The Embassy of the United States of America, in collaboration with World Learning, held a graduation ceremony for the graduates of the Bawsala Mentorship Program on September 26 (Oran) and October 3 (Algiers), 2020. This year’s expanded program connected 50 young female job seekers with ten female mentors who are leaders in their fields such as petroleum engineering, computer science and electronics with the objective to develop the participants’ soft skills, build their professional network, and train them to succeed in the job application process.
Charge d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy Gautam Rana presided over the event and saluted the dedication of this year’s participants: “When this opportunity arose, you embraced the moment. You invested your time and energy, and you have demonstrated drive and motivation and have sacrificed to invest in your future. You own this success, and I offer you my deepest congratulations.”
The U.S. Embassy in Algiers covered all expenses over the 10-month period, as it did for the program’s flagship implementation in 2019. This year, the program expanded its scope to include women from Algiers and Oran. The Bawsala Mentorship Program is one of several programs the U.S. Department of State sponsors to promote women and youth’s inclusion in politics, society and the economy as a global priority.
The health and safety of our program participants remain our highest priority. A large portion of the program was conducted virtually, and the U.S. Embassy enforced strict social distancing measures and required masks, well-ventilated meeting spaces, and provided hand sanitizers during the closing ceremonies.
