"Mandela Fellows are “returning” to UC Davis. Thirty young African leaders from 20 countries will participate in public management training that the fellows will then put to use in their homelands.

UC Davis had planned to host its fifth cohort of fellows a year ago, until  the pandemic forced the program’s cancellation. This summer’s program, which started June 21, is virtual.

“As COVID-19 has changed the way we connect around the globe, we are thrilled to utilize now-familiar virtual tools to meet and collaborate with this year’s Mandela Washington Fellows,” said Joanna Regulska, vice provost and dean of Global Affairs, which leads and organizes the university’s program.

Mandela Fellows come to UC Davis — in person (or virtually, as is the case this year) — under the auspices of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, the flagship program of the U.S. Department of State’s Young African Leaders Initiative.

Established in 2010, the initiative supports young Africans as they spur economic growth and prosperity, strengthen democratic governance, and enhance peace and security across the African continent.

Passion for community

From the first cohort that UC Davis hosted in 2016, to this year’s, UC Davis has hosted more than 120 Mandela Washington Fellows. “Their passion for community, wealth of experience, and critical knowledge are an inspiration for our UC Davis community,” Regulska said. “We’re proud to welcome this year’s fellows and look forward to many, many collaborations to come.”

The Leadership in Public Management Institute will build practical knowledge and leadership capacity in topics such as public management, community engagement, public speaking, and the intersection of public health and local government."

Read the full article at the Daily Democrat website.