The US government exchange programmes bring together Nigerian youth with vision, skills, and experience to design and implement projects that benefit their communities.
The United States Consulate in Lagos hosted a graduation ceremony to honour the accomplishments of 17 young Nigerians who comprised the Carrington Youth Fellowship Initiative’s 2021 cohort (CYFI).
During the 12-month fellowship, the 17 graduating fellows, aged 21-35, were selected through a competitive process and implemented social service projects focused on health, education, civil liberties, the environment, and economic empowerment. During the 2021 cohort’s graduation ceremony, US Consulate Public Affairs Officer Stephen Ibelli emphasised the positive impact the initiative has had on local communities since its inception in 2011.
He praised the graduating fellows for their selfless service and dedication to the values advocated by the late US Ambassador to Nigeria, Walter Carrington, after whom the initiative is named.
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“You founded a farmers’ business school and taught 30 rural farmers how to farm sustainably.” You taught 30 children in Lagos juvenile homes ICT skills and advocated for policy changes in juvenile administration. “You taught basic recycling skills to rural women and trained public school teachers on how to use modern teaching methods and aids.” The projects carried out by the CYFI cohort of 2021 are truly inspiring. These are significant and influential projects. “You’ve laid solid groundwork for future work, and I’m excited to see where these initiatives go from here,” Ibelli added.
Ibelli welcomed the graduating CYFI fellows to the prestigious and vast network of like-minded and highly regarded professionals across the country. “I encourage you to join the exchange alumni group so that you can continue to grow and support one another,” he said.
Dr. Arese Carrington, wife of late Ambassador Carrington, congratulated the 2021 cohort and urged them to continue to be examples of honesty and concern for the welfare of the less fortunate.
“The innovative projects you designed and implemented over the past year had a positive impact on people’s lives.” Never stop dreaming or daring to make the necessary changes because you are the future’s hope,” Dr. Carrington added.
CYFI is based on year-long social innovation projects designed by fellows and funded by the US Consulate and private partners. The 2021 class is the first to graduate since Ambassador Carrington’s death.
CYFI has graduated 174 exceptional young Nigerians who bring a wealth of knowledge and skills to the table and share a common vision of positively impacting Nigerian society.
Young Nigerians who are motivated and self-driven to become CYFI fellows can apply by filling out the application form at:
