Mandela Washington Fellows Visit

The Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center at UMaine, Orono in partnership with the City Of Lewiston, USM’s Lewiston-Auburn College, Immigrant Resource Center Of Maine, Maine Immigrant and Refugee Services, New Mainers Public Health Initiatives, Maine Community Integrations, Lewiston Public Library and Djibouti Community & Voluntary Services are pleased to announce the Mandela Washington Fellows visit to Lewiston.

The 2017 Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, sponsored by the Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center at UMaine, Orono, will be visiting Lewiston as part of their six-week program at the Public Management Institute.

Dr. Jonathan Rubin, Director of the Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center, reports that these young leaders will sharpen their skills in business & entrepreneurship, civic leadership or public management, and continue their professional development once back in their home countries. Examples of their academic areas of study include Environment/Climate Change, Engineering/Water Research, Conservation/Wildlife, and Mental Health/Youth.

This year’s 25 leaders hail from 18 different countries in Sub-Saharan African, representing many of the African immigrants in Maine, and are part of 1000 who were rewarded for this competition across Africa. Civic leadership, business development and youth development are some of the topics that will be addressed in their visit with leaders in the Lewiston community.

We are excited about this historic visit, and invite you to join us at the public reception on July 26th beginning at 5 pm in Callahan Hall in Lewiston Public Library. Mayor Macdonald will welcome them to the City Of Lewiston. We will also hear from the community leaders, network and enjoy ethnic foods. Additionally, the Fellows will meet with the youth, visit the Ethnic Community Based Organizations and tour the Ethnic Stores in downtown Lewiston.