Having worked at the Mandela Institute for Development Studies for the past three years, Rumbi has been instrumental in the success of the Youth and Scholarship programmes and it is fitting that she will now become of a scholar of one leading institutions seeking to inspire and empower young people to change their world, the Obama Foundation. Says Rumbi, “I’m really excited to have been selected as part of the inaugural class of Obama Scholars at Columbia University. It’s a testament to the importance, timeliness and potential of the work we are doing. I’m treating this privilege with a sense of responsibility and hope that the relationships, knowledge and skills gained from this experience will not only enrich me, but translate into significant, positive impact in Africa and beyond.”
The Obama Foundation Scholars at Columbia University will participate in Columbia World Projects, a new initiative in which faculty and researchers from Columbia will partner with governments, non-profits, the private sector, and intergovernmental organisations to create tangible solutions to real-world issues. They will participate in a rigorous, immersive programme that brings together academic, skills-based, and experiential learning, designed by Columbia University in consultation with the Obama Foundation. During this time the Obama Foundation will also offer a robust programme of leadership development throughout the academic year to help both cohorts of Scholars gain the real-world skills, networks, tools, and experiences to expand the impact of their work when they return home.
Learn more about the Obama Foundation Scholarship https://www.obama.org/scholars/