Seven young Gambians from different walks of life have arrived in the USA for the 2019 Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders.

Among the best-known figures selected for this year's Fellowship are UDP youth leader Kemo Bojang, TRRC's Ebrima Sonko, dancer Elektra and poultry farmer Modou Lamin Fatty.

Shortly after their selection, the US Embassy wrote on Facebook: "The 2019 Fellows are Kemo Bojang, Ndey Fatou Jabang (Elektra), Ebrima Sonko, Binta Badjie, Modou Lamin Fatty, Sainabou Barra Cham, and Lamin Jafuneh. They were selected from over 330 Gambians who applied for this year’s Fellowship.

“These accomplished professionals will be among 700 young leaders 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, leadership, and contributions to the country’s progress through various platforms."

About the Fellowship

The Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, begun in 2014, is the flagship program of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) that empowers young people through academic coursework, leadership training, and networking.

This year, the Fellowship will provide 700 outstanding young leaders from Sub-Saharan Africa with the opportunity to hone their skills at a U.S. college or university with support for professional development after they return home.

The Fellows, who are between the ages of 25 and 35, have established records of accomplishment in promoting innovation and positive impact in their organizations, institutions, communities, and countries.