Last Friday, our Teesdale Sixth Form students enjoyed a discussion session with inspirational YALI speaker, Esther Ndagala, from Kenya.
The Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), launched by former US president Barack Obama, is a programme aiming to invest in the next generation of African leaders. Three thousand applicants applied for the scholarship programme in which Esther was selected, along with five other candidates. Since gaining the scholarship Esther became one of the youngest county security chiefs in Kenya and is now taking a year out to study for a Masters in Conflict Resolution and Development at Manchester University.
Esther spoke to students about the difficulties of development in Kenya and the challenges of ensuring that foreign aid programmes actually serve the communities who need them the most. Students asked questions about the problems of female leadership in a traditionally male job and were inspired by what Esther had to say about working with networks of young people to really make a difference in the world around you.
Thanks to Esther for taking the time to come and speak to us - it was very inspiratiional afternoon!