Obama's visit to focus on youth, health, wellness

Staff Writer | Wednesday June 22, 2011 00:00

Focusing on youth leadership, education, health and wellness, the trip is a continuation of her work to engage young people at home and abroad, from mentoring students in the US and encouraging them to gain international experience, to encouraging young people to excel academically, serve, and lead during her visits to Brazil, Chile, El Salvador, India, Mexico and the United Kingdom (UK). 

Accompanying her will be her mother, Marian Robinson and her daughters, Malia and Sasha Obama.

According to a news release from the US Embassy in Gaborone, this visit will underscore that the US has an important stake in the success of Africa's many nations and underscore the historic connections between the American people and those who live on the African continent.  South Africa is a vital global partner for the US, as political leader and economic engine on the continent, and a historic example of democratic transition in Africa and around the world.  Botswana's enduring democracy, bolstered by its commitment to using its vast natural resources to invest in its people and grow its economy, models the potential for good governance, and strong institutions to advance prosperous and stable societies.

In addition to advancing her international youth engagement agenda, the First Lady's events will amplify President Barack Obama's support for democracy, development and economic opportunity across Africa.  During her trip, Obama will deliver the keynote address to a US-sponsored Young African Women Leaders Forum in South Africa. 

Forum participants include young women from across sub-Saharan Africa who are leading or involved in social and economic initiatives in their own countries.  The Forum will build on the Obama Administration's ongoing engagement with the next generation of African leaders and the momentum of the August 2010 President's Forum with Young African Leaders held at the White House. 

Obama's engagement with the people of South Africa and Botswana, as well as women and youth leaders from across sub-Saharan Africa, will further strengthen the already deep connections between the US and African nations. The Obama Administration has focused on expanding ties across the region's people, based upon mutual respect, responsibility and shared interests. In 2009 in Accra, Ghana, President Obama highlighted US commitment to Africa's future, underscoring that in this globalised world, Africa's democratic development, health and security 'is connected to our own'.