Year 6 - Annual Report: Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Regional Leadership Center, Southern Africa (RLC-SA)

The Center received a total of 7,795 applications, indicating a sustained demand for its programs. A total of 1,282 young leaders were trained in FY 2021, increasing the alumni population to over 6,900. Notably, the Center was able to reach young people from rural areas, who now constitute 34% of its intake. The Center made significant curriculum enhancements, including the addition of a week of orientation and induction, as well as masterclasses and guest sessions throughout the year. Alumni case studies were developed to ensure a relatable and practical learning experience. Improvements were also made to provide further support to young persons living with disabilities, with the online content upgraded to include subtitles to assist participants with hearing impairments. The Center collaborated with other Centers across the continent on the launch of an Africa-wide program, which aims to integrate disparate and disconnected platforms and deliver a program under a new encompassing platform across the four regional leadership centers. The Center also convened an Alumni Marketplace event, hosted under the banner of YALI Africa, which brought together 1,322 YALI Alumni, partners, and industry experts to explore homegrown solutions to African development challenges. In support of sustainability, a Call for Proposals was put on tender for bids by US Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) under the HELIX portion of the Award for curriculum expansion with the development of a Human Centred Design Thinking module. The University of Iowa was awarded the tender for curriculum enrichment with the development of a Design Thinking Module for both the contact and online delivery modalities, and to build capacity for trainers and facilitators who will deliver this module in Southern Africa and across key UNISA academic departments. James Madison University qualified as the successful bid for YALI Africa's capacity building on resource mobilisation. The YALI RLC-SA program was launched by the US Government as a signature effort to invest in the next generation of African leaders. The program provides leadership training and networking opportunities to youth between the ages of 18 and 35. Africa is a youthful continent with up to 60% of its population below the age of 35, presenting many challenges but also numerous opportunities for the continent. The YALI RLC-SA program started on 14 August 2015 and will end on 13 August 2023, according to the Cooperative Agreement, No. AID-674-A-15-00011. The Center is hosted by the University of South Africa (UNISA). The Center's achievements in FY 2021 include the development and successful launch of the first Lusophone online program. The Center also collaborated with other Centers across the continent on the launch of an Africa-wide program. The Center convened an Alumni Marketplace event, which brought together 1,322 YALI Alumni, partners, and industry experts to explore homegrown solutions to African development challenges. The event showcased Alumni enterprises, products, and initiatives to potential collaborators and investors through a virtual exhibition. The Center's curriculum enhancements in FY 2021 included the addition of a week of orientation and induction, as well as masterclasses and guest sessions throughout the year. Alumni case studies were developed to ensure a relatable and practical learning experience. Improvements were also made to provide further support to young persons living with disabilities, with the online content upgraded to include subtitles to assist participants with hearing impairments. The Center's online program delivery was also enhanced, with the development of a new platform to integrate disparate and disconnected platforms. The Center's financial performance in FY 2021 was strong, with a total expenditure of $X million. The Center's income was generated through a combination of grants and donations, including funding from the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Mastercard Foundation. The Center's financial performance was supported by a strong team of staff and partners, who worked together to deliver the Center's programs and achieve its objectives. The Center's monitoring and evaluation activities in FY 2021 included the collection of data on program outcomes and impact. The Center used a range of evaluation methods, including surveys, focus groups, and case studies, to assess the effectiveness of its programs. The Center's evaluation findings were used to inform program improvements and to identify areas for further development. The Center's conclusion in FY 2021 was that its programs had made a significant impact on the lives of young African leaders. The Center's alumni had gone on to achieve great things, including starting their own businesses, taking on leadership roles in their communities, and making a positive impact on the African continent. The Center was proud of its achievements in FY 2021 and looked forward to continuing its work in the years to come.