Delegates with ACYPL Meet with AWF

The American Council of Young Political Leaders (ACYPL) is an organization that conducts bipartisan international exchanges, providing emerging leaders, aged 25 to 40, the opportunity to experience firsthand the political and cultural dynamics of other countries. ACYPL facilitates more than twenty-five exchanges, enabling nearly 250 American and international political leaders to participate. During the program, delegates engage in candid exchanges with senior government and political officials, industry executives, and community leaders on a wide range of political, cultural, and economic issues. ACYPL provides the framework for young leaders to form long-standing bonds with their international peers and an early exposure to international affairs. For more information on ACYPL please visit www.acypl.org.

Delegates visiting Washington, D.C., from Tanzania and Uganda met with African Wildlife Foundation staff on July 9, 2001 to learn more about wildlife conservation in Africa. The young political leaders from Tanzania included Ms. Mtumwa Khatib Ameir, Honorable Grace Simbaio Kiwelu, Honorable Muttamwega Bhatt Mgaywa, and Mr. Kitila Alexander Kanyama Mkumbo. The delegates from Uganda included Honorable Betty Kabeta, Honorable Anne Nampeera-Lubowa, Mr. Fred Mbidde Mukasa, and Mr. Elly Jurua Nayenda. Some of these young political leaders are members of Parliament, youth counselors, and representatives for youth councils. They were escorted to AWF by ACYPL Program Officer Suzanne Romero.

AWF program staff Adam Henson, Katie Frohardt, and Patrick Bergin spoke to the delegates about what is being done in Africa to ensure the future of its wildlife. They focused on AWF Heartlands and Conservation Service Centers (CSC's) in Tanzania and Uganda. The delegates were very interested in how AWF works with the community and local people in their programs. The young political leaders were given information on AWF so they can further learn about the conservation work being done in their respective countries.