The World Youth Alliance proudly announces the selection of Pamella Oddotte, the first recipient of the Vanessa Cherese scholarship fund (VCSF). The chosen WYA member of the VCSF will receive a 3-month project management and advocacy training at the WYA Headquarters in New York, round trip flight tickets from the airport of departure to New York, USA, and shared room accommodations with facilities during the program.

Hailing from Kenya, Pamella studied International Studies and Law at Egerton University. “What made me apply for the scholarship was the conviction of the dream that the departed Vanessa Cherese had for the African Youth which was for them to be given more opportunities to access the international forum,” shares Pamella. Her previous involvement as a  WYA member included being a Certified Training Program trainee, regional intern, camp counselor, National Committee member and organizer/facilitator for various events.

“I would like to invite you all to participate in WYA Africa’s activities which are a training ground for in-depth understanding of human dignity and professionalism as you make the effort to apply for the VCSF 2019. After all, one may never know what lies on the other side unless one gets up and looks.” 

Pamella considers the completion of the advocacy training as one of her personal goals during the internship program. “In defending the dignity and rights of a human being, this will provide basis for a robust advocacy practice in the near future so that I can impact the world better.” She also encourages the African youth to not let their circumstances or age determine who they are. Rather, they themselves should determine who they are and what they want to be.

Are you an active WYA member from the Africa region? Are you interested in taking your WYA journey to the next level by training in our New York office? Then good news: The call for applications for the next Vanessa Cherese scholar has officially opened. Click here for more information.