The nearly 60 Zimbabwean youths who arrived in the U.S. last week for the Mandela Washington Fellowship have started their studies in entrepreneurship and leadership.
Among them business executives, lawyers and clean energy experts, the youths will be stationed at various institutions of higher learning for the next six weeks.
One of them is journalist and publisher, Golden Maunganidze, who also teaches media studies at Great Zimbabwe University (GZU).
“The program has kicked off very well and I am very excited about it,” said Maunganidze. “The Professors were prepared for us and I am sure we are going to have a great experience.”
Maunganidze is pursuing leadership studies at the Kansas State University. And there is one important lesson he has picked up so far.
“I’ve learnt that leadership is not about being in the front or taking positions but it is about moving together with the group,” said the fellow, who publishes TellZim News, a Masvingo-based newspaper.
“Another thing I’ve learnt is leadership communication. This is something that I think is critical in making development happen.”
Maunganidze has more than a decade of experience working in the Zimbabwe media industry, winning several awards for using the media to foster community develop community.
He holds a Master’s degree in Media and Society Studies, and is currently pursuing his PhD. And he says the fellowship will sure make him a better leader.
The Mandela Washington Fellowship was founded by President Barack Obama in honor of the late South African leader Nelson Mandela with the objective of empowering future African leaders.