Nairobi, April 29, 2014 – The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) announces an opportunity for partnership to advance regional youth centers through its Global Development Alliance (GDA).  GDAs are USAID’s premiere model for public-private partnerships, helping to improve the social and economic conditions in developing countries and deepen USAID’s development impact.  USAID is currently exploring partnerships to leverage non-governmental resources by offering up to $12 million in USAID matching funds for youth leadership centers across Africa.

Youth leadership centers will enrich and expand President Obama’s Young African Leadership Initiative (YALI), which supports young African leaders to spur growth and prosperity, strengthen democratic governance, and enhance peace and security across Africa.  The U.S. Embassy in Nairobi recently announced that 46 Kenyans were invited to participate in the YALI Washington Fellowship starting in June 2014.  The Fellowship empowers participants through academic coursework, leadership training, and networking.  YALI Regional Leadership Centers complement the YALI Washington Fellowship program by providing a platform for professional development and community engagement opportunities once Fellows return to their home countries.

“USAID is excited to provide a platform for young leaders to shape their role in spurring innovation and economic prosperity, and to contribute to a more secure and peaceful African continent.  USAID’s GDA mechanism expands our partnership with global and local organizations to increase our reach and effectiveness,” said USAID/Kenya Mission Director Karen Freeman.
 
USAID is the U.S. Government agency responsible for administering civilian foreign assistance.

For more details on this Global Development Alliance, please visit: http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/search-grants.html?keywords=YALI