President Adama Barrow yesterday met with 10 young Gambians about to set off for the United Sates as Mandela Washington Fellows.
The Mandela Washington Fellowship is a flagship programme of former US President Barrack Obama. It brings together dynamic young African leaders, placing them in universities across the US for academic and leadership training. It also includes internships in various institutions.
President Barrow said he had confidence in the group and advised that they be serious with this unique opportunity. “Many are called but few are chosen,” the President told them. “I believe that one day the mantle of leadership will be passed on to you,” he added. The President wished the group every success. Speaking of the task at home, he said it was important for Gambians to unite and work together to lay a strong foundation during the transition period.
Team coordinator Ida Jatta said this was the fourth batch of Gambians to represent The Gambia on different programmes of the fellowship. She assured the President that they would raise the Gambian Flag high while in the United States. Ms Jatta said the knowledge gained from the course would be filtered back to Gambian youths.
The group is varied in its composition. It encompasses entrepreneurs, civil servants, teachers, and civic engagement and gender activists. Through the Office of the Gambian President, they expressed their appreciation to the American government for giving them this life changing opportunity to represent The Gambia.