Yohanan Yokamo holds a Master of Law and currently works as a legal educator while also completing his PhD in Public Policy Studies. He also serves as Director for International Relations and Alumni Affairs Directorate at Hawassa University in Ethiopia.  

IVLP Impact Award Project: Strengthening Democracy and Promotion of Good Governance Bootcamp for Selected Young Leaders in Hawassa City Administration, Ethiopia

The project provides a platform for young leaders in Hawassa City to learn about basic democracy and good governance practices through capacity-building training. A five-workshop series will equip young leaders with the tools and resources they need to understand inclusive democracy and good governance practices. The project activities will include hands-on training in writing and discussions focusing on effective and accountable state institutions and processes, human rights, rule of law, civic participation, solidarity and tolerance and peaceful transitions of power in the country. Participants will also have opportunities to collaborate and gain valuable experience and feedback on their work.

So far, Yohanan has conducted three workshops for 120 young leaders, educating them about good governance practices. Two more workshops are planned, in addition to the final ceremony in November. Yohanan reflected, “The practical exercise of the participants during the training increased the skills... [and they] were inspired and aspired for better future leadership.”

IVLP Exchange Experience 

Yohanan participated in the IVLP Project Developing University Partnerships: Connecting African Universities with HBCU, organized by the U.S. Department of State and the Mississippi Consortium for International Development, in partnership with Georgia Council for International Visitors, Global Ties Sacramento, World Affairs Council of Philadelphia, and Global Ties Sacramento.

Yohanan’s exchange experience led to the development of his project: “On my IVLP trip, I met with University of California Davis School of Law and Howard University Political Science Department and was inspired by the democratic institutions and governance... I had an opportunity to have conversations with law and political science researchers, administrators, and faculty members from different colleges."

"The experience I got from the three weeks as [an] IVLP participant has been the best of my professional life so far... I plan to build my project on the experiences and knowledge learned at those meetings to effectively engage young leaders in my country.” - Yohanan Yokamo

U.S. Communities Visited

Washington, DC; Sacramento, CA; Atlanta, GA; Philadelphia, PA

Country: Ethiopia 

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