About the Author: Nathan Arnold serves as the communications officer for the Office of International Visitors in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

What always energizes those of us who work on exchange programs for professionals is seeing the passion of emerging foreign leaders. This week, 20 Young African Leaders, participants in the International Visitor Leadership Program, arrived in Washington. In conversations with U.S. government officials — including Grant Harris, Senior Director for African Affairs at the White House, and Ronan Farrow, the State Department’s Special Adviser for Global Youth Issues — the participants shared their experiences, gained a better understanding of U.S. policy, and discussed ways to keep the dialogue going after their program is over. Just as importantly, they talked about how their efforts are contributing to the changing impressions the world has about Africa.

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