Lagos, Nigeria – The Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni Association of Nigeria (MWFAAN) extends its gratitude to the U.S. Consulate General for their invaluable support in hosting a successful reunion for the 2024 cohort of Mandela Washington Fellows. The event served as a powerful platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and reaffirming the fellows’ commitment to community service and mentorship.
Over 50 fellows participated in the reunion, actively engaging in a range of impactful community projects across Lagos:
- Project Enable Africa: In Surulere, 11 fellows collaborated on this initiative, mentoring young people with disabilities. The program featured panel discussions with disability advocates, focusing on inclusive employment practices and support systems designed to enhance accessibility and opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
- PAVE Project: In Yaba, 13 fellows dedicated their efforts to empowering girls through life skills training and advocacy. The project emphasized creating safe spaces for young women and fostered discussions around women’s empowerment, educational access, and gender equality.
- Street2School Initiative: In Ikeja, 33 fellows volunteered at a free school for street children, conducting career mentoring sessions to help vulnerable youth navigate the challenges of education. Educators and community workers participated in panel discussions, highlighting the systemic obstacles faced by these children in their pursuit of education.
The beneficiaries of these programs expressed immense gratitude for the knowledge and experiences gained, emphasizing the transformative impact of these community-focused interventions.
In a poignant tribute to a fellow member who tragically passed away in the United States, the 2024 cohort is currently planning a legacy project to honor her memory
A Group Picture of the Legacy Cohort with the team from the US Consulate