Pan-Africa Youth Leadership Program
Meridian is pleased to implement the U.S. Department of State’s Pan-Africa Youth Leadership Program (PAYLP) on behalf of the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Each year, this dynamic youth leadership program engages 150 high school students and adult mentors from over 38 countries in Africa for a three week U.S.-based cultural exchange and civic engagement training program.
When we think of youth, we think of idealism, hopes, and dreams for the future. The Pan Africa Youth Leadership Program (PAYLP) believes in the potential for great & lasting impact when leadership development programs target young emerging leaders and adults who empower them. PAYLP brings together anglophone and francophone high school students and adult mentors for practical leadership and technical skills training centered around an action-planning curriculum & capstone. PAYLP offers:
- Interactive leadership trainings
- Conflict resolution seminars
- Social entrepreneurship classes
- Community service opportunities
- Two weeks of homestay with American host families
- An overview of U.S history and institutions
- Exciting cultural activities
- A lifelong PAYLP alumni network
Following an opening kickoff conference, PAYLP participants are hosted by community-based partners for homestays, additional training, and cultural engagement in diverse regions of the United States, from Alabama to Oregon. The PAYLP experience concludes with a closing conference in Washington, D.C., where participants reconvene to share their experiences, deliver action plan presentations, and reflect on the lessons learned from the program. Along the way, youth encounter and foster relationships with fellow participants from different ethnic, religious, and national groups across the continent and exchange ideas with each other in addition to American peers. PAYLP aims to build tolerance and respect through shared culture and values, prepare African youth to become responsible citizens and positively contribute to their communities, and promote mutual understanding between the people of the United States
and rising leaders throughout Africa.
Applicants interested in the program should contact the nearest US embassy regarding more information as Meridian is not involved in the recruitment or selection process.
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