Over the past two weeks, Global Ties KC hosted nine French-speaking students from Mauritania, Gabon, Senegal, and Benin, accompanied by three mentors, as part of the Pan-African Youth Leadership Program. This U.S. Department of State initiative brings young leaders from across Africa to the United States to explore entrepreneurship, community service, and cultural exchange. Kansas City was one of just three cities selected to host the program, alongside Louisville, Kentucky, and Burlington, Vermont.
During their time in Kansas City, the students volunteered with local organizations such as Project C.U.R.E. and Jewish Vocational Services, gaining insight into how these groups support both local and international communities. They also met with area entrepreneurs and began developing their own community-based and entrepreneurial projects to implement back home.
Beyond service and learning, the students experienced Kansas City culture—riding the streetcar, visiting the zoo, going bowling, and spending a weekend with host families. The program concluded with a special cultural night where each country’s cohort wore traditional attire and shared their heritage with host families and community members.
If you are interested in hosting a student during an upcoming youth program, click here!
