Remarks by Ambassador Christopher J. Lamora
MWF 10 Years Anniversary Celebration and 2024 MWF Send-off Reception
Chief of Mission Residence
Thursday, May 16, 2024, 19:00-21:00
Good evening, everyone.
Welcome to my residence for what is always one of my favorite events of the year. Tonight, we are here to honor our 2024 cohort of 18 Cameroonian Mandela Washington Fellows, who will soon depart for the United States to participate in one of our premier exchange programs. Representing numerous fields and seven regions of Cameroon, these 18 incredible Cameroonians were selected from more than 2,200 applicants. That’s less than one percent. Congratulations! Fellows: You were selected because you are already doing amazing work in your communities. Our expectations will be even greater when you return.
Tonight is extra special because we are also celebrating the 10th anniversary of the MWF program in Cameroon. I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together over the last ten years. Our YALI MWF network of around 175 Cameroonian alumni is flourishing.
I want to express my sincere appreciation to the government, particularly the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Civic Education. Your unwavering partnership is instrumental in promoting community service, peacebuilding initiatives, and youth empowerment in Cameroon. Together, we are fostering a generation of young leaders dedicated to a brighter future for Cameroon.
The YALI Mandela Washington Fellowship is not just about individual growth; it’s about creating positive change. Our alumni are making their mark on their communities in Cameroon and on the world stage.
This decade of success is best illustrated by the remarkable journeys of our alumni. Let’s take a moment to acknowledge a few:
- Jean Marc Mbafor: Jean Marc completed his MWF in 2014 as the then-president of the National Youth Council. He is now a member of the National Commission for the Promotion of Bilingualism and Multiculturalism, appointed by presidential decree.
- Dr. Ndansi: Dr. Ndansi was an MWF fellow in 2016, as an MD and an NGO leader. A few years later, he participated in the Obama Scholars program. Today, he is in New York, using his expertise to advise biotech companies on social impact and clinical research projects.
- Cyrielle Raingou: Since her MWF program 2018, Cyrielle has emerged as a multi-award-winning film director. Her documentary, “The Spectre of Boko Haram,” offers a poignant look at life in the Far North region. Cyrielle and the film have enhanced Cameroon’s reputation in the global cinema community.
- Patou Ibrahim: Working as a foreign officer at the Ministry of External Relations at the time of her MWF in 2019, Patou was promoted only two years after her fellowship to serve as the political officer at the General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), based in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
These are just a few of so many examples. Congratulations to our finalists and alumni. We are proud of you.
Ladies and gentlemen,
This decade of success wouldn’t have been possible without the tireless efforts of many dedicated individuals. I would like to thank the Embassy YALI team, particularly Charlene, or Mama YALI, Priscilla, Littesia, and Olivia. I would also like to thank former coordinators, Mathias, Ms. Yaah Gladys Viban, and Ms. Olivia Mukam, who built the strong foundation that has empowered so many Cameroonians to become transformative leaders in their communities and beyond.
Now, I believe we have some dancing to do, but there is one last piece of business. I would like all of you to join me in a toast. Please raise your glasses.
Here’s to the 2024 cohort and to 10 years of the MWF program.
Thank you again!
