Refilwe Shere is one of four South African students representing the country in the 2021 Study of the US Institute (SUSI) programme.<\/p>\n
The annual programme is for student leaders between 18 and 25 years old to improve their understanding of the United States and develop their leadership skills.<\/p>\n
Refilwe says that she learnt about the programme in 2019 when the 2018\/19 SRC hosted a civic and legal engagement leadership programme for students.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith the assistance of the Student Affairs Department, I applied, was shortlisted and then underwent a virtual interview with the US embassy. They later notified me that I had been successful in November.\u201d<\/p>\n
She says that due to the ongoing challenges of the coronavirus pandemic, the embassy decided that SUSI for Student Leaders on Civic Engagement would take place in a hybrid format:<\/p>\n
\u2022 A virtual component took place over five weeks, from 6 January 2022 to 11 February 2022. It consisted of lectures, collaborative discussions, small group and individual work, and informal cultural activities with Americans.<\/p>\n
\u2022 The face-to-face leg of the programme will take place towards the end of 2022 in the United States.<\/p>\n
\u201cThrough the sessions, I learnt about the US and other parts of Africa and their cultures. The programme also allowed me to identify the type of leader I am, work on a community project, hold discussions about social issues and work towards solutions, learn about cross-culture, and identify root causes and community solutions.\u201d<\/p>\n
She has \u201calways aspired to be a vessel of change in my community. I believe I can stimulate an enriching mindset that can attract opportunities through education and skills development. I hope to inspire many never to limit themselves and always reach for the stars\u201d. <\/p>\n
\u201cMy SUSI journey has filled me with joy and excitement about the future,\u201d she ends.<\/p>\n
Refilwe and her counterparts from South Africa are part of a bigger group that includes students from Zimbabwe, Angola, Mozambique and Botswana.<\/p>\n
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