Who: Michigan Fellows Africa Initiative (MFAI) is a continental-reach Non-Government organization (NGO) formed by alumni of the U.S. Department of State’s Professional Fellows Program (PFP), serving young African leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs. Since its formation in 2018, MFAI has evolved into multiple NGO chapters in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and South Africa. MFAI dedicates resources to advance innovative problem-solving initiatives that intentionally address life challenges for women and youth within the agriculture, health and education sectors in Africa.
Waverly High School is located in Lansing, Michigan, just 10 minutes west of the Michigan State University campus. Renowned as one of the most diverse high schools in Michigan, Waverly High is dedicated to enhancing students’ global competencies through authentic experiences. The school’s staff includes three alumni of U.S. Department of State Fulbright programs. Twice a year, Waverly students host the Professional Fellows Cohort for a morning of tours, sharing, and problem-solving.
What: The ISEP is a highschool students’ virtual leadership exchange and training for U.S. and Uganda students. ISEP builds on the existing partnership between MFAI Uganda chapter and Waverly High School in the United States. The partnership leans on MFAI’s successive initiatives such as the Pearl of Africa Civic Engagement (PACE) Academy, a collaboration with the U.S. Embassy in Kampala, aimed at training highschool students in civic engagement.
Similarly, Waverly High School actively engages students in activities designed to enhance their global competencies, equipping them with the skills, attitudes, and behaviors necessary to thrive in a globalized world. This partnership is a natural fit, combining the strengths of MFAI and Waverly High to challenge and nurture globally competent leaders in both Uganda and the U.S.
When: In the summer of 2025, youth from Uganda and the U.S. will participate in the inaugural ISEP. This annual program will feature 2-hour sessions, held at least three times a week, over a four-week period. Experts from Uganda (MFAI) and the U.S. (Waverly High School) will facilitate the externship.
Format: The first cohort will include 20 students—10 from each country. The ISEP’s overarching goal is to foster international collaboration, leadership, and the development of soft skills such as communication, self-esteem, teamwork, and confidence within diverse environments. The initiative aims to expand the number of participants in future years. Activities will include large group virtual sessions, small team working sessions, asynchronous sharing and a capstone cooperative service learning projec
Selection for the Uganda participants will be by nomination. Nominees must have participated in the PACE Academy and will still be highschool students by 2025. Nominators are trainers, coaches, and teachers from MFAI Uganda and the 13 project schools across Uganda.