In a globalized context, cultural exchanges have become commonplace. I have always believed that, to some degree, everyone should be a citizen of the world. People’s mobility, especially before Covid, was spectacular. For a decade or two, we have seen donors offering young people from almost every country of the world training programs, seminars, scholarships, or exchange opportunities. Some would qualify the move as “soft power” while others see it as offered opportunities. But the facts stand: the world is opening up to young people, including us, Malagasy. Let us take advantage of it!

There are dozens of programs for young Malagasy, ranging from simple exchanges to academic training courses, or international trainings in personal development. Many programs have turned virtual amid the Covid pandemic, but we also have residential initiatives. I will share a few with you.

For a decade, the United States, first of all, has developed the Young Africans Leaders Initiative (YALI) – a program that offers fellowships in public management and good governance, business and entrepreneurship, and civic leadership in the U.S. (Mandela Washington Fellowship) or in South Africa (Regional Leadership Center). The fellowship runs for 4 or 6 weeks, and online courses are also offered alternately with face-to-face programs. I would estimate that nearly 400 young Malagasy have benefited from the YALI program so far.

Besides, the U.S. has also designed the International Visit Leadership Program (IVLP), the Humphrey Fellowship, the Fulbright Scholarship program, and more. While the IVLP allows young professionals to visit the U.S. for a short period to exchange and expand networks, the other two last one and two years.

Recently, Atlas Corps has selected a few young Malagasy for a remote training in leadership skills development (scholarship), and allowed some of them pursue paid one-year (or longer) internships in the US (fellowship). Since its launch in 2006, Atlas Corps has trained more than 1,000 young leaders and social change-makers from more than 105 countries. This year, Atlas Corps has selected 13 young Malagasy scholars and three fellows.

The U.S. Embassy regularly shares details of these programs. I invite you to follow its Facebook page.

Mirado Rakotoharimalala with other Atlas Corps fellows and scholars, and the U.S. Embassy Public Diplomacy Section.

Another opportunity comes from the United Kingdom, with its famous Chevening scholarship. Outstanding young people from all over the world, including Madagascar, can take a one-year Masters's course in a UK university. Around ten Malagasy scholars are selected each year.

The French-African Foundation has launched the Young Leaders Program. The program – which is at its third cohort – offers exchanges and seminars for young people from Africa and France and tackles tomorrow's challenges while strengthening the relationship between the continent and the metropolis.

Last but not least, the German Friedrich-Ebert Foundation designed the Youth Leadership Training Program (YLTP) that has annually brought together around twenty young Malagasy leaders since 2005. The program provides trainings in politics, social democracy, and personal development.

Considering that these opportunities are granted free of charge to its beneficiaries, they must earn their spots. Applicants must follow the standard selection approach: eligibility, submission, and interview. English language proficiency also plays a prominent role as most of the programs are run in English or involve participants from English-speaking countries.

Now, the question is: why are donors interested in young people, and why so much investment?

The first legitimate answer in my sense is the prominent role of young people as a lever for development, especially in Madagascar where they represent more than two-thirds of the population. Young people are the present and the future. There should be no argument about that.

The second answer would be the expected "accountability" of young people. Is it soft power? In a way, it is; but at the same time, we should not forget that the recipients or awardees always come out winners insofar as they open up internationally, expand their networks, and above all, substantially grow personally and/or professionally.

I would add a third answer: the capacity of young people to better assimilate and adapt to potential cultural shocks.

An opportunity remains an opportunity. It is up to us, young people, to assess and strike a balance. We may not have the experience of our elders, but we have the advantage of being well grounded and better qualified to face the challenges of the present and the future. Experience will follow.