Agenda

Freedom 250: Global UGRAD Alumni Connections

In commemoration of the 250th anniversary of America's independence (America250), the Freedom250: Global UGRAD Alumni Connections seminar celebrates the enduring values that have shaped the United States for 250 years: civic engagement, democratic participation, and community-driven innovation. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, this multi-day event brings together promising regional changemakers from Africa for sessions focused on civic engagement, mentorship, leadership, and project design. U.S. exchange alumni from nine countries will lead discussions, share grassroots initiatives, and collaborate on new projects, empowering participants to build resilient networks and drive collective action that brings U.S. values of civic participation and locally led solutions to communities throughout the region.

Monday, May 11

10:00am – 12:00pm Registration
& 2:00-5:00pm Participants register with World Learning staff and receive their welcome packets.

5:30 – 7:30pm Welcome Reception ERC Main (Tribe)
Heavy hors d’oeuvres and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided.

7:30pm Dinner Off-site

Participants have a per diem allowance to spend on dinner at local restaurants.

Tuesday, May 12

7:00 - 8:30am Breakfast Harvest Restaurant

9:00 - 10:00am Welcome Remarks and U.S. Department of State speakers Meeting Room A

10:00 - 10:20am Networking Break Foyer

10:20am - 11:30pm Building the Next Generation: Mentorship and Youth Leadership - Alumni Panel Meeting Room A

Abdelrahman Abdelgawad (Egypt, 2015-16)
Baroukou Mahamadou Idrissou (Niger, 2016-17)
Christine Elsie Awuor (Kenya, 2022-23)

11:30am - 12:00pm Panel Reflection & Discussion Meeting Room A

12:00 - 1:00pm Lunch First Floor - Trademark

1:00 - 2:15pm From Self-Awareness to Service: Mentorship in the American Tradition Meeting Room A

2:15 - 3:15pm Coffee & Tea Foyer - concurrent to community project showcase

2:15 - 3:45pm Stars, Stripes, and Service: Community Project Showcase

Participants meet in lobby at 4:20 to begin transportation to cultural activity

4:30 - 9:00pm Cultural Activity and Dinner Bomas of Kenya

Wednesday, May 13

7:00 - 8:30am Breakfast Harvest Restaurant

9:00 -10:10am ` Leadership Together: Teamwork Rooted in American Values Meeting Room A

10:10 - 10:30am Networking Break Foyer

10:30am - 12:00pm 250 Years of Innovation: Creative Solutions for Collective Impact Meeting Room A

12:00 - 1:00pm Lunch First Floor - Trademark

1:00 - 2:10pm Alumni Expertise Sessions

Digital Storytelling for Impact
Bathabile Dlamini (Zimbabwe, 2015-16)
Nedjla Khelfa Sahel (Algeria, 2022-23)
Scaling Your Voice: Using AI for Content, Outreach, and Growth

Mohamed Lamine Chekor (Algeria, 2022-23)

Beyond Mapping: Stakeholder Management and AI in Real-World Contexts Meeting Room A

Ziyed Harrek (Tunisia, 2018-19)

2:10 - 2:40pm Discussion Corner Share Out & Reflection Meeting Room A

2:40 - 3:00pm Networking Break Foyer

3:00 - 4:00pm From Vision to Viability: Project Design for Lasting Impact Meeting Room A

4:00 - 5:30pm Community Project Planning and Daily Closing Announcements Meeting Room A

5:30pm Dinner Off-site

Participants have a per diem allowance to spend on dinner at local restaurants.

Thursday, May 14

7:00 - 8:30am Breakfast Harvest Restaurant

9:00am - 12:00pm Community in Action: Local Organizations Visits

American Chamber of Commerce Meeting Room A - Trademark Hotel
10:00am facilitated session
11:00am American Chamber of Commerce
Alfajiri Street Kids Art Off-site
8:45am departure from hotel
iHub Off-site
9:15am departure from hotel