Nelson Mandela’s words and action continue to inspire the next generation of African leaders. The Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) is a proud managing partner of the African Leaders of Tomorrow (ALT) Scholarship Program which commemorates the late Nelson Mandela’s commitment to social justice and equity by supporting young African professionals to become leaders in public policy and administration. As we mark Nelson Mandela Day this July 18th, CBIE asked African Leaders of Tomorrow scholars across Canada to share their thoughts on the legacy of Mandela in his words:
‘What counts in life, is not the mere fact that we lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.’
“I started my career in a call centre. But this quote from Mandela is what drew me into the public sector and the ALT Scholarship is giving me the means to achieve this dream.” Aboubacar Fofana, Guinean scholar at Université de Moncton
“Mandela, or Madiba as we call him back home, never made his work about himself; he knew there was a larger purpose, and he kept on reminding others of that in both his actions and his words. It is that example of timeless and genuine selflessness that inspires me every day.” Christian Robertson, South African scholar at Wilfrid Laurier University
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
“By providing young African professionals the opportunity to pursue their Masters in public administration at a Canadian university, the ALT Scholarship is equipping us with new ways of working which can be used to bring about change in public administration systems. It’s a second breath for us and for Africa.” Salifou Salamatou, Nigerien scholar at École nationale d’administration publique
“I realized that continuous learning is vital to keeping the mind stimulated and useful and I have decided to continue my studies in order to give a considerable contribution to shape a good future of the African countries through public service. I am really grateful for this opportunity given by CBIE.” Angelique Sugira, Rwandan scholar at the University of Regina
“Mandela’s philosophy that through perseverance, we are capable of achieving our goals has been an inspiration for me. So me being a point of reference in the Malian public service is a real possibility after my program at ENAP.” Cheick Oumar Sarra, Malian scholar at École nationale d’administration publique
About the African Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship Program
Now in its third year, the African Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship Program supports young African professionals to complete their Masters degree at a Canadian university in public administration, public policy or public finance. The program is funded by the Canadian government through Global Affairs Canada and by the MasterCard Foundation and managed by CBIE in partnership with the Institute of Public Administration of Canada (IPAC) and in collaboration with the Canadian Association of Programs in Public Administration and the African Association of Public Administration and Management.
In addition to their academic studies, ALT scholars are partnered with a mentor from IPAC’s network of public sector professionals, who support the ALT scholars during their stay in Canada by sharing their experience and expertise, supporting the creation of a professional development plan and identifying learning opportunities.
More information about the program can be found here.
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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