World Food Prize Launches Youth Institute in South Africa

The World Food Prize Foundation today announced the expansion of Youth Programming with the launch of the South Africa Youth Institute, hosted at Stellenbosch University.

"The South Africa Youth Institute embodies our dedication to nurturing the next generation of changemakers who will tackle the world's most pressing food challenges," said Mashal Husain, President, World Food Prize Foundation. "By engaging young leaders across South Africa, we are planting the seeds for a more resilient, innovative and food-secure future for the entire region."

On June 25 South African high school students will convene for an immersive, research-driven experience. Participants will explore challenges impacting local and global food systems, present research findings to panels of experts and collaborate with university faculty, industry leaders and community partners.

"As the only World Food Prize Laureate born in South Africa I was so pleased to learn of the new Youth Institute being established at Stellenbosch, one of the finest universities anywhere in the world," said Lawrence Haddad, 2018 World Food Prize Laureate. " To paraphrase Kofi Annan, one is never too young to be a food systems leader and never too old to support the young leaders. The new Youth Institute will ensure both of these things happen."

Top students from the Institute will become eligible for further leadership and academic opportunities through the World Food Prize Foundation's Youth Programs. This will join a growing list of 38 Youth Institutes across the U.S. and the globe, and the fourth on the African continent.

"This event will be a transformative opportunity for learners from across South Africa, including those from historically under-resourced communities," said Francine Barchett, former Youth Representative, World Food Prize Foundation Council of Advisors and co-coordinator of the South African Youth Institute. "Grade 10 school learners will present solutions to critical food and sustainability challenges, engage with leading experts from the university and across the country and connect with peers and professionals to make a difference locally, globally and throughout their future careers."

Each year, more than 1,800 students present their research and share innovative solutions from their Global Challenge papers at a World Food Prize Foundation Youth Institute. Hosted by leading universities and research organizations, Youth Institutes immerse high school students in critical discussions on global food security. Students engage with local leaders and experts on critical global food security challenges, participate in hands-on science activities, gain exposure to different career paths and explore exciting ways to make meaningful differences on issues related to agriculture, food security and sustainability.