Explore every episode of the podcast YALI Network Radio

https://yali.state.gov/yali-voices-podcast-ondela-mlandu-and-emanuel-ssekitto-kalule-social-entrepreneurs-fostering-relationships-and-building-community/ In this episode of the YALI Voices podcast, we’re talking with Ondela Mlandu from South Africa and Emmanuel Ssekitto Kalule from Uganda. In addition to being YALI Network members and 2024 Mandela Washington Fellows, both Ssekitto and Ondela are social entrepreneurs who have founded organizations that serve their personal drive to improve lives by bringing people into a supportive community. Ssekitto is the founder of Faces Up Uganda, an organization that uses art and self- expression as a method for positive change. He sees social entrepreneurship as a powerful way to address the psychosocial conditions that adversely impact everyday life, then change the personal narrative toward something more positive. Today we chat about person-to-person connection, inspiring others for a better future, and how changemaking benefits communities by benefiting individuals. Ondela is a media and communications specialist who is passionate about leading social change for women and girls at the grassroots level. She is the principal behind Authoric Communications, which serves as a space for young women of color in South Africa to seek mentorship and support for amplifying each other’s voices. The organization started with practical focuses such as health and well-being, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship. Since then, participants have formed business partnerships and used Ondela’s organization as a launchpad to great futures. To follow what Ondela and Ssekitto are doing, check out their social media links here: Ondela linkedin.com/in/ondela-mlandu Ssekitto https://www.instagram.com/facesupuganda

In this episode of the YALI Voices podcast, we’re sitting down to talk with Festus Moses from Nigeria. In addition to being a YALI Network member and 2024 Mandela Washington Fellow, Festus is an entrepreneur who — while building his footwear and leather goods business — saw the need for increased skills training and education. Festus has taught over 100 young people the art of leather craftsmanship. This training, along with business development classes, has empowered these students to start their own entrepreneurial journeys. Festus is a self-described “growth addict” who believes that each of us has the power to learn how to identify goals and accomplish the small steps needed to attain them for both personal and professional growth. He sees entrepreneurship as a way for all people to make positive economic changes for themselves and their community. Today we chat about mentorship, skills training, and Festus’ belief that business is about the people who make it a success. To follow what Festus is doing, check out his social media links here: https://www.instagram.com/moss_collections/ https://ng.linkedin.com/in/festus-moses-13217b125

In this episode of the YALI Voices podcast, we’re sitting down to talk with David Jeng at the 2024 Mandela Washington Fellowship Summit in Washington. David is from The Gambia and in addition to being a 2024 Mandela Washington Fellow, he is an intellectual property law and rights expert. He has built businesses and is a board member of The Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and an advocate for private sector initiatives that help businesses thrive. David has a deep commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship, especially when it comes to small- and medium-sized enterprises, or SME’s. He sees small businesses as the foundation on which great communities are built. We chat about business, mentorship, and the importance of people who are real changemakers.

https://yali.state.gov/roni-kanuono-turns-discarded-bottles-into-something-amazing-building-furniture-from-plastic-waste/ In this episode of the YALI Voices podcast, we’re honored to be speaking with Roni Kanuono from Cameroon. After working with an environmental NGO for a number of years, he decided to use the lessons he learned there and started his own! His organization, For A Green World, is dedicated to reducing plastic pollution in a most innovative way. Talking with Roni, it is clear that what we see each day as pollution and plastic waste can be repurposed into useful, even beautiful, objects. And he wants to make sure that others in his community and beyond are able to learn to make something new out of something ordinary. Roni Kanuono Social: https://x.com/KanouoRoni?s=08 For A Green World Website: https://chanasdigital.com/foragreenworld

YALI Voices Podcast: Lilian Kaivilu is Making an Impact Training Citizen Journalists by YALI Network Radio

YALI Voices Podcast: Chiedza Makwara on Succeeding and Supporting Women Through Good Times and Bad by YALI Network Radio

YALI Voices Podcast: Dina Cirillo on Protecting the Rights of Women and Girls in South Sudan by YALI Network Radio

YALI Voices Podcast: Wuraoluwa Ayodele and Masele Msita on Speaking Up and Being Heard by YALI Network Radio

YALI Voices Podcast: Melene Rossouw’s Movement for Women’s Leadership in South Africa by YALI Network Radio

YALI Voices Podcast: Eunice Achenda Peter on Professionalism and Good Governance by YALI Network Radio

YALI Voices Podcast: Patrick Stephenson Wants More Citizen Involvement with Public Policy by YALI Network Radio

YALI Voices Podcast: Ebrima Sonko on Social Justice, Fairness, and Equity by YALI Network Radio

YALI Voices Podcast: Adesola Adedokun Ajayi Working to Provide Opportunities for All by YALI Network Radio

YALI Voices Podcast: Entrepreneur Corine Hounsou is Building a Global Brand by YALI Network Radio

YALI Voices Podcast: Juliet Odhiambo Says Financial Literacy is the Key to Economic Success by YALI Network Radio

YALI Voices Podcast: Steve Zita Mentors Youth to be Successful Business Leaders by YALI Network Radio

YALI Voices Podcast: Robson Mamba Believes in a Comprehensive Approach to Service by YALI Network Radio

YALI Voices Podcast: James Amugsi on Service and Volunteerism in his Community by YALI Network Radio

YALI Voices Podcast: Suleiman Makore on Wildlife in Zimbabwe by YALI Network Radio

YALI Voices Podcast: Ama Duncan Brings Women Together in the Fabulous Woman Network by YALI Network Radio

YALI Voices Podcast: Nombuso Simelane Wants Girls to Glow in Eswatini by YALI Network Radio

YALI Voices Podcast: Nangamso Koza is Bringing Educational Opportunity to the Eastern Cape by YALI Network Radio

YALI Voices Podcast: Abisoye Ajayi-Akinfolarin is a Hero to At-risk Girls in Nigeria by YALI Network Radio

YALI Voices Podcast Nozipho Dlali Seeks Equal Justice for All by YALI Network Radio

YALI Voices Podcast: Shaban Senyange Talks Raising Awareness on Wildlife Conservation in Uganda by YALI Network Radio

YALI Voices Podcast: Phyllis Zyambo Is Empowering Rural Women and Youth by YALI Network Radio

YALI Voices Podcast: Tshinde Matos On Science, Entrepreneurship and Food Insecurity by YALI Network Radio

YALI Voices Podcast: Senegal’s Awa Thiam Uses Data to Link Farmers with Schools in Need by YALI Network Radio

YALI Voices Podcast: Zimbabwe’s Leon Damba Talks Agriprocessing and Catering to His Customers by YALI Network Radio

YALI Voices Podcast: Mystere Belmamou Diksia on Agribusiness and Building Resilience in Communities by YALI Network Radio

YALI Voices Podcast: Auxence Muhigwa Talks Producing Healthy Soybean Oil in the DRC by YALI Network Radio

YALI Voices Podcast: For Gcina Dlamini Success as an Agripreneur Started Early by YALI Network Radio

YALI Voices Podcast: Constance Munyenyembe is Looking for a Few Good Agripreneurs by YALI Network Radio

YALI Voices Podcast Felicity Walu Tells Nigerians to Run From Danger But Not From Voting by YALI Network Radio

YALI Voices Podcast: Muazu Modu Challenges the Status Quo in Nigeria by YALI Network Radio

YALI Voices Podcast: Pokyes Richard Sati Rides the Potato Value Chain to Success by YALI Network Radio

YALI Voices Podcast: Peter Ayeni believes Nigerian youth are ready to lead by YALI Network Radio

YALI Voices Podcast: Clifford Akonteh and the Power of Positive Energy in Cameroon by YALI Network Radio

STEM education for young girls has been overlooked in many places around the world, but Uchenna Onwuamaegbu-Ugwu is working hard to change that. As the founder and CEO of Edufun Technik, she is providing STEM learning and resources to schools and students in eastern Nigeria. Uchenna, a 2017 Mandela Washington Fellow, advocates for youth empowerment through hands-on learning, and she shares how she hopes to shape the next generation of change-makers in Africa. Read more and find the transcript on the YALI Blog: yali.state.gov/yali-voices-podcast-uchenna-onwuamaegbu-ugwu-brings-stem-education-to-nigerian-girls

Growing up near Soweto, South Africa, Bongekile Radebe understood both history and economic hardship firsthand. As the founder of Taste of Legends, Radebe inspires other young women to become business leaders, develop useful wellness techniques and engage in tea agriculture in South Africa. Find the transcript: https://yali.state.gov/yali-voices-podcast-bongekile-radebe-on-legacy-responsibility-and-building-her-brand/

Nkem Okocha's experience working in banking helped her learn how to devise a system in which she would provide loans to women as a way to help them jumpstart plans for businesses they didn't have the means to start on their own. Find the transcript at: https://yali.state.gov/yali-voices-podcast-nkem-okochas-mamamoni-finances-womens-entrepreneurship-in-nigeria/

Jacquline Bayowa, A 2017 Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumnae, Owns and operates a restaurant called Hot Seven in Arua, she’s committed to inspiring girls in Uganda to succeed through business and entrepreneurship. Find more: https://yali.state.gov/yali-voices-podcast-jackline-bayoa-inspiring-girls-uganda/

Neema Kiswaga of Tanzania is creating a permanent solution that guides and mentor youth to realize and achieve their goals. Read more at yali.state.gov/yali-voices-podcast-neema-kiswaga-creates-ladder-leadership-youth

Although she was born with a disability, Rigbe Gebrehawariat realized that changing her attitude has opened doors to opportunity. Learn more: yali.state.gov/yali-voices-rigbe-gebrehawariat-empowering-people-with-disabilities

Sharifu Kiragga Tusuubira understands the challenges and stigma surrounding sickle cell disease, having been born with sickle cell and facing discrimination throughout his life. Now, as the executive director of the Uganda Sickle Cell Rescue Foundation, Sharifu brings hope as he works in communities across Uganda to reduce the stigma regarding sickle cell disease. Read more and find the transcript: https://goo.gl/Whjs9p

Kingdom Uchenna Nwanyanwu, the founder and president of DEHAT Ability Support Initiative (DASI), is an advocate that aims to reduce violence and stigma and train educators in sign language so that they may teach the deaf and hearing-impaired community. Read more: yali.state.gov/yali-voices-kingdom-u-nwanyanwu-education-advocacy-hearing-impaired

Meet two energetic and committed young leaders who are working on the front lines of youth leadership and community engagement. Find more at: yali.state.gov/yali-voices-podcast-ugandas-elizabeth-kasujja-talks-bakary-fatty-mental-health-healing

Abubakar sees his role as a physician and as an advocate for his patients and his community. Read more about his work in maternal and child healthcare. Read more at: https://goo.gl/xwcwdj

Israel Bimpe is the first African president of the International Pharmaceutical Students' Federation and helps designs community public health campaigns to get people to think of health from a holistic standpoint. Learn more about his work: yali.state.gov/yali-voices-podcast-israel-bimpe-takes-a-holistic-approach-to-health-care

Ntsali Khesa is making great strides in helping reduce the stigma and discrimination around HIV/AIDS in Lesotho. Having worked as a counselor for almost 10 years, she now focuses many of her efforts on outreach and helping individuals access treatment, prevention education and therapeutic resources needed to live their best lives. Read more: https://yali.state.gov/yali-voices-raise-awareness-hivaids-lesotho/