At CAFOR, we are committed to shaping Africa’s future by investing in its greatest asset: the youth. At the launch of Seket Africa this past Friday, November 29, 2024, Dr. Lawalley Cole, CAFOR’s Executive Director, emphasized that “the road to success and the road to failure are almost exactly the same.” This powerful statement sets the tone for our development, resilience, and mentorship approach.

Highlights from Dr. Cole’s Speech:

🔑 Success and Failure as Teachers

* Success is progress and impact, as echoed by Kwame Nkrumah: “Forward ever, backward never.”

* Failure is a stepping stone. Nelson Mandela wisely said: “Judge me by how many times I fell and got back up.”

🔑 Lessons from Leaders

* Dr. Akinwumi Adesina transformed rejection into an impactful career as AfDB President.

* Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man, took bold risks, reshaping industries and empowering communities.

🔑 Call to Action for Youth Africa’s youth, comprising over 60% of the population, are today’s changemakers. Whether through innovation, technology, or entrepreneurship, the potential is limitless.

Insights from Evelyne Maniragaba, Regional Programme Manager at CAFOR:

💡 Scaling Mentorship Programs in Africa

1. Leverage Technology: Use digital platforms to connect mentors and mentees.
2. Community Partnerships: Work with local schools and leaders for impact.
3. Public-Private Collaboration: Combine policy support with private sector resources.
4. Peer Mentorship: Empower youth to mentor their peers for sustainability.
5. Measuring Impact: Regularly evaluate mentorship outcomes for continuous growth.

A Shared Vision for Africa:

Through mentorship, resilience, and bold action, CAFOR and initiatives like Seket Africa are paving the way for Africa’s transformation. As Dr. Cole passionately shared, “Dare to dream big. Step boldly onto the road ahead. Whether through success or failure, the journey leads to growth and destiny.”

📢 Join the Conversation: Let’s drive sustainable change together! Share your thoughts, experiences, and ideas about mentorship and youth empowerment using #CAFORYouth, #MentorshipInAfrica, and #SeketAfrica. 🌟 Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter/X, and all our platforms to stay updated on our programs and initiatives.

Together, we are building a stronger, more innovative Africa