Cameroon’s first class of 12 Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Fellows have been unveiled. They met at the U.S. Embassy in Yaounde recently for a pre-departure orientation and information session.

The Embassy’s Cultural Affairs team introduced the fellows to components of the YALI program, including academic expectations, opportunities for community engagement, US cultural norms, and a checklist for travel.

The session, according the US Embassy, included a vigorous exchange among participants. Three alumni from the 2010 YALI program shared perspectives on how to benefit from their fellowship after their return.

The twelve Fellows were selected for participation in one of three designated tracks: Business and Entrepreneurship, Civic Leadership, and Public Management. Fellows will spend six weeks at eleven different universities across the United States.

An academic, professional, and cultural immersion will allow Fellows to network with peers from across Africa. The program ends in late July with a three-day conference in Washington, D.C. Selected Fellows will have the opportunity to participate in an eight-week internship at sites across the United States. After returning to Cameroon, YALI alumni will have access to grant opportunities and the extensive Young African Leaders Initiative Network.

The U.S. Department of State selected Cameroon's first class of Young African Leadership Initiative (YALI) Fellows from nearly 2,000 applications. The 2015 selection process begins in late 2014.

List of 12 Selected Cameroon Fellows

1. Charlie Wandji, Business and Entrepreneurship, Yale University

2. Regina Zoneziwoh Mbondgulo, Civic Leadership, University of Delaware

3. Christelle Chongwain, Civic Leadership, Tulane University

4. Rose Marie Kouo, Public Management, Morgan State

5. Brice Stève Sime, Business and Entrepreneurship, Clark Atlanta University

6. Muluh Hilda Bih, Civic Leadership, UC Berkeley

7. Gerald Afadani, Public Management, Howard University

8. Kizita Forgwe, Civic Leadership, Arizona State University 9. Jean Marc Mbafor, Civic Leadership, University of Virginia

10. Violet Fokum, Public Management, University of Arkansas

11. Micheal Tchenga, Public Management, University of Arkansas

12. Roland Bonko, Business and Entrepreneurship, Northwestern University