In 2019, I was selected for the Mandela Washington Fellowship, a prestigious leadership development program of the US Department of State for young African change-makers. As a fellow based at the University of Delaware, I lived through a transformative leadership experience that has built my capabilities and enabled me to be an effective and ethical community leader.
During my fellowship, I was matched with Larry Morris, who served as my mentor at the time. Prior to meeting Larry, I had spoken with some of his previous mentees in the program, who described him as a natural youth mentor. Some even confessed that other fellows envied them for being matched with Larry. Through frequent conversations with him, I learned a great deal about the opportunities and challenges of public service. I distinctly recall the day he took me to attend a service in his church, where I observed people greeting him with immense reverence. He introduced me to his church and asked me to address the attendees. I must admit, I was a bit nervous as public speaking is no easy feat. Additionally, there was a community event he took me to, where I built valuable connections among young leaders in the State of Delaware, discussing community issues and collaborating on solutions. Public officials, including Representative Sherry Dorsey Walker, also attended the event, and she too had been a mentee of Larry.
In addition to my personal observations, my research into Larry Morris's community engagement left me impressed. I discovered a leader with a remarkable record of achievement in public service—a man guided by a spirit of service, dedicating 50 years of his life to empowering young people in sports, civil society, and politics.
As someone deeply interested in youth development and aspiring to be a mentor in my community, I found in Larry the perfect example of who I wanted to become. Today, as a law graduate, I lead a youth organization dedicated to developing young leaders and transforming Madagascar into a better place for its citizens. Over the last six years, I have implemented numerous programs in leadership, employability, and entrepreneurship, some of which received funding from the US Embassy in Madagascar and the US Department of State. These programs aim to equip youth with the skills and tools they need to improve their lives and contribute positively to their communities. I am proud to say that a part of the youth leader I have become is owed to the mentorship I received from Larry.
Precieux G. Rajaofera
Madagascar, Africa
Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumnus
