The Pan-Africa Youth Leadership Program (PAYLP) is a transformative three-week exchange experience for high school students, aged 15 to 18, from Africa. This dynamic program invites young leaders to the United States to live with host families and participate in leadership and civic education workshops, engage in community service, visit local schools and organizations, work on projects, and take part in cultural activities with American peers.
On April 6, 2024, Meridian International Center proudly welcomed the PAYLP 2024 Spring cohort in Atlanta, Georgia. The group, comprising 81 African high school students and adult mentors from 24 countries, began with a five-day program opening. From the outset, participants received a program overview and engaged in sessions on leadership training and community action planning, crafting strategies to tackle critical issues like women’s empowerment, drug prevention, youth education, and leadership development in their home communities.
Immersed in Atlanta's rich culture, the cohort visited landmarks such as the National Center for Civil and Human Rights and the World of Coca-Cola, creating lasting memories and deepening their understanding of U.S. history and culture. These experiences created powerful moments of connection that participants described as “forever engraved” in their minds.
As the program progressed, participants exchanged stories of their diverse ethnic, religious, and national backgrounds. The program opening culminated in country presentations, where each cohort proudly shared their culture, forging new relationships and a deep mutual understanding before continuing their journey to host cities across the U.S.
PAYLP is designed to develop leadership capacity and potential in the next generation of African leaders, primarily through dynamic trainings and cultural exchange with their American counterparts. The goals of the PAYLP program are:
Pan Africa Youth Leadership Program (PAYLP) – Spring 2024 Opening | |
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Regions: | Africa |
Impact Areas: | Education, Youth Leadership Development |
Program Areas: | Global Leadership |