AU WATCH

What We Do

“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead”.
 

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela

ARE YOU A HIGH-SCHOOLER WHO WANTS TO LEARN MORE ABOUT AFRICAN POLITICS, LEADERSHIP, HUMAN RIGHTS AND INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT?

Are you looking to challenge yourself and develop your leadership and advocacy skills? We’re looking to train motivated, driven high school students in leadership, advocacy, and civic engagement. Apply to the week-long Nelson Mandela Leadership Summit (NMLA) where you will be able address real world human rights and humanitarian dilemmas.

It is a week-long Summit where a group of 50-60 valuable young talent from around the continent – schools, companies, NGOs, universities and other forward-thinking organisations are joined by world leaders, acting as Counsellors. At the Summit, delegates debate, formulate and share innovative solutions for the pressing issues the region faces. They will build a network and execute a Leadership Development Project to help their community.


The next NML&HRA will take place in Banjul, The Gambia on 20 October through 27 October 2020. Applications will open February and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until all spots are filled.

WHO CAN BE A MANDELA AMBASSADOR?

Mandela delegates are 18-30 years old who have demonstrated leadership ability and a commitment to effecting positive change. Many have already had an impact in their home countries on a range of issues, including the role of business in society, transparency in business and government, the impact of climate change, global health and hunger relief.
If you think you meet the requirements, we welcome you to apply to attend the 2020 Summit by creating a candidate profile. If your profile is approved it will be displayed on Nelson Mandela Leadership website and you can seek the necessary funding to attend the Summit. 
At the Summit Closing Ceremony, delegates graduate as Nelson Mandela Ambassadors, joining a network of young leaders who are creating positive change around Africa. Find out more

WHAT WILL YOU GET OUT OF THE NMLA?

You’ll discover your leadership style and build on your strengths while diving into international, regional and domestic topics that relate to Agenda 2063, governance, Sustainable Development Goals and business development. You’ll examine what your role is in creating effective change in your community and on a regional scale.

NML&HRA is just the start! Attending this program means you are committed to working with AU Watch for one year. Our goal is to give young people like yourself the tools to build projects in your own community. This project will be 100 percent yours, and we will provide the training and mentorship you need to make it happen.

After each Summit, the delegates, who are then known as Mandela Ambassadors, work on their own initiatives or lend the power of the Nelson Mandela network to those initiatives already in existence. For those in employment, many return to their companies and set about creating change from within, energising their corporate environment. 

HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE NMLA?

This experience will allow you to build lifelong friendships and provide the opportunity to learn, refine, and apply critical leadership and communication skills. There is no assignment or research that needs to do beforehand, but getting familiar with Agenda 2063 will help you brainstorm ideas for your Leadership Development Project and prepare for the discussions and workshops.

Start talking to your parents, neighbours, teachers and community members about what the needs of your community are and who your project might impact. Throughout the year you’ll be working with an AU Watch Youth Advisory Board (YAB) mentor, and they will help you develop your idea and execute the project.

How is it funded?
Delegates’ expenses to attend a Summit may be funded by private citizens, companies, NGOs, education establishments and public bodies.

More information about how to fund a delegate can be found here.
The cost for each delegate attending the Summit encompasses travel within the host city, accommodation, meals, access to laptops, desktops and mobile devices, venue costs, chaperones and satellite and wireless connectivity.
The 2020 delegate fee is £1,975 – Click here to see what is included.
Financial Aid may be available through a separate application, please contact the AU Watch Office for more details. The NMLA will take place at a University of The Gambia.

Please contact [email protected] if you have any questions.

NML&HRA PHOTOGRAPHY SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE!

Five scholarships are available for individuals who will photograph workshops, activities, and candid moments during the NMLA. The scholarship recipients must commit to taking a series of photographs during the majority of the NMLA sessions/workshops—this will not limit or restrict participation in activities.

Equipment will be provided by AU Watch for photographers to use.

Click here to complete the application form and submit a 10-picture portfolio here by February 15, 2020.

WHERE WILL THE NEXT SUMMIT BE HELD?
The Nelson Mandela Leadership Summit 2020 will take place in The Gambia from 20 to 27 October 2020.