By CTW Team

20 students from USIU-Africa are set to graduate from the 2020 cohort of the Millennium Fellowship Leadership Development Program, organized by United Nations Academic Impact and Millennium Campus Network (MCN). The virtual graduation is set for Wednesday, November 18, 2020.

The United Nations Academic Impact is an initiative that aligns institutions of higher education with the United Nations in supporting and contributing to the realization of United Nations goals and mandates, including the promotion and protection of human rights, access to education, sustainability and conflict resolution. This year, only 1,000 Millennium Fellows across 80 campuses were selected from a pool of over 15,000 applicants from 1,458 campuses worldwide.

The 20 students representing the university include Mikhail Ben Nyamweya (Senior, IR), who was selected as Campus Director, Tara Thiani (5th Year, Pharmacy), Ted Mitchell Apondi (Sophomore, IR), Coralie Irenge (Sophomore, Epidemiology and Biostatistics), Manasseh Baraka (Senior, IR), Joy Michelle Moraa (Senior, IR), Esther Syombua Ndaka (Junior, Epidemiology and Biostatistics), Osman Siyat Osman (Junior, Epidemiology and Biostatistics), Joy Murugi Muriithi(Junior, IR), Muthoni Kibaara (5th Year, Pharmacy), Frida Chege (Senior, IR), Mary Wangui Kibe (Junior, IR), Michel Ushindi Lunanga (Sophomore, IBA), Esther Isack Mkilania (Sophomore, IBA), Arnold Birasa (Sophomore, Epidemiology and Biostatistics), Karen Njoroge (Senior, IR), Timon Onyango (Junior, Epidemiology and Biostatistics), Rejoice Ruth David-Decker (Junior, Journalism), Prudence Wanjiru Komu (Junior, IR) and Wendy Ochola (Senior, IR).

Speaking to the CTW Team, Tara Thiani, noted that being a Millenium Fellow was an affirmation of the power of the youth to advance the achievement of UN Sustainable Development Goals, adding that the experience served to broaden her worldview on matters of global interest.

"I was excited to be a Millennium Fellow because it enabled me to work with a diverse group of people from all walks of earth and from diverse backgrounds. It has also enabled me to gain good leadership skills that will help me now and in the future. Working alongside other youth also allowed me to develop my social and communication skills, which will be critical in the success of my future career, “ she said.

The event will be streamed live by the United Nations, with over 1,200 people confirming their attendance. Should you wish to attend the event, click here. To learn more about the call for applications for the next cohort of scholars, click here.