Young African Leaders Rise to the challenge

Hello Friends,

The past two weeks, I have met some amazing brothers and sisters from the continent of Africa doing great work in their respective countries. I had barely returned from the US on a two week working visit when I received a phone call from our local US Embassy Public Affairs section. I was asked to join the current Mandela Washington Fellowship for the 2017 cohort. Due to the fact that I had just returned home after some time away I felt as if I could not take this up as I needed to be at home to attend to some pressing issues. In fact I had a project for my studies due for presentation and the notice I had been given was short. I immediately began discussing this opportunity with my mentors and made the decision to accept this after only 24 hours. I did not make a bad decision and here is why..

Since my arrival back in the US, I have met 24 selfless and humble individuals who are all working hard to contribute to the development of their countries. My new found friend Tolulope Songosanya is the Founder and CEO of LOTS Charity Foundation in Nigeria. She is working to improve the lives of young children in Dustbin Estate which resembles a slum that has inadequate water and sanitation facilities, proper schools, access to food or health services provision. She has become the self acclaimed mayoress of this community as she works to provide essential services for young children in her country. 

Anastacia De Klerk is a Mathematics and English teacher from Nambia working with young children. She also works for a charity that she co-founded which seeks to improve educational outcomes for young children. In a conversation with her she tells me, she wants to work on building a community centre that will be a one stop shop which will provide support to young children in her particular community.

I have just finished reading a book titled "The Girl Who Found Water" a collection of memoirs written by yet another colleague, Chibuzo Mirian Azubuike from Nigeria. A powerful narration of how focus and determination led to her providing the first safe water source in Bauchi, northern Nigeria, where fighting between rebels and government forces had taken root. I have now got an autographed copy of her book!

In South Africa, my new found friend, Molefi Nyofane is working to provide access to tertiary education for young children coming very poor and disadvantaged communities. His own life story is again a testament of hard work and sheer determination to succeed. To date over 3000 young adults have been supported by the Macro Informative Youth Agency (MIYA) an organization he founded 10 years ago. 

These are some of the inspiring stories I have been picking up and will be sharing more in the coming weeks. I am excited at the fact that I am with other leaders who are not sitting on their laurels doing nothing, leaders who want to serve and not be served, leaders who want to get their hands dirty in order to set the compass right and ensure that they lead in the areas of their passion.

Reflecting on these stories and more, makes me happy that I am part of a generation of young leaders who are determined to leave a lasting legacy.

Patrick Makokoro

Founder and Executive Director

Nhaka Foundation

Mandela Washington Fellow 2017