Congressman Fattah Joins President Obama at African Young Leaders Initiative Town Hall

WASHINGTON, July 28, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, Congressman Chaka Fattah (D-PA) joined President Obama and 500 young African leaders in Washington for a town hall meeting as they culminate their six-week exchange fellowship in the United States. The Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) is a Presidential effort focused on building partnerships and fostering cross-continental exchange with the next generation of leaders in Sub-Saharan Africa.  

"It was a real pleasure and honor to meet with so many driven, young men and women who are each uniquely committed to building a strong, vibrant, modern Africa," Congressman Fattah said. "We all share a vision for an Africa that requires bold, innovative leadership and collaboration. Now, these fellows will return to Africa with new skills, knowledge, and relationships that will help them guide their countries forward. I look forward to watching YALI's continued growth and success fostering partnership and strengthening ties between the U.S. and African nations."

The Washington Fellowship is the flagship exchange program of YALI. The young Africans in attendance, ages 25-35, come from all sectors—business, government, and civil society—and have spent the past six weeks in leadership institutes at universities across the United States. Upon their return to Africa, they will have access to seed funding and additional professional development opportunities.

Congressman Fattah has led efforts in Africa to fund blood safety programs through the Safe Blood for Africa Initiative. The Initiative has been integral to improving the health and safety of Africans across the continent by reducing cases of hepatitis, HIV and other diseases passed through unclean blood transfusions.

Jeff Busch, President of Safe Blood for Africa said, "Congressman Fattah is the leader in supporting Blood Safety in Africa. With his help millions of Africans have received Safe Blood Transfusions saving many lives. We count on him and look forward to his continued support of our efforts." 

Next week, Fattah will also participate in the first ever U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, "Investing in the Next Generation," hosted by the White House.  In an effort to strengthen ties between the U.S. and Africa, the Summit is bringing African heads of state and government to Washington, D.C. to engage with the President, Cabinet members, Members of Congress, and other key leaders, including business executives from the U.S. and Africa.

SOURCE Office of Congressman Chaka Fattah

WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM?

440k+
Newsrooms &
Influencers

9k+
Digital Media
Outlets

270k+
Journalists
Opted In

GET STARTED