March-April 2024

Past editions of the Fellows Flyer are available here.

Dear Friends of PiAf,

I hope April finds you well. For our PiAf community, these past two months have brought a sense of reunion and rejuvenation. We embarked on our annual retreat to Kigali, Rwanda during the early days of March to nurture the connections we’d made during orientation. Some highlights include:

  • 📒Visiting the beautiful campus of our longtime partner, African Leadership University (ALU) and facilitating our group sessions in that great space, with ALU students also joining as participants.
  • 🌱Learning about the grassroots advocacy work of the Nyamirambo Women’s Center and taking a walking tour of the neighborhood.
  • 👔Meeting accomplished professionals working on the continent through the PiAf career panel and the international networking event. 

To learn more about our retreat, head over to our Instagram or Facebook page.

This month will also mark the halfway point of their fellowships for our Fellows. Read more about our Fellows’ 6 month experience in their field notes below, from South Africa to Ghana to Tanzania, featuring:

In addition to the retreat, our staff members flew to 7 countries to connect with our partner host organizations, both old and new, and to prepare for the upcoming fellowship cycle. Their photos are attached at the end of this letter.

PiAf also welcomed on board Tim Cummings as the new Development Director. Tim is a mission-driven, innovative, and seasoned leader with 20+ years of experience in the social impact sector. Click here to learn more about Tim and connect with him. 

As you are aware, this year marks the 25th Anniversary for our organization. Over the course of the next 12-months, we will be hosting a series of events that will culminate in our 25th Anniversary gala in NYC in April 2025. Our first event – an ‘Impact Dinner’ bringing together thought leaders who are passionate about African affairs – will take place in Washington DC at the end of this month. We look forward to celebrating PiAf’s impactful history and presence with you over the course of the upcoming year.

As always, thank you for your support of our ever-expanding program. Over the past 25 years, we’ve placed 700+ Fellows on the continent, and we truly feel like we are just getting started.

In gratitude,

Dami Akinyele

Executive Director

Our Program Director, Stephanie Leroy, with Pius Abijuru and Vivian Kayitesi of Entrepreneurial Solutions Partners (ESP) in Kigali, Rwanda

Stephanie again with Team Megnacio Co. Ltd. in Tanzania

Our Program Manager, Emma Claire Jones, with the Farming Out of Poverty (FOOP) team in Sierra Leone

  • Notes from the Field

     By Muhannad Alramlawi, '23-24 Fellow with African Leadership Academy

    My experience at African Leadership Academy (ALA) has provided me with the opportunity to build on my consulting background, by allowing me to apply problem solving frameworks and project management skills to the education sector.

    As Chief of Staff to the Dean of the Academy, I wear many different hats. Mainly, I contribute to (i) building systems for tracking student and staff data and using these systems to generate insights for decision-making, (ii) streamlining, developing, and enforcing school-related policies and procedures, and (iii) managing special projects and initiatives within the Diploma Program as they come up.Muhannad is the Chief of Staff to the Dean of the Academy.

    Working at a pan-African school has given me the chance to interact with students from across the continent on a day-to-day basis. I am an Advisor to a group of eight students, supporting their academic and co-curricular trajectories, advocating for their needs, and helping them access appropriate resources. I also live on campus and serve as a Hall Head  for one of the student halls. 

    Outside of work, I have enjoyed experiencing Johannesburg’s vibrancy, from its diversity to its natural beauty to its thriving arts and cultural scene.

    All the best,

    Muhannad

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  • Notes from the Field

     By MaCie' Moore, '23-24 Fellow with International Livestock Research Institute

    Hello! My name is MaCie’ Moore, and I am currently working as a 2023-2024 Business Planning and Analytics Fellow for the International Livestock Research Institute in Nairobi, Kenya. As part of my fellowship, I have had the amazing opportunity to witness and be a part of the inner workings of an international global research non-profit. My work involves assisting with process improvement, business development, and project management as part of the corporate services team. I help with the business planning process, donor development, project management workflows, and ILRI-wide policy updates and process improvements. This experience has allowed me to lead significant organizational reporting and experience the non-profit business side. Through my position, I am helping to make the ILRI mission a reality by addressing the organization’s business needs.

    Living and working in Nairobi has been an incredible adventure. I have enjoyed immersing myself in the arts, attending paint and sip events, pottery classes, local artist pop-up shops, Swahili language lessons, and attending music and art festivals in my free time. Nairobi has a beautiful, young,
    vibrant artist scene, and it is truly a city where anything and everything is possible that I have come to love and enjoy.  

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  • Notes from the Field

     By Kanyinsola Oye, '23-24 Fellow with Equal Education

    Greetings everyone! I’m thrilled to share the latest from my journey at Equal Education:

    As a Fellow with the Research and Communications Team, I’ve been involved in publishing and editing our annual newsletter. This edition features insightful contributions from students, thought-provoking op-eds, and essential data on education laws shaping South Africa’s landscape.

    Crafting this newsletter has been immensely rewarding, providing valuable insights into the intricacies of the education system here. Additionally, I’ve been busy creating engaging social media cards to connect with our members and amplify our message.

    Beyond the professional realm, I’ve had the privilege of forming enduring bonds with my colleagues. Sharing meals, laughter, and meaningful conversations has been a highlight of my time here, deepening my connection to the incredible work we do.

    Moreover, I’ve had the honor of engaging with esteemed elders in the community, learning from their wealth of experience in grassroots organizing. Their stories and perspectives have greatly influenced my vision for future endeavors in education policy back home in the States.

    I’m filled with gratitude for these enriching experiences and look forward to continuing this journey of impact and growth!


     

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  • Notes from the Field

     By Drew Hofer, '23-24 Fellow with Pangea Africa

    At Pangea Africa in Accra, Ghana, I’ve been supporting local agribusinesses in accessing growth capital. I work closely with company executives to understand their business and growth aspirations, and facilitate engagements with local and international impact investors.

    I’m excited for the upcoming months and the promising results on the horizon, specifically closing deals that will unlock the necessary capital to support our client’s growth. It’s been an incredibly rewarding experience getting to know the amazing entrepreneurs in this space, and I’m looking forward to deepening these relationships, meeting new people, and expanding my knowledge of Ghana’s agribusiness industry.



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  • Notes from the Field

     By Eloah Makassi, '23-24 Fellow with Tanzania Education Corporation

    Embarking on my fellowship journey with Tanzania Education Corporation (TEC) has been an enriching experience, both professionally and personally. As I immerse myself in the vibrant community, I find myself not only fulfilling my responsibilities but also discovering facets of myself that contribute to personal growth. 

    My initial apprehensions about integrating into a rural setting were quickly dispelled as I found my stride within the community. TEC has empowered me to actively listen to the community’s needs, enabling me to make meaningful contributions.

    One of my significant undertakings has been organizing a teacher training program aimed at fostering the development of African professionals in STEM fields. This initiative aligns with my academic research interests and underscores my commitment to preparing African youth for the workforce for the challenges of the 4th Industrial Revolution and the Green economy. Witnessing the direct impact of this training reaffirms my dedication to the cause. 

    Additionally, I’ve initiated projects to enhance our infrastructure, ensuring that students have access to cutting-edge technology. This endeavor not only broadens their knowledge but also equips them with essential skills for the modern world. 

    My fellowship experience at TEC has been profoundly rewarding, fueling my passion to effect positive change in the community. I am grateful for the opportunity to make a tangible difference and look forward to further collaborations and achievements in the months ahead.

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Our History

In 1999, a group of Princeton alumni, faculty, and staff launched Princeton in Africa as an independent affiliate of Princeton University inspired by the University’s informal motto, “Princeton in the Nation’s Service and in the Service of All Nations.” In 2010, the program opened up to include graduates of any US accredited university in order to meet the growing demand from host organizations and allow more young professionals access to the unique opportunities afforded by PiAf. During the past 20 years, we have placed over 600 Fellows with more than 100 organizations in 36 countries, while developing more strategic partnerships across Africa and creating more opportunities for our alumni community to engage with the continent and with one another.

Testimonials

The International Rescue Committee has been so fortunate to have had a longstanding relationship with Princeton in Africa since our very first Fellows landed in Rwanda in 1999.  Whether it was Emily or Renee in 1999 or the 110 Fellows across 14 IRC countries over the years, we have been blessed by the relationship, the quality of the Fellows and the impact on what IRC does on the ground every single day.

Brian Johnson
Chief Human Resources Officer
International Rescue Committee

My fellowship has been the most impactful personal and professional development opportunity of my life. I wanted a post-college experience that would push my limits, expand my comfort zone, and help me discern the next steps in my career journey. And this has been the case.

Ryan Elliott
2014-15 Fellow
Baylor Pediatric AIDS Initiative in Lesotho

I can honestly say that this year has changed my life and my view of what’s possible for the future. Princeton in Africa isn’t just a one-year fellowship, it’s an introduction to a particular way of life and a new way of thinking about the world. I feel like so many doors are open now that I never would have considered before.

Katie Fackler
2010-11 Fellow
UN World Food Programme

My Princeton in Africa fellowship was everything I could have hoped for and much more. The myriad of experiences makes my head swim, and it has strengthened my desire to help underserved populations worldwide.

David Bartels
2006-2007 Fellow
Baylor Pediatric AIDS Initiative

Princeton in Africa was an invaluable experience for me. I learned an infinite amount through my work and through living in Uganda. I also realized that I want to continue working on African issues as long as I can.

Alexis Okeowo
2006-2007 Fellow
The New Vision

The International Rescue Committee’s experience with Princeton in Africa has been exceptional. Each Fellow brings excellent writing and analytical skills as well as unique interests and passions that enrich the program and the field office environment. We were so pleased we expanded the program to more field offices.

Susan Riehl
Human Resources, IRC

The Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation has been working in Africa for over 11 years through its Secure the Future program.  One common theme in all aspects of program implementation is having passionate, energetic individuals on the ground who can think outside the box and then transfer the skills for sustainability.  The Princeton In Africa Fellows have been a huge asset in this regard and our programs and patients have been better for it.

John Damonti
President, Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation