Oscar’s learnings from the Mandela Washington Fellowship

In the latest eWATER blog, we share the experiences of Oscar Balongo, Regional Programme Manager-East Africa at eWATER and now recent graduate of the Mandela Washington Fellowship in America, ‘the flagship program of the U.S. Government's Young African Leaders Initiative’. Oscar headed to America this summer to spend a couple of months enrolled on the Fellowship, and has returned full of ideas and thoughts that he shares with us below. Read on to find about his key takeaways from the fellowship (as well as from restaurants- buffalo chicken anyone?), his highlights from the trip, and the incredible people he has met along the way.?

Professional, I have always been a big believer in expanding my network as much as possible. This year it led me to taking part in the Mandela Washington Fellowship Program, based in The State University of New Jersey, America. This exceptional program is dedicated to fostering connections between young African leaders, providing a remarkable opportunity to collectively explore initiatives and solutions that are tailored to the unique context of Africa. I specifically chose the business track (out of a couple of options, such as public management and civic engagement), because I wanted to bolster my business skills. I believe having an understanding of business is an essential skill necessary to develop sustainable water projects that are resilient to disasters and climate emergences. Sustainable water management requires innovative entrepreneurship strategies, funding models, and partnerships.

During my time there, I gained valuable insights that have significantly enriched my perspective. A pivotal realisation was the imperative role of Africa's youth in problem-solving, especially considering that Africa's youth population constitutes approximately 60% of its total population, making it the largest, and the fastest growing population in the world. Witnessing the potential of young individuals to drive meaningful change underscored the necessity of centring their efforts in addressing Africa's contextual issues. Encouraging their involvement and providing opportunities for them to contribute emerged as a clear takeaway. Furthermore, the power of shared experiences became evident through interactions with fellow young African leaders. Despite unique contexts, a common thread emerged: Africa’s water challenges. Collaborative partnerships transcending borders emerged as essential to address issues encompassing limited private investments, deteriorating water reticulation systems, and a scarcity of innovative technologies within the sector. Overall, this experience has indelibly shaped my approach to water management and problem-solving, equipping me with strategic insights and a broader network to drive impactful change in Africa's water sector.

Another highlight was the Fellowship Summit, where distinguished guests like Secretary of State Antony Blinken and the Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, Elizabeth Allen, alongside USAID Administrator, Samantha Power and Kickstarter CEO, Everette Taylor shared their wisdom, addressing a new cohort of Fellowship Alumni and promoting youth engagement in high level decisions. A conversation with renowned advocate for change, Moky Makura, left us empowered to face upcoming challenges and sharing our African stories to the world. We engaged with the Washington DC Mayor's office, discussing African affairs in the city and collaborative efforts. During the summit, we visited notable landmarks including the National Museum of African American History and Culture, Washington DC monuments, the White House, and the Capitol building.

My visit to the National Museum of African American History and Culture held a personal touch. Seeing the historical narrative of the legendary Lakers player Kobe Bryant was profoundly inspiring. Bryant's "Mamba Mentality" of ceaseless self-improvement has been my guiding light as I navigate the professional world, particularly in the water sector. His influence has given me the belief that there are no limits to the difference I can make.

Outside of the trips as part of the Fellowship, exploring America as a tourist it also gave me many new experiences too. One of my most memorable was stepping foot on the streets of Manhattan downtown. It felt like walking into a cinematic scene, where Times Square embodied the vibrant hustle of New York as often portrayed on screens. The concrete jungle truly lived up to its reputation. Exploring iconic sites such as the World Trade Centre brought about emotional reflections, connecting me to historical moments witnessed through news coverage over a decade ago. Venturing through Lower Manhattan, strolling across the Brooklyn Bridge, and attending a thrilling baseball game between the Giants and Mets at Citi Field added to the adventure.?Whenever hunger struck from all the walking, my immediate craving was for a buffalo chicken wrap- my new favourite delicacy!

There are three key takeaways from the Fellowship that I am going to apply at eWATER, reflecting my commitment to advancing eWATER’s mission by nurturing leadership, fostering growth, and enhancing community relationships:

1) Empowering Youth Leadership

Inspired by the course, I plan to initiate leadership training for young collaborators in my team. This will foster excellence, teamwork, and a professional ethos, aligning with eWATER’s ethos of impactful work.

2) Strategic Business Expansion

Leveraging newfound business skills and professional networks, I aim to bolster eWATER’s presence in East Africa and beyond. Strengthening partnerships and cultivating clients will help us enhance services and outreach, aligning with our growth objectives.

3) Inclusive Community Engagement

In line with the course's teachings, I intend to enhance community involvement at project development stage. This inclusivity will deepen understanding and foster collaboration, allowing eWATER to better serve the communities we engage with.

As a participant in these networks and programs, I find myself at the crossroads of global collaboration and targeted problem-solving and I encourage young Africans to apply for these opportunities for their own professional development. I'm excited to continue contributing to these transformative endeavours at eWATER, driven by a shared commitment to driving positive change to the water sector across Africa.