US Consulate Mary Beth Leonard celebrated the achievement of 17 young Nigerians who formed the 2021 Carrington Youth Fellowship Initiative (CYFI) cohort.
The US government exchange program brings together young Nigerians with vision, skills, and experience to design and implement projects that have a positive impact in their local communities.
The 17 Graduate Fellows, ages 21 to 35, selected through a competitive process, implemented social service projects focused on health, education, civil liberties, the environment, and economic empowerment during their 12-month scholarship duration.
During the graduation ceremony for the 2021 cohort, US Consulate Public Affairs Officer Stephen Ibelli highlighted the positive impact the initiative has had on local communities since its inception in 2011.
He praised the graduating fellows for their selfless service and commitment to the values espoused by the late US Ambassador to Nigeria, Walter Carrington, for whom the initiative was named.
“You established a business school for farmers and taught 30 rural farmers how to farm sustainably. Trained 30 children in Lagos youth homes in information and communication technology (ICT) skills and advocated for policy reforms in youth administration. Trained school counselors on how to address mental health challenges in public schools.
“Taught rural women basic recycling skills and trained public school teachers in the use of modern teaching methods and aids. The projects implemented by the CYFI 2021 cohort are truly inspiring. These are significant and impactful projects. They have laid a strong foundation for future work and I look forward to seeing where these initiatives go from here,” said Ibelli.
Ibelli welcomed the graduating CYFI Fellows to the US Government Exchange Alumni community, a prestigious and vast network of highly regarded and like-minded professionals across the country.
“I encourage you to take advantage of the exchange alumni group to continue growing and supporting us,” he encouraged.
In a goodwill message delivered at the event, the late Ambassador Carrington’s wife, Dr. Arese Carrington, congratulated the 2021 cohort and urged them to continue to be examples of honesty and concern for the well-being of those less privileged.
“The innovative projects they designed and carried out over the past year have positively impacted lives. Never stop dreaming or daring to make the necessary change because you are the hope for the future,” said Carrington.
CYFI is based on year-long social innovation projects designed by fellows and supported by the US Consulate and private partners. The 2021 cohort is the first graduating class since the passing of Ambassador Carrington.
To date, CYFI has graduated 174 outstanding young Nigerians who bring a wealth of knowledge and skills and share a common vision with the goal of positively impacting Nigerian society.
Self-motivated and self-motivated young Nigerians interested in becoming a CYFI Fellow can apply by completing the application form at: http://www.cyfinigeria.org/apply/