This Wednesday, the Boise State quad will host a Cultural Exchange Night featuring young leaders from more than 20 African countries.
For the first year ever, Boise State University will host 25 Mandela Fellows for a six-week program. These fellows will focus on local community engagement through events, professional training and networking.
Margaret Bundy with the Mandela Institute says the program provides an important opportunity for the Boise community and students to connect with international leaders.
“They are doctors, they are lawyers, they are running nonprofits, they are in government, they are the next leaders and government officials in their communities, so access to these individuals is huge," says Bundy. "We are learning so much about their countries, but also about the work that they are doing.”
Engagement with students is also a major part of the fellowship. The fellows will talk about their work and cultures with disadvantaged high school students who are preparing for college.
The Mandela Washington Fellowship is part of the Young African Leaders Initiative, which began in 2014 through the U.S. Department of State.
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