WAENDA UNYAMWEZINI

Five Tanzanian Students Selected for Youth Leadership Exchange Program (YLEP) in the United States of America

Five Tanzanian high school students and one teacher left Dar es Salaam November 27 to take part in a Youth Leadership Exchange Program (YLEP) in the United States of America. The four-week program, sponsored by the American people through U.S. Department of State, will take place in Denver, Colorado and Washington D.C. from November 28 through December 21, 2010.

The students selected for this program are Adolf Lucas (form II), Itigi Secondary School; Yusra Nasibu Ibwe (form III), Kighare Secondary School; Robin John Ufunguo (form II), Mlingano Secondary School; Isaya Erick Ng'aso (form III), Chidya Secondary School; and Chausiku Ramadhani Mkuya (form V), Arusha Secondary School.

The group is led by Ms. Yolanda Vermund Kaberege, Headmistress of the Philip Mangula Secondary School. The Tanzanian students will join similar groups of high school students and educators from Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa.

According to U.S. Embassy spokesperson, Dr. Ilya D. Levin, the trip to the U.S. is only the beginning of the program: "After they return, the participants will engage in follow-on projects within their home communities and share their new knowledge and skills with their peers. The students will have the opportunity to explore civic education, leadership development, respect for diversity, and community activism through U.S.-based exchange projects. Most importantly, these bright students will serve as de-facto Tanzanian ambassadors to the American people."

The Tanzanian students will obtain a first-hand experience of American life through home stays with American host families. They will participate in school and community activities in Denver, and attend meetings and presentations in Washington, DC. The young leaders will also take part in workshops and discussions, meet grassroots activists and community organizers and learn how to create an inspiring community of empowered young people and educators.

The Youth Leadership Exchange Program was developed in partnership with the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Embassies. The participating countries face challenges in at least one area such as tribal and religious conflict and rivalries, substance abuse, HIV/AIDS, corruption, and new government structures.