By: Ziadath Achimi
I have got the honor of participating in Mandela Washington fellowship 2019 programs at the prestigious University of Georgia with 24 other fellows from 20 different countries of Africa. My journey as MWF has started since June,18th from the international airport of Benin to the University of Georgia. It has been a life-changing experience for me… I’m really enjoying being here learning and practicing new things on how to be a great leader and how to efficiently impact Africa through the sustainable development of my community.
During this last week, I have really enjoyed these activities:
The speed networking, it’s was my first and very good experience. We were given 25 rounds of 4mins per each to tell our peer collaborators about what we are doing and how we can collaborate with them. It was very tiring and intense because we had to introduce ourselves and our work over and over again. It’s a very good activity and I wish to be able to do it again because this activity gives me the opportunities to connect with people and organizations which are addressing the same issues as me. It has also helped me to develop new ideas and perspectives for my work.
Secondly our trip to Atlanta. If I can describe this experience in three words; it was funny, instructive and inspiring. The fun part of this trip is that I really enjoyed myself with other fellows by visiting different beautiful places like the Coca-cola world with 100 thousand flavors, the Georgia Aquarium by the discovering of different type of fish, whales, porpoises and different marine species. Moreover, The State Capitol of Georgia with an inspiring story of different great leaders. I have also learned a lot about social entrepreneurship, sustainable community development, and the importance of a very good and independent system of work by visiting Russell Group for Entrepreneurship and Atlanta Regional Commission.
And finally the leadership curriculum session, practicing teamwork and leadership activities. I’ve learned more about teamwork and team building, how to lead an organization by making everyone on in important and needs. All those activities help me to discover my strengths and weakness as a leader and understand my real personality. I will end by leaving you with that thought:
‘’May you stay alive as long as you live’’ – Fanning
No matter who you are no matter where you are no matter what you are doing to make the world a better place keeps it up and believe in yourself. “Faith Believe in what you are doing will make people come, it may take time but it’s always worthy’’. I’m so excited and looking forward to the coming week……
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