike Ajidagba of Nigeria from Cohort 47.
The enthusiasm of the cohort was palpable. Following renditions of the National Anthems of the United States and Ghana, the cohort received a warm welcome from the Director of the YALI Regional Leadership Center, West Africa, Dr. Esi Sey.
Dr. Sey stated, “You came in with specific aspirations and goals, and we provided you with the learning space and resources to pursue those goals.” Dr Sey characterized Cohort 49 as “the cohort of the future” and urged them to use the C49 learning experience to develop solutions to the challenges their communities face in using digital technologies.
The keynote address was delivered by Mr. Kevin McGlothlin, the Acting Deputy Mission Director at the USAID West Africa Mission. Mr. McGlothlin emphasized that the occasion was not only a celebration of their graduation but a recognition of their role in the ongoing expansion of a transformative legacy in African leadership. Mr. McGlothlin expressed his admiration for the creativity and achievements they had showcased when the US Deputy Secretary of State, Kurt M. Campbell engaged with them during a visit to Ghana on 15th July 2024. Mr. McGlothlin reminded them that the essence of the YALI program lies in the application of acquired knowledge. Finally, he conveyed best wishes from himself and the US Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Virginia Palmer to the cohort.
Selected participants shared their learning experience, describing it as enlightening and empowering. Some participants showcased the digital solutions they had developed during their 8-week training. Although the training program for Cohort 49 has ended, their journey continues with post-training and mentorship, aiming to perfect solutions that will improve the lives of their communities.
The cohort had many things to say about their experiences and when asked about how they were going to use the training they had acquired, this is what a few of them said;
“My experience with the Cohort 49 training has been transformative. The program provided me with invaluable insights and skills that have significantly impacted my professional growth. The sessions on leadership and digital interventions were particularly enlightening, and I feel more equipped to drive positive change in my community. One practical way I will use the training is by implementing my Smart Irrigation Agriculture System to address the challenge of water scarcity faced by farmers in rural Nigeria. Many farmers in this region struggle with inefficient water usage, leading to poor crop yields and unsustainable farming practices”. Andrew Mogbolu, Nigeria
“I will leverage YALI leadership training to establish a mentorship program for young unskilled entrepreneurs in the community. By connecting them with experienced business leaders, we can provide guidance, resources, and support to help them launch and sustain successful ventures. This initiative aims to reduce youth unemployment and stimulate local economic growth”. Derrick Kojo Ayitsey, Ghana
The Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Regional Leadership Center (RLC) West Africa, Accra was established in 2015 to support the development of the next generation of African leaders. The Accra RLC offers leadership, soft skills training, and networking opportunities to youth aged 18 to 35 from Burkina Faso, Cameroun, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, and Togo.
This is made possible thanks to the generous support of the American People.