By Sabina Elago
WINDHOEK– Emma Inamutila Theofelus, Jafet Kubeb and Shandre Finnies are to represent Namibia at a three week US Government’s Pan African Youth Leadership Programme (PAYLP) in the United States of America (USA), starting on Saturday till Aril 20.
According to Christell Nassauw, the Cultural Affairs Assistant/Education Advisor in the US Embassy’s Public Affairs Department, the PAYLP focuses on a combination of grassroots leadership development skills, and cross-cultural opportunities for sharing and learning. Participants are selected from a broad backgrounds, some from cities and others from rural settings, some with a strong background in leading and participating in community based activities and showing a strong potential to become leaders in the future.
Nassauw says 24 youth participants aged 15 to 19 will participate in the programme along with four adult mentors from eight African countries including Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Seventeen-year-old Theofelus from Khomas High School, is a volunteer at her community centre where she advocates for children’s rights and environment protection. Theofilus is a Junior Mayor of Windhoek and member of Children’s Parliament. “I am looking forward to learning about American history, culture and way of living,” says Theofilus.
Kubeb from the Etosha Secondary School says he would like to learn more about the American culture and youth empowerment in the US and hopes to share his optimistic outlooks of the future with others in his community. The 18- years-old adds that “I am looking forward for this life experience.” Finnies looks forward to understanding the cultural aspects of America and people during his time in the US. He is pursuing a B.A in Media at the University of Namibia. Eighteen- year old -Finnies is a Deputy speaker of the Fourth Session of the Children’s Parliament. “I am looking forward to this and this shows that my work as a youth leader is recognised,” says Fennies.
“The programme including five days in Washington, DC, two weeks in Muncie, Indiana and four days in Chicago and the workshops will focus on leadership development and social entrepreneurism,” says Nassauw.
Participant will get a chance to meet with US non-governmental organisations and community centres to learn about their missions, start-up challenges and specific programmes. “Adult guide will be provided to help them with cultural activities utilising the local surroundings such as hikes, outdoor activities, sporting events, visits to local attractions, museums,” she says.
Nassauw further adds that the goal of this project is to foster mutual understanding and respect among high school students and adult leaders from countries throughout Africa and the US, empowering them with the skills to become civic leaders in a globalizes world.