This week in Washington, DC, Abigail Kaindu, an alumnus of Camfed’s scholarship program from rural Zambia and now a champion for change in her country, is participating in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: President Obama’s Forum with Young African Leaders [link to forum page at http://www.america.gov/young_african_leaders.html], a unique event designed to highlight a “new generation of Africans who will shape sub-Saharan Africa’s next 50 years.”Over the years at Camfed, we’ve watched Abigail overcome a background of extreme poverty, thrive in school (watch a video of her in high school here: (link to blog post with embedded video)) and become a powerful advocate for girls’ education in Zambia. We’ve long been inspired by her, and we’re thrilled her achievements are being celebrated in such a prestigious way.Yesterday, the forum started at the State Department, where she and 114 other young Africans were welcomed by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. While there, Abigail was featured in a short film about the forum, and you can watch her discuss the importance of economic independence for women and meet other Forum participants by clicking play below. (Abigail is the woman identified for Zambia.)[Embed video]Then, Abigail and her colleagues headed to the East Room of the White House and attended a town hall meeting with President Obama. The president addressed the group and said, “The world needs your talents and your creativity. We need young Africans who are standing up and making things happen not only in their own countries but around the world.” Then, he took questions on topics ranging from HIV/AIDS to governance.“It was an honor to be in a room with Obama, sharing our ideas!” says Abigail. “He presented us with a challenge: He said Africa’s youth have the energy and the vision to create a better future. And he’s right. No one understands Africa’s challenges the way we do. We are living them, and we have the skills to develop solutions.”You can watch the full forum by clicking play below.
This week in Washington, DC, Abigail Kaindu, an alumnus of Camfed’s scholarship program from rural Zambia and now a champion for change in her country, is participating in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: President Obama’s Forum with Young African Leaders [link to forum page at http://www.america.gov/young_african_leaders.html], a unique event designed to highlight a “new generation of Africans who will shape sub-Saharan Africa’s next 50 years.”
This week in Washington, DC, Abigail Kaindu, an alumnus of Camfed’s scholarship program from rural Zambia and now a champion for change in her country, is participating in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: President Obama’s Forum with Young African Leaders, a unique event designed to highlight a “new generation of Africans who will shape sub-Saharan Africa’s next 50 years.”
Over the years at Camfed, we’ve watched Abigail overcome a background of extreme poverty, thrive in school (watch a video of her in high school here) and become a powerful advocate for girls’ education in Zambia. We’ve long been inspired by her, and we’re thrilled her achievements are being celebrated in such a prestigious way.
Yesterday, the forum started at the State Department, where she and 114 other young Africans were welcomed by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. While there, Abigail was featured in a short film about the forum, and you can watch her discuss the importance of economic independence for women and meet other Forum participants by clicking play below. (Abigail is the woman identified for Zambia.)
Then, Abigail and her colleagues headed to the East Room of the White House and attended a town hall meeting with President Obama. The president addressed the group and said, “The world needs your talents and your creativity. We need young Africans who are standing up and making things happen not only in their own countries but around the world.” Then, he took questions on topics ranging from HIV/AIDS to governance.
“It was an honor to be in a room with Obama, sharing our ideas!” says Abigail. “He presented us with a challenge: He said Africa’s youth have the energy and the vision to create a better future. And he’s right. No one understands Africa’s challenges the way we do. We are living them, and we have the skills to develop solutions.”
You can watch the full forum by clicking play below.
Today, Abigail is meeting with leaders of Congress on Capitol Hill and participating in small group discussions. Tomorrow, she’ll attend “The Way Forward Plenary” led by Under Secretaries of State Judith McHale and Maria Otero. She’ll get to share her feedback on the forum and discuss steps for the future.
The Forum is also providing Abigail with time to exchange ideas with other young African leaders like herself.
“We came from many countries – Namibia, Mali, DRC, Malawi – and in each place it’s the same: there is a lack of opportunity in rural areas,” says Abigail. But by working together and discussing challenges, she’s confident, “we can find solutions.”
For more from Abigail while she’s at the Forum, follow our Twitter feed at www.twitter.com/Camfed or read her past tweets below.
- Meet Abigail from Zambia. She’ll be Tweeting from D.C. as she shares her vision for Africa’s future. http://twitpic.com/2bas5z
- Abigail: Yesterday I toured D.C. and saw the White House. I have dreamt of seeing this place my whole life – & today I’ll step inside!
- Abigail: It was an honor to be in a room with Obama, sharing our ideas! I thought of my grandmother back in Zambia, who is so proud of me.
- “Obama presented us with a challenge: He said that Africa’s youth have the energy and the vision to create a good future.” – Abigail
- “He’s right. No one understands Africa’s challenges the way we do. We are living them, & we have the skills to develop solutions.” – Abigail
- Abigail featured in video screened at White House! “I want to see my people economically independent.” http://ow.ly/2kAwf #youngafrica
This is fantastic news. What an incredible journey. Congratulations to Abigail and Camfed.
[...] learn more about the event, read about it on Camfed’s blog at http://news.camfed.org/us/2010/08/abigail-goes-to-the-white-house/ or check out the White House coverage of the event at [...]
Congratulations, Abigail!
Congratulations, Abigail!
awsome.
Congratulations Abi and Camfed this is a kind of revolution the world needs to instill in its young citizens
Ndondo
congratulations Abigail. this great. Proud zambian
Abigail, by God’s Grace you are making it. Thanks to God first, Camfed, the supporters and you also for this great beginning.
To God be the glory Abigail for you. Thanks to Camfed and congratulations
for a job well done for this beginning stage.