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PRESIDENT OBAMA: Three years ago, I launched a new effort to make sure we're tapping those
qualities of youth -- the imagination, the courage, the "yes, we can" attitude of young
Africans like you. It's our Young African Leaders Initiative, and I kicked it off by
welcoming young men and women from across Africa to the White House, and we had a town
hall similar to this one. I think some of you were there, in fact.
And since then, we've helped empower young people across this continent with new skills
and entrepreneurship and leadership, and new partnerships in education and health and technology.
Michelle came here to Soweto for a forum with some inspiring young women, and she's here
today in Jozi meeting with students who -- (laughter) -- did I say that wrong? -- (applause) -- meeting
with students who, like you, are going to determine the future of your countries.
So today, I'm proud to announce a significant expansion of this initiative. We're launching
a new program that's going to give thousands of promising young Africans like you the opportunity
to come to the United States and develop your skills at some of our best colleges and universities.
(Applause.) It's called the Washington Fellowship for
Young African Leaders, and I hope all of you apply because we're joining with our top schools
-- public and private. We'll focus on civic leadership and public administration and business
and entrepreneurship, the skills you need to serve your communities and start and grow
businesses and run effective ministries. And you'll interact with Americans from all walks
of life, because our citizens -- especially our young people -- can learn from you, too.
You'll meet with leaders in business and nonprofits and government, including me. And I look forward
to welcoming you at a summit that I'll host in Washington, because I want to hear directly
from you -- your hopes, your dreams, what we can achieve together.
And your time in America will be just the beginning. When you come back home, new grants
will help you turn your ideas into new businesses and new non-profits. And we're going to partner
with American companies here in Africa to provide internships and mentoring and job
opportunities to help you grow into the next generation of business leaders. We're going
to partner with your governments and regional organizations here in Africa and foundations
and civil society to amplify your voices as you stand up for democracy and equality. And
with the connections you make as a Washington Fellow, you'll have something else for the
rest of your life, and that is a network of Africans and Americans ready to collaborate
on the future that you want to build. So this won't be the most expensive program
that we have, but I actually believe this is going to end up being one of the most important.
And it's important to me personally, because it's a great way for me to show my faith and
confidence in all of you. I believe in you, and I intend to make this a lasting part of
our engagement with Africa beyond my presidency, for years to come.