My Experience at YYAS 2018, by Nana Adwoa Abban

I am Nana Adwoa Abban. I'm 17 years of age and in my final year. I attended the Ghana session in 2018. I got accepted for the YYAS program during my second year of high school. I was browsing the internet and I found out that the YYAS application was open. I hesitated before applying because it was left with only two days to resume school and unfortunately, phones are not allowed in my school. I started the whole application and completed it on the second day.



I left for school and when I came back, saw a message that I had been accepted into the program. I was very happy.

The YYAS program has really helped me, both in my academic life and social life. It introduced me to so many things that I didn't know about. First of all, the cultural diversity of the countries made the program fun too. I got to learn about many cultures.



In my academic life, the seminars helped me. Some seminars that I took were entitled: "How to Think", "Automated Cars", "How to Get away with Lying" and "Sports and Philosophy". These seminars broadened my scope. I got more information about some things I didn't know. The university guidance session was also very useful as we were taught when, how and where we should apply for various universities. We were also given financial aid guidance and informed about the mistakes people always make when applying for universities so that we'll avoid them.



The SAT lessons helped me to practice my SAT. During the program, we wrote a practice SAT and that was my first. The discussion of the various parts and more practice have now made me better in SAT.

At the end of everyday, we broke out into our workshop groups. During workshop, we discussed all that happened during the day and our problems were addressed during that period. My workshop group is my family for the program. It helped me to socialise with the people in my workshop.

The Yale Young African Scholars program is a very good program. It enhances your academic skills and improves upon your social life as you get to meet people from all over the continent. I urge all of you eligible to apply for this program because it'll make a difference in your life as it has done to mine!

My Awesome Experience at YYAS...Oh, What a Summer! By Christian Sunday

Christian (left) with some of his new friends from YYAS last year!

My name is Christian Sunday and I am from Nigeria. Fortunately, I participated in the Yale Young African Scholars Program that took place last year at Tema International School outside Accra, Ghana. Its a pleasure sharing my experience of this great summer.

Initially, I saw YYAS on Google as one of the educational opportunities for African students. I kept thinking about the program, so, I gave it a try. I was anxious as I struggled to complete the application on time but I finally submitted. Then, in late March I got an email. 

Lo and behold, I read my admission letter and was accepted into YYAS. I couldn't believe my eyes — I asked my brother to read as well just to be sure. Being accepted for such an opportunity as a secondary school student, having never applied for something like that before, was such a fabulous feeling.

Oh, what a summer! My YYAS experience was a mix of emotions. It was fun meeting new friends from all across the continent of Africa. I met outstanding students of high intelligent quotients and it was quite exhilarating sharing experiences with them. Thanks to Miss Esther, the SAT tutor. She teaches eloquently and I really benefited from her because before YYAS, I was not very familiar with SAT, but now feel much more confident in my test-taking abilities!

I also met different admission officers from diverse universities and institutions—not just in the United States, but around the world, and even in Africa. And, lest I forget, our cohort received university guidance by the Program Manager, Laura. I benefited greatly from learning what a Liberal Arts Curriculum means and various financial aid processes and statistics.

During the program, I attended lectures delivered by Yale University faculty members and seminars covering a wide range of interesting topics. I had one seminar taught by Lizzie who told us about 'Biological Barriers' and focused on gene modification. And how can I forget my workshop instructor Malaika?! She would always stop us from calling her 'Ma' since it makes her feel old, but my peers and I really look up to her. She even did YYAS herself when she was in high school!

I can't afford to exclude the fabulous talent show which was extremely interesting. The evening was filled with glamours of applauding performances. I performed Shaku-Shaku dance moves and people loved it! I also had fun doing the Ghanaian traditional dance moves and seeing another display of cultural heritage.

I will always remember when the program drew to a close and that moment when everyone began to cry because the panic of having to say goodbye began to set. As I'm reminded of this, there is a proverb that comes to mind which is, "A tree cannot make a forest." Together we are one, and I'm so happy for my summer experience.

To all my fellow Africans who have applied to the program — YYAS is REAL. Smile knowing that your application is complete. You've done the hard part already! As you wait for the results, just breathe and keep persevering. The sky is your limit! 

My Experience at YYAS, by Damian Rantshabeng

Damian (center) with two new friends at YYAS 2018 in Rwanda.

The Yale Young African Scholars program (YYAS) is an intensive enrichment program aimed at equipping high school students with information and skills that will make their transition from high school to university as smooth as possible.

My application to the YYAS program was a typical mock application of how applying to university will actually feel like. I was required to write up multiple essays where I had to SHOW, not TELL, why I thought I deserved this opportunity amongst over 2,000 applicants from all over Africa. I was a bit doubtful about my chances of getting in but after putting together all the required documents, I submitted my application and was successful!

High school students go through a tough time deciding what step to take after their last year, such as knowing how to conduct their university research, if a gap year would be a wiser path to take to kind of discover their interests, and what to study in university. I applied to YYAS because I wanted these questions answered. I’d been to a lot of career guidance sessions and university expositions but I seemed to always come from them more confused about my future.

During the YYAS program I was given the privilege to interact with high school students from over thirty-seven countries across Africa. From fun games to educational discussions, I was always presented with an opportunity to learn something new. I love cultural exchanges and meeting new people so I made it a goal to engage in a conversation with at least two new people every day. We shared four different meals of the day at the school cafeteria of Gashora Girls Academy of Science and Technology in Gashora Village, Rwanda. There is nothing more fulfilling than sitting at a table with more than seven nationalities and still being able to relate on so many levels. I didn’t even have to explain my jokes! This made me realize that with all boarders and barriers down, we are one, which warmed my heart.

Over the course of eight days we took a diagnostic SAT practice test, attended lectures by highly qualified faculty of Yale University, received in depth overviews of university guidance and financial aid applications, and had our own exclusive university fair, to mention a few things. Our day-to-day schedule was comfortably strict, again, preparing us for university life. The informative lectures broadened my mind about so many things in Africa. Some of them titled, “The Future of Medical Imaging in Africa,” and “Desert Futures: Re-imagining the Sahara,” opened my eyes to the potential the African continent possesses. I now see more than I used to. 

Being surrounded by the brightest and most self-driven African high school students can only catalyze your personal growth as an individual. Not only was I challenged to always think outside the box but I was also presented with an environment to confidently express myself and my views. Before YYAS, it took a lot for me to stand up in front of a classroom of people but I saw myself stand up in front of over 100 students without hesitation. My name was even raised by multiple instructors as the perfect candidate to be the Master of Ceremony at the YYAS 2018 Talent show on the second last night of the program. I left YYAS feeling more certain about my future and what I’d like to do. I’ve gained skills on how to go about my university research and key factors to look out for. I know what admissions officers look for in personal statements, and standardized tests like the SAT no longer intimidate me.

If there is anything in this world that has made the biggest impact on my life, the Yale Young African Scholars Program is it. “A lot of opportunities in life are missed by many people because they are dressed in overalls and look like work,” Thomas A. Edison once said.  Never limit yourself to the fences of your comfort zone. I almost made the mistake of missing out on a once in a lifetime opportunity because I thought I lacked enough knowledge about current affairs and achievements to make me stand out from the crowd, but the YYAS Team saw something in me. Whatever opportunity is thrown at you, I say DIVE IN! You have nothing to lose.

Ten Days at YYAS: How I Fell in Love with Africa, by Dzifianu Edoh-Torgah

Ten days is equivalent to 14,400 minutes, which is equivalent to 864,000 seconds. All of this time, to my young mind, seemed like all the time in the world. However, I am extremely grateful and fortunate to have spent those ten days doing something extraordinary and special.

During this time I fell in love with myself and Africa at an enrichment program known as the Yale Young African Scholars Program. I was lucky enough to embark on this adventure with my older sister and 148 other brilliant African teenagers. The experience was life changing, and it opened my eyes to so many different things. 

Every single morning, I woke up with a smile on my face. I walked around the campus with a delighted spring in my step. The entire program was very intense, and I had never done anything like it before. Not even close to it. Of course, there was reasonable sleep time, but during the day, there were back-to-back activities that demanded 110 percent energy. From the SAT lectures, which I expected to be boring but were rather involving and fun, to the seminars which were quite frankly mind blowing—everything was spectacular.

Dzifianu with her sister at YYAS 2018 in Ghana.

One of my best experiences was my seminar on African Feminism. Before YYAS I did consider myself a starting feminist, and I was eager to know more about what this entailed. I was pleasantly surprised when I walked into the room and met three males already seated. They were outnumbered by us girls, but they were there all the same. The girls and I exchanged stories on our experiences, and I learnt something new that hot afternoon: Gender inequality is everywhere. A girl from South Africa was mistreated or stereotyped in the exact same or similar way as I all the way here in Ghana. And so was another girl in Tanzania.

By the end of the seminar the three boys had become feminists: they began to better understand the challenges that many women face in the world. Through constructive dialogue, debate, and discussion, together we were able to share viewpoints and tackle larger issues such as misconceptions and stereotypes about women.

But we also talked about was stereotypes against boys, which I didn’t know we would examine but I’m glad we did. For example, the question, “why aren’t boys allowed to cry?” was asked. As a class, we delved deeper into the subject and realized that there are several double standards in our societies that are set up against not just girls, but boys as well. Obviously, we didn’t find a way to end gender inequality, but we were able to talk about concrete steps to end this disparity and I believe the world is a little bit better because, out of that one seminar emerged twelve young adults with the agreed mindset that both genders are equal, and who are now advocates for what they believe in. This seminar was so inspiring in fact, that we made a poster. Several of them actually!

I also thoroughly enjoyed the YYAS lectures. As someone who likes to speak a lot, I loved the structured times for debate and hearing others’ points of views. After each YYAS lecture, we would break up into groups of about fifteen and talk about what he had just heard during Discussion Group Sessions. 

Every single activity was something different and something to learn from, but what I loved most about YYAS was the people. There is so much you can learn from others once you’re given a chance to interact with them on both a fun and an intellectual level. In the morning you could learn that in Kenya “rafiki" means friend. In the afternoon you could learn a cool new dance from a group of Ethiopians. In the evening you could learn that that shy boy from Cote d’Ivoire can really play amazing guitar! And right before bed, you could learn from your dorm mates a random fact about astrology. It fascinated me, really, finding out so much in such a short space of time. 

And it wasn’t just me—I’m sure everyone else at YYAS can testify to that. Even the instructors and lecturers. We learnt from them, and they learnt from us. More than just learning from each other, though, we inspired each other. We all reached a point where we were totally in love with Africa because the youth of Africa are so brilliant and affable, and we totally loved ourselves, because we realized there is nothing we can’t do once we set our mind to something.

I have always known I can do anything I set my mind to, for as long as I can remember. This notion comes from my Christian faith and my life experiences (believe it or not, you can see a whole lot in fifteen years!). YYAS was a special experience, and I call the ten days I spent there the best days of my life so far because more than ever, I not only learned—I became inspired.

It was basically ten days of hearing this message: “You can, and you will. If not you, who? If not now, when?” And the message hit home. I always knew I could, but the lively, involved, and bright instructors at YYAS, the entire team, and all the other young African scholars, made sure I WOULD. And it means so much to me, because they accepted me, and taught me, and listened to what I had to say, even though I was one of the youngest people there. I came out of YYAS 2018 full of many ideas that I am putting into projects. I am not just a dreamer, I’m a doer. And I have YYAS to thank for helping me discover that love. 

“UBUNTU”, by Obaid Ajoughlal

The 2018 Yale Young African Scholars program in Rwanda was an exciting, insightful, life-changing journey for me. Now, as an alumnus, I can absolutely say that my time at the program made me a better and stronger young leader.

I chose “Ubuntu”, which means “I am because we are” in Zulu, as the title of my YYAS experience, because I believe that each day of YYAS was a celebration of diversity—a celebration that made us more united, more concerned by the issues our continent faces, and more eager to solve them.

During the 10 days in Rwanda I was a Moroccan ambassador: not only did I present my cultural background but also, as an ambassador, I always looked for more ways to know about Northern, Southern, Eastern and Western African cultures, as well as Africa’s islands’ through my fellow participants.

Obaid (right) from Morocco with his new friends at YYAS 2018 from Kenya, Sudan, Ghana, and Ethiopia!

Thanks to the distinguished Yale faculty lecturers, I was exposed to Africa’s health problems, as well as their ongoing solutions and prospective solutions. Additionally, during meal times, my peers and I talked about our respective home countries. I told them how I feel when I see the Kingdom of Morocco, my beloved country, split into two territories: Morocco and Western Sahara. My peers told me about their countries’ histories, too, talking about the Rwandan genocide, the Somalia vs. Somaliland conflict, and the Zimbabwean crisis caused by former president Robert Mugabe, among other stories.

From the first meal we had to the very last moment of the program, I discovered a deep and big passion I have for our continent: Africa! In fact, I merged within a community of 29 nationalities so quickly and so easily that I felt home. Indeed, I forged lifelong friendships with peers from countries I considered with mystery, countries that I used to know only the name such as Zimbabwe, Zambia, South Sudan, or even Botswana! Furthermore, I was surprised at the development of my leadership skills during such a short time at YYAS, particularly during one fun activity called Afrotopia.

This newfound passion for Africa makes me think about a second answer to a question asked on the application form: “What makes you African in the 21st Century?” My previous answer was mainly being proud of our accomplishments as Africans and being hopeful for a better future. But now, after having completed YYAS, I am convinced that this definition is not enough, and I have tried to find an answer to this thought-provoking question ever since.

"In a nutshell, YYAS has absolutely influenced me and made me see the world with new eyes."

Thanks to the various range of subjects taught during seminars and lectures, and thanks to enrichment activities that built our leadership and teamwork skills, and thanks to our long, but interesting conversations with experts in Africa that made us aware of our role as Africa’s next generation of leaders, I think that being African in the 21st Century means to use the knowledge you gained in areas that attract you the most, combined with leadership and teamwork skills to improve your local community, your country, and your continent!

In a nutshell, YYAS has absolutely influenced me and made me see the world with new eyes. In fact, I have managed to use the knowledge and skills I gained during YYAS—specifically during university guidance workshops and admissions days—together with my great want to improve my local community in order to pursue higher education abroad an achieve attainable goals for many other Moroccan high school students. Thank you YYAS!

Obaid (second from left) with his workshop group at the certificate ceremony!

Obaid (right) with a fellow YYAS participant during the award ceremony.

Yale Young African Scholars Program: My Life’s Milestone! by Nkharo Kate Gondwe

I am Nkharo Kate Gondwe, age 17, from Malawi. I am in Form 6 at Kamuzu Academy, and I am proud alumna of the YYAS 2017 Program!

When my mother told me about the program two year ago, inspired by one of her friends, it didn’t mean anything to me and a far-fetched dream. However, with the small steps made by her inspiration and encouragement I found myself being one of the privileged 300 students among 2,000 applications selected to participate in the YYAS program in Rwanda! It was truly amazing, and I couldn’t believe my good fortune.

One thing I enjoyed during the week was being put into groups and participating in games and activities with my cohort. I identified most of the games we did with my personal life. Interacting with people from all over Africa with distinct skills and experiences helped me to start thinking outside the box! I discovered that they are great things and great minds out there.

It was my first time ever to hear of the SAT, College Board, and the existing opportunities for university studies around the world. I am truly grateful for the generosity of the Higherlife Foundation and the SAT materials provided by Ms. Esther!

The leadership skills gained during the week’s intensive training were never kept to myself. The week after I came back to Malawi, my mother encouraged me to inspire Primary School Girls ranging from 9-15 years of age during their three days at a Girls Review Meeting; most of these girls come from vulnerable families and some are orphans. By presenting to them about my YYAS experiences I hoped to inspire them—even now I am still in touch with some of the girls and I mentor them. The YYAS experience even helped to enhance my leadership skills in sports.

Something that changed my life was the hospitality experienced during the one week in Rwanda and the giving spirit, which can be seen now through my work with the Charity Club at my high school. One of the things I aim to do is raise funds for the poor and vulnerable. Recently we visited one of the Prisons in Kasungu. Having completed YYAS, I feel ready and empowered to give back to my community in some meaningful way.

I feel immensely privileged to have participated in YYAS and I believe the skills I learned during those days in Rwanda will last a lifetime. It is my prayer that God continue to bless YYAS and its sponsors who benefit African students, especially girls! Go, YYAS, go!

My Experience Attending the YYAS Program, by Victor Gunduor

Just as the saying goes, “The journey towards attaining success begins with little steps leading towards giant strides,” I believe attending the YYAS 2017 program at Tema International School (TIS) in Ghana was a giant stride for me. Aside from the fact that it was my first experience travelling on a plane, it was also my first time away from my parent and I really enjoyed every bit of the adventure.

Victor Gunduor (right) takes a selfie with a fellow participant at YYAS 2017 in Ghana.

Looking at my calendar, it’s really hard to believe that several months have rolled by since I returned from this prestigious program. The memories of the session are still very fresh in my mind. It seems like I was at TIS just yesterday! It will be very hard to forget the inspiring nature of YYAS program, the amazing friends, and the awesome instructors and Yale faculty members whom I encountered during the week-long program. Truly, if anything is worth reliving everything, it would be the YYAS program.

When I first learned about the program, I must admit that I was overwhelmed by the rigorous application, especially the fact that I had to write some essays and short responses about my background and my future aspirations. However, I figured that YYAS wanted the best from me and I must be able to express this belief in my own potential. It took me weeks to complete my essays, but I got great feedback thanks to my brother who was a mentor throughout the application process. I never believed I would be selected to attend the program considering my poor background and other limiting factors. Looking back, I was really lucky to have been selected and I am truly grateful to entire YYAS team to have received this opportunity.

YYAS is not just an inspiring academic program, but it is also a leadership capacity building program that has really enriched my life. The YYAS team of instructors made learning fun and I learned so many great things about how to write a good admission essay. Throughout the program, we also received SAT tutoring lessons and we were given detailed insights into the university application process by representatives of various universities.

One aspect of the YYAS that I enjoyed most were the seminars. They focused on various topics related to Africa and I gathered a lot of knowledge from them. Through these classes I discovered the need to serve my community.

Since returning home, I still feel overwhelmed by how much more needs to be done. I feel the burning desire to live up to the expectations of a YYAS Ambassador and with the support of my brother, we started the Young Gems Initiative which is committed towards helping young scholars like me in my community to discover their potentials and achieve their dreams in life. So far, I have been able to organise teenage seminars, skills acquisition programs, and YYAS information sessions. The whole idea is to make to make my community better by adding value to young people around us.

YYAS was a learning platform for me and I can’t forget the useful advice of Laura Kaub, Yaa Ampofo, Dagan Rossini, and so many other instructors at YYAS. It still feels like a dream to me even as I recount these experience, my mind is filled with hope that I can still achieve more greatness in life.

YYAS is truly a community—who would have thought that I would make so many great friends from across Africa in just one summer! This is an essential aspect of the program because it enables peers from all over the continent to interact and encourage one another all though the university application process. I have also been paired with a YYAS mentor, Anu Onemola, who is a Yale alumna now studying at Temple University, USA. Her advice and insights have been really encouraging. I am currently preparing to take my O-level exam and SAT this year, and though I miss YYAS I am inspired because I’m living the YYAS dream.

Conclusively, I’ll like to state that none of my best descriptions can come near to explain how fantastic the YYAS program is. I therefore recommend YYAS to anyone who has ever dreamed of being part of something noble and worthwhile. The YYAS is a platform for you to excel, so begin your application today!

My Invaluable Experience at YYAS: Insight for Prospective Candidates, by Kcaliphate Dulleh

My YYAS experience was beyond invaluable to my work as a future leader! Now an alumnus of the program, I can confidently say that my time at YYAS helped me to become a stronger student. I am better equipped with the necessary skills and techniques for applying to universities online and tackling the SAT exam. I have also gained unique insight into global issues and connected with a wide range of peer networks across Africa.

Before my acceptance to YYAS, my ability to respond to critical questions was feeble. Whenever someone asked, “Why do you want to attend our program like this,” I gave vague responses. The moment I started writing the essays, however, I felt that I was about to enter a life changing journey to secure a promising future and education. I reached out to my friend Sekou who had attended YYAS the year prior. He helped me think more critically when responding to the application questions. This guidance and peer support was so appreciated. Where I’m from in Liberia, such online processes are never easy, and providing supporting documents is cumbersome and hard to come by. However, through perseverance and grit, I became empowered to succeed. I was soon ready to start preparing for future applications to universities. To all future applicants, even if you are not accepted to YYAS know that you are on the road to success just by trying!

Truthfully, I was thrilled when I got accepted. The thought of new experiences like sitting on a plane for the first time, meeting friends from around Africa, and living in another country for one week was awe inspiring. I developed confidence in myself and I am now a more optimistic person. I think such an opportunity is only guaranteed at YYAS.

Looking back, I recall with fond memory those funny games we played as a group. I only wish we could have stayed many more weeks! I met some great friends, too, including Yalekeme Edolor and Francis Koroma, who were very sociable and whom I consider to be my true brothers. We established a relationship in seven days which I had not experienced before the program, something that I imagined could only happen at a university.

YYAS has empowered me to pursue higher education. It has exposed me to both local and international perspectives and challenges and opportunities. It has introduced me to the demanding U.S. university admission procedures, while connecting me to other like-minded African students.

Hearing lectures from Yale faculty was also invaluable to my learning. The professors lectured on various topics including pediatric care, HIV/AIDS, democracy in Africa, and philosophy, among other things. This knowledge helped build my intellectual muscles. It was so mind-blowing! Honestly, I had never experienced such a long duration of learning over a short amount of time. It was academically intense unlike my usual schooling in Liberia, where I was pushed to debate and discuss opposing views in class. Whereas before I used to be a bit shy among large groups, this program led me to believe that there is no such thing as a wrong idea. I realized that we can all approach issues differently with our own perspectives, but we can all be right when treated with respect.

A big ‘thank you’ to the entire YYAS Team for facilitating a splendid program, and in particular to Ms. Laura who made YYAS a place that belongs to everyone. Thank you as well to my venerable and outgoing friend Sekou who inspired me to apply and take hold of this opportunity. A very big thanks to Brother Seleke A. Kromah for not only helping me with a letter of recommendation during the application process, but also for helping most Muslim Congress High School students succeed and who now have the chance to study abroad. My sincere appreciation to Brother Alieu Fuad Nyei. And, of course, a huge thanks to my family for their support.

An Experience Worth Saying YYAS!, by Nancy Yunan Liu

Nancy Liu '17 (second from right) takes a selfie with her new friends at YYAS.

As I walked into Arundel school lugging my overstuffed suitcase, I was struck by the architecture and lush greenery of the campus. We were soon ushered into the auditorium where we collected our name tags and drawstring bags containing supplies we’d need throughout the week. This hall was where we’d spend the next few days doing SAT prep, being engrossed in lectures by accomplished Yale faculty, and learning about the college application process.

Throughout YYAS my critical thinking, creativity, and communication skills were put to the test. The rigorous seminars such as The International Criminal Court (for Africa?) and Campaign Speeches: How and Why They Work (or Don’t), as well as workshops such as the NSEW-Leadership Compass, explored multiple perspectives on issues that dared me to think “outside the box”. Fresh opinions were met with respect rather than judgement which made everyone in the group feel at ease.

Eloquent guest speakers from various professions inspired me to “be the genius of my cycle,” instilling the belief that a single voice—my voice—has the power to effect change. It was humbling to listen to others speak so passionately about their ideas for reversing the damaging effects of colonialism, corruption, and patriarchal societies. During heated debates, I would look around the room and notice how, despite our unique appearances, backgrounds, and views, we all carried the same responsibility. We are Africa’s future. I left each discussion filled with a deep sense of satisfaction as well as the thought that I have so much yet to learn.

The Yale mentors were approachable and easy-going. I really appreciated how they made an effort to get to know you and answered honestly about their experiences in university. They were real people who had overcome numerous challenges to be where they are today—which made me think that maybe I could too. Although the tight schedule kept us busy all day, meal times, breaks, and enrichment activities were fantastic times to socialize. My workshop group which consisted of six wonderful human beings including our leader, Jake, will always have a special place in my heart. We were given valuable feedback which was tailored to our personal statements, got to know each other on a deeper level, and played intense card games!

I had gone to YYAS in search of a feeling warmth and I had found it amidst an auditorium filled with hardworking students, a cafeteria erupting with laughter, and exhausted teens sprawled across the lawn. The friends I made came from wildly different cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, and yet we had similar tastes in music, books, and movies! We shared stories and snacks from all corners of the continent, becoming something I can only describe as family. We ate meals together, endured the grueling diagnostic SAT, debated fervently, and laughed uncontrollably. This for me was the real magic of YYAS.

When the final night rolled around to the infamous talent show, my friends who I had known as goofy intellectuals transformed into musicians, slam poets, and magicians! It was a superb way to wrap up the week. The morning we said goodbye also happened to be my birthday. As I walked out of Arundel School, I left with not only the leadership skills I acquired and the precious friends I had made, but also a firm belief that my dreams were attainable. It was the perfect gift.

My Exciting YYAS Experience in Ghana, by Jeff Kayombo

“It always seems impossible not until it’s done”
-Nelson Mandela

Jeff Kayombo '17 (left) with his new friends at YYAS 2017 in Ghana.

My name is Jeff Kayombo and I am from Lusaka, Zambia. I took part in the Yale Young African Scholars Program in Ghana at Tema International School last year!

I learned about YYAS through a poster that was stuck on the notice boards at school. At that time I was writing my end-of-year exams and I thought it would be wise if I gave it a try as I was going to be free that upcoming holiday. As I curiously started my application and got to learn more about the program, I was so driven and amazed by the academic content and the way it’s conducted. I had always had a huge interest in connecting to a wider network and community of young people across the continent, but I never pictured myself to be part of that until YYAS. Because of my determination and my parents’ support and confidence in me, I was so fortunate that I got accepted into the YYAS 2017 program.

Meeting new people and making incredible friends meant so much as I was able to share my perspective and ideas with peers from all over Africa. I also had the opportunity to learn from my friends about their different educational systems, cultures, and languages. YYAS provided a very safe, sustainable, and conducive leaning environment for all.

One thing I love about the Yale Young African Scholars program is that, as much as it is designed for African secondary school students, it is actually taught by Yale student instructors! The interaction that I had with Yalies themselves was so exciting. As a workshop group we would take short breaks and play awesome games that required a lot of thinking and were very enjoyable, ones that I will never forget. My favorite game was “Buzz-Buzz”.

While at YYAS I also learned how to be responsible and a team player through various activities that I took part in, such as the Lily Pads game. Personal responsibility was a constant theme during YYAS because it’s what is expected of everyone while at university or college. During free time I could often be found at the basketball court with friends playing basketball or football; there my friends and I would swap stories about growing up in our home countries. Being among this wide and diverse community of young people from all over Africa with different beliefs, cultures, and views made me think critically and outside the box. The way I used to approach one-on-one conversations and group discussions before and after YYAS has been quite a development. And as much as it was a very busy academic week, I also enjoyed the food: our first meal upon arrival was accompanied by some Ghanaian local yam!

It was at YYAS that I gained so much knowledge on different topics such as ethics of leadership and the importance of working together to embrace diversity, as well as other interesting topics and discussions that were covered during the seminars. One particularly enlightening moment was during a seminar titled “The Little Rhino that Couldn’t: Poaching and Conservation in Southern and Eastern Africa” when I learned how rhinos are one of the world’s critically endangered species. We also talked about possible measures that can be put in place to try and rehabilitate our natural resources. I found these conversations to be so interesting because I consider myself to be an environmentalist. The fact that the YYAS program covers a wide range of topics including leadership, culture, technology, human rights, wildlife and environmental protection, to mention a few, was so inspiring – the program truly encapsulated the meaning of diversity!

I would personally recommend the Yale Young African Scholars Program to all African high school students who are driven and would like to explore the many aspects of university life!

YYAS: A Life-Transforming Experience, by Yeabsira Degefu

Yeabsira Degefu '17 (right) with a Yale student instructor (middle) and fellow participant (left) during YYAS 2017 in Rwanda.

My experience at the Yale Young African Scholars Program (YYAS) has helped to shape me in ways I didn’t even think were possible. Besides the expected academic coursework, it taught me a lot about teamwork, independence, responsibility, leadership, and diversity. With over thirty African countries represented in my Rwanda cohort, I met students from all across the continent. Not only did I experience being away from my family for the first time, but I was exposed to different cultures, traditions, and values—it was phenomenal! 

YYAS provided me with a unique experience of travelling and spending a week independent of my family. I have learned to function on my own and make myself comfortable in a crowd of people I’m not familiar with. The people who were strangers to me at the beginning of the program were like family at the end. It really felt like I had built lifelong friendships through my shared experience with the wonderful students there. It was very fascinating to be in a room filled with future leaders not only of Africa, but also the world. 

Each day of the program was filled with thrilling activities and events. Every evening we were asked to share something that we learned during the day that we didn’t know the previous day. This helped us learn from one another and gave us the opportunity to see things from different perspectives. I had the opportunity to talk to most of the students during our free time and learn about different cultures in Africa. It was so intriguing how everyone had different backgrounds and stories to share!

Throughout the week we received guidance on the university application process, heard lectures delivered by Yale professors and local speakers, and met admissions officers and representatives from many reputable universities. In addition we had free SAT tutorials in both small and large group settings, and had enrichment activities (fancy name for games!) with lessons about leadership and the importance of teamwork. And let me not forget to mention the fun talent show on the last evening! At the end of the program, we were given mentors to help us for the next year with our university applications. 

Looking back, I see that YYAS made a positive impact on me in many ways. After attending the program, I gained a new perspective—not only of myself, but also of the world around me. I never thought of myself as a leader before attending. During the application process, after reading that the program was designed for leaders, I didn’t think that I would make it. But now, after the whole experience, I learned what it really means to be a leader and that everyone has the capacity to develop into one. I also realized that every person has something very unique to share with others, and joining hands is the key to solving major world problems.  

My YYAS experience helped me greatly develop a lot of important life skills. The program has had a lasting impact on me and helped me see my future path more clearly. Every moment of the YYAS program was enjoyable. I’m very grateful that I had this opportunity and I strongly encourage others to apply!

My Amazing YYAS Experience, by Ruth Mekonnen

Ruth Mekonnen '17 (right) shares a smile with her friend and fellow participant at YYAS 2017 in Zimbabwe.

If you had asked me two years ago whether I could see myself boarding a flight on my own to attend a high intensity summer program all the way in the southern hemisphere, I would have replied with an automatic ‘no’. But believe it or not, I, Ruth Alemu Mekonnen, had actually managed to snag a spot at YYAS and I will forever be indebted to the YYAS team for giving me this wonderful opportunity.

Those seven action-packed days at Arundel School in Harare, Zimbabwe, changed me tremendously. Each day at the program I heard a thought-provoking lecture delivered by renowned Yale faculty followed by an intense discussion session section with my fellow participants, which is when I really get to know my peers. The atmosphere was similar during our assigned seminars, which covered a wide range of topics and themes. I thoroughly enjoyed the heated debates and enlightening conversations we had during these times of day. Being surrounded by people with many different perspectives was the highlight of the program. They made me think of things I would never even consider before. Moreover, I feel much more aware of what is happening in other parts of Africa now more than ever.

Prior to YYAS I was left in the dark about what is needed to apply college. Other than the rare university workshops that I attended once in a while in my community, I pretty much knew little to nothing about college and university applications. However, the daily university guidance sessions at YYAS held by Ms. Laura and the individualized assistance I received during the nightly workshops with my Yale student instructor changed this. Now I know who to ask for letters of recommendation, what I need to improve about my personal essay, and, overall, how to present myself as best I can to a university of my choice.

Although it was a shock at first, the diagnostic practice SAT test that we took in the beginning of the week helped me pinpoint exactly what I needed to work on to improve my test-taking skills. I also found the daily SAT preparation classes taught by Ms. Esther to be immensely helpful. With much needed tips and tricks up my sleeve, I now feel better prepared!

Most importantly, before YYAS I had never considered myself as leadership material. I used to be more the type of student that was quietly involved in executing plans, and never thought I would be the ones calling the shots. But now I can say that my definition of a leader has broadened and I am more confident in myself. Although I might not fit the criteria of a stereotypical leader, I do not need to. I am a proud alumna of the YYAS Program!