18 Cameroonians in US on scholarship complete training.

The MWF is under the United States Department of State, and via a rigorous selection process, it brings together young Africans who have displayed extraordinary skills in leadership for a six-week stay at US Universities to perfect their leadership qualities.

Announcing the end of their training, the US Embassy in Yaounde expressed pride in the cohort from Cameroon, stating that the embassy looks forward to the positive changes they are bringing back to their communities.

“We are proud of the 18 young Cameroonian leaders who successfully participated in the 2024 Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders. We are excited to see the innovative ideas and unwavering determination they will bring to effect positive change in their communities in Cameroon,” part of the post read.

MWF fellows usually conclude their training with the annual MWF Summit in Washington, DC.

During their stay in DC, the fellows from Cameroon paid a brief visit to the Embassy of Cameroon in Washington on August 1, where they briefed the Ambassador, H.E. Henri Etoundi Essomba, on their leadership training programmes, academic achievements and networking prospects.

Zoom on some fellows from Cameroon 

Among the MWF from Cameroon this year was artiste, Dolly Sorel Nwafo, popularly known as Lydol, who was placed at the University of Delaware. 

Award-winning Lydol uses her art to address social issues and advocate for mental health. The Founder of SHEroes Association, uses her platform to raise awareness, empower and create a safer future for women and girls facing violence

Award-winning stylist, lawyer and human rights advocate, Fese Ndumbe, was placed at the University of Texas. Ndumbe is committed to empowering women and preserving African culture. 

With over nine years of professional experience and running a successful fashion brand, she hopes to continue to inspire positive change around her. 

Also among the 2024 cohort is journalist, Hortensia Ntaine Ngam. She was placed at the Louisiana State University, LSU. Ngam is a journalist committed to social justice, especially for people with disabilities.

Athlete and influencer, Um Felicia Laureen, is also a 2024 MWF placed at Rutgers University in New Jersey. Um Felicia creates positive content for social media, encouraging people to accept their bodies, regardless of their size, shape, skin tone, gender, or physical abilities. 

The double world bronze medalist in arm wrestling is the first Cameroonian woman to compete internationally with a prosthesis. She is also the first disabled Miss Cameroon contestant. The Fon of Oku, His Royal Majesty Fon Ngum IV, who was placed at the Syracuse University in New York.

This story was first Published in The Guardian Post issue N0:3194 of Friday August 09, 2024