Twenty-nine African Leaders of Tomorrow scholars from across Canada met virtually this week to share the results of their research and studies in public administration, public policy and public finance and to prepare for their return to Africa (once travel restrictions are lifted).
They arrived in Canada, as citizens of 24 countries across sub-Saharan Africa. They leave as citizens of the world, having learned plenty, expanded their horizons in many ways, with the skills, knowledge and experience to make a real difference in the public services in their respective countries and to be the leaders Africa needs.
“Throughout our training, we came to learn some of the universal values of a faithful civil servant and what makes our duties crucial to every community’s development. We learned to serve our communities with integrity and professionalism, to embrace the diversity of ideas, race, and gender; and above all, to work together as a team. This will be critical in serving our countries and communities that were historically dominated by discrimination. Now it is our time to use the tools and practices that we learned from our respective institutions.”
Willy Benson, ALT Scholar from Rwanda, studying at Memorial University of Newfoundland
The ALT experience has changed the lives of the scholars for the better. It has not always been easy – first semester marks that made you want to cry, struggling to find a work placement, being way from family, hearing bad news from home. But through determination, adaptation, perseverance, self-discovery and sharing, ALT scholars are arriving at the end of one journey and are ready to take the next step as African Leaders of Tomorrow.
“Being a leader isn’t a given, it’s something that develops”
cited by Nathalie Salibaya, ALT scholar from the Democratic Republic of Congo, studying at the Université de Moncton
In their Valedictorian speeches, Nathalie and Willy acknowledged the support of the Canadian Bureau for International Education, the Institute of Public Administration of Canada and the Canadian Association of Programs in Public Administration in making their scholarship experience a success. They thanked the program funders – Global Affairs Canada and Mastercard Foundation. As alumni, they look forward to working together – using platforms through IPAC and the African Association of Public Affairs and Management to stay connected and united to address Africa’s problems through effective public policies and administration.
CBIE, on behalf of the program partners and funders, wish ALT scholars safe return to Africa, once it is safe and feasible to travel in this time of COVID-19. As African Leaders of Tomorrow, this is your opportunity to show your leadership in public policy development and implementation and effective administration of government programs. All the best!
The ALT Scholarship Program is funded by the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada and by Mastercard Foundation. It is managed by CBIE in partnership with the Institute of Public Administration of Canada and in collaboration with the African Association of Public Administration and Management and the Canadian Association of Programs in Public Administration.
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