In February, YALI RLC West Africa (Accra) staff, including its Chief of Party, Dr. Esi Sey, hit the road to meet with YALI alumni and government leaders in the Gambia and Sierra Leone to showcase the significant contributions of YALI alumni in both countries. In addition, the group met with government leaders to integrate YALI contributions into government-sponsored mentorship programs and further the development of the YALI alumni through post-leadership training.
In the Gambia, the RLC team met with Vice President Muhammad B. S. Jallow and representatives from the Management Development Institute (MDI) which is where several YALI alumni are currently continuing their studies. During the visit, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), USAID’s implementing partner, and MDI to conduct the Public Sector Management Training Program (PSMTP) at MDI.
In Sierra Leone, the YALI RLC staff were interviewed on local radio and television to showcase the YALI alumni and their work to advocate against violence towards women and supporting sustainable agriculture. The group also met with the Deputy Minister for Youth Affairs, to discuss YALI alumni initiatives, including Ragiatu Kanu's efforts in training female farmers and the organization of the first Youth in Agriculture summit planned for May 2024. In addition, the RLC staff attended a dinner where YALI alumni presented their projects on recycled furniture, renewable energy solutions, work with prison inmates, and more.
