Post-COVID Career Training for African Students

Meet Apollo, an exceptional young scholar from Uganda who is currently shaping his future at the International Christian University in Japan through the Ashinaga Africa Initiative (AAI).

Apollo’s university journey began amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. “I had to take online classes for two semesters,” he recalls, “which proved challenging due to the time differences between Japan and Uganda, poor internet connection, and electricity outages. Staying motivated was challenging, but I held onto why I embarked on this journey in the first place – it was the only way to fulfill my dreams. In a time when everything around me seemed to be deteriorating, the AAI leadership program was the one thing that provided a glimmer of hope.”

During his remote learning period, Apollo seized the opportunity to make a difference in his community: “I led the Nansana Cleaning Club (NCC), a youth initiative dedicated to combating littering in my hometown. NCC collaborated with NGOs and local councils, establishing a weekly household trash collection service that addressed environmental issues and created employment opportunities for local youth.” Apollo’s impactful initiative earned him the prestigious “25 under 25” Young Leaders Changing the Game Award, represented by the iKapture Centre for Development, recognizing his outstanding contributions to positive change in Africa.

Apollo’s journey took a significant turn upon his arrival in Japan. Engaged in his studies and actively involved in diverse activities, he found inspiration to elevate his youth advocacy to global platforms. “I represented global youth at the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development at the United Nations headquarters in New York in July,” he says. “This experience allowed me to demand youth inclusion at the highest of platforms. The connections I made through this experience will enable me continuously to push for this cause.”

Soon afterward, Apollo participated in the Youth Democracy Forum in Athens, where he delivered a powerful speech reminding listeners that “Young people don’t just want our voices heard; we want to be at the forefront of action, shaping policies, and making a real impact.”

Apollo’s commitment to advancing youth engagement and inclusion stems from personal experience: “In 2018, when I finished high school, I wanted to contribute to improving my society, so I took a gap year and applied to various NGOs for volunteering opportunities. But every time, the response was that I was young and inexperienced. It made me wonder whether age was a reason to deter young people from bettering their community, despite their strong desire, passion, and commitment to making positive change.”