OUR WORK
ASHINAGA AFRICA INITIATIVE
Young Leaders for Africa
The Ashinaga Africa Initiative (AAI) is an international leadership program that cultivates the next generation of leaders to contribute to the development of sub-Saharan Africa.
AAI Scholars have lost one or both parents and are committed to returning to sub-Saharan Africa to initiate change, innovation, and development. The AAI provides financial support for international university degrees, leadership training, and support to develop Scholars into compassionate change-makers.
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Since our inception in 2014, the AAI has continued to support incoming Scholars from 48 of the 49 sub-Saharan African countries. Selected candidates go on to study at world-class universities across Japan, Europe, the USA, and Brazil.
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AAI Scholars are connected to a worldwide network of mentors, alumni, partner organizations, our Kenjin-Tatsujin International Advisory Council, past interns, and fellow Scholars. This allows Scholars to think globally and access a vast range of expertise.
The Journey of a Scholar
FIRST STEPS
AAI Scholars are recruited across 48 sub-Saharan African countries. They receive academic and personal development training in Uganda or Senegal to prepare them for their studies abroad. Each Scholar has a heartfelt goal to improve people’s lives in their communities.
STUDYING ABROAD
Scholars leave their home countries and study at universities around the world. Ashinaga covers tuition and all other necessary expenses, but the Scholars do the actual work, developing academic, personal, and professional skills internationally.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
The Scholars create detailed plans to tackle the big problems they have identified in their home communities. They work on this plan throughout their studies, receiving feedback and support from Ashinaga staff and their peers. They conduct field research in African countries and work internships during their vacations to gain the necessary skills and connections.
RETURNING HOME
Scholars return home after their studies to begin their careers and realize their goals to help others. Our final goal is not the Scholars’ education but that through education and training, Scholars will be equipped to initiate change, innovation, and development in sub-Saharan Africa.
Our approach is to effect change through grass-roots development, empowering young people to identify issues, develop solutions, and positively impact their communities. The best people to change communities are those who live in those communities once they have the tools and experience to make a difference.
APPLY TO THE AAI
Check the requirements and apply to our fully-funded leadership program.
KENJIN TATSUJIN
A network of the International Advisory Council. See their profiles.
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
Read what makes the AAI a unique program with a successful track record.
MEET THE SCHOLARS
Meet the inspiring future leaders of the African continent.
ANNUAL REPORTS
For more information about our activities please see our annual reports.