Last Saturday, Goshen Valley Boys Ranch had the honor of hosting 25 extraordinary leaders from the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders. This visit was a significant event for both the Ranch and the Leaders, marking an inspiring exchange of ideas and experiences.
About the Mandela Washington Fellowship
The Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders is the flagship program of the U.S. Government’s Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI). Established in 2014, the Fellowship celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2024. Over the past decade, the program has brought nearly 6,500 young leaders from every country in Sub-Saharan Africa to the United States for academic and leadership training. These Leaders, aged between 25 and 35, are recognized innovators and leaders within their communities and countries, driving positive change across various sectors.
This year over 56,000 young leaders applied for the program. 700 were selected, and Georgia State University is hosting 25 of them. Since 2017 Georgia State has been engaging their group with Goshen Valley in a day of non-profit education, equipping these young leaders with skillsets to take back to their home communities and improve lives for vulnerable populations.
A Day of Inspiration and Learning
The visit to Goshen Valley Boys Ranch provided an opportunity for the Leaders to engage with the Ranch’s mission and understand the impactful work being done to support at-risk youth. The day was filled with enriching activities designed to foster mutual learning and cultural exchange.
The Fellows toured the Ranch, learning about its history, mission, and the comprehensive care provided to the boys. They were particularly interested in the Ranch’s focus on holistic development, which includes educational support, therapeutic services, and life skills training.
Sharing Stories and Building Connections
One of the highlights of the visit was the interactive session where the Fellows shared their experiences and insights from their respective countries. They discussed the challenges and opportunities they face in their leadership roles and how they are working to address critical issues such as education, healthcare, and community development.
In return, the staff at Goshen Valley Boys Ranch shared their strategies for creating a nurturing and supportive environment for the boys. The exchange of ideas was not only informative but also deeply inspiring, as both the Leaders and the Goshen staff found common ground in their commitment to empowering the next generation.
A Shared Vision for the Future
Hosting the Mandela Washington Leaders was an enriching experience for everyone at Goshen Valley Boys Ranch. It reinforced the importance of global collaboration and the power of shared knowledge in creating a brighter future for young leaders around the world.
We look forward to continuing this valuable relationship and welcoming more inspiring leaders to our Ranch in the future.
