The participation of four young Burundians, including Ornella Munezero who is currently being supported by the European union delegation in Burundi as president of Youth Sounding Board (an official youth Advisory committee of the UE), in the Mandela Washington Fellowship program 2025 is in full swing in the United States. It represents an eloquent testimony to the potential of Burundian youth. The selection of these young people from thousands of candidates for African young leaders to participate in this program is more than just a personal honor. It is even a recognition of the dynamism of Burundian youth in various fields of community development and governance. The four Burundian laureates are presented with an excellent opportunity that not only allows them to acquire high-level skills but also to forge relationships with other young African and American leaders to strengthen social innovation in their country. Initiated by the U.S. government, the Mandela Washington Fellowship program gathers young African leaders each year for a six-week immersion in American universities focused on leadership, civic engagement, public management, or entrepreneurship.
Their return to the country with high-level skills, enriched with new ideas and an international network, could play a catalytic role in local transformation. It is also a strong signal for other young Burundians: excellence, commitment, and vision can open doors on a global scale.
