Young people aged 14 to 23 are gaining practical skills, mentorship and workplace experience through the African Knowledge Institute for Innovation and Scientific Advancement (AKIISA) Summer Academy, as the six-week programme seeks to prepare a new generation of young leaders for careers and opportunities in health, science and technology.
The 2026 Summer Academy cohort, consisting of 15 interns where 14 successfully graduated, concluded its training on August 6, 2026, combining masterclasses and hands-on workplace exposure with a focus on leadership, financial literacy, communication, community engagement, technology and data.
Unlike traditional internships, the AKIISA Summer Academy integrates structured masterclasses with hands-on workplace exposure across an interconnected three-pillar ecosystem namely the Center for Impact Innovation and Capacity Building for Health Information Systems and Nutrition (AKIISA, CIIC-HIN), and Platform for African Clinical Trials (PACT) solutions, according to the institute.
This approach offers participants with first-hand insight into how scientific advancement, health implementation research, and community-centred solutions work in tandem to drive sustainable change.
Throughout the programme, the cohort developed core competencies in leadership, financial literacy, communication, community engagement, and leveraging technology and data.
"The journey they have concluded demonstrates the power of combining knowledge, mentorship, and experience. We believe that this youth has the capability to provide solutions, particularly in the health and technology sectors.," Joselyne Uwitonze, AKIISA Managing Director said, underscoring the importance of investing in youth to address real-world societal challenges.
"This programme was not only aimed at providing practical skills but also focused on developing their capacities in leadership, teamwork, and self-confidence as they prepare to join various professional sectors in the future," he added.
Graduates, parents share testimonies
Graduates shared testimonies of how the academy transformed their perspectives and equipped them for impact.
Merveille Ineza one of the graduates described the programme as a pivotal opportunity that helped participants discover their potential and connect with like-minded peers driven by a shared call to innovate.
"This programme gave us a new way to champion innovation and leadership," Ineza said. "We learned to go beyond theoretical lessons, think critically, work together, and trust our ability to strive for change and solve real-life problems."
Parents also lauded the initiative for equipping the younger generation with future-ready tools. One parent commended AKIISA for blending education, mentorship, and practical skill-building.
They said that investment made in developing this youth is aimed at advancing the future, noting that when young people are given the right skills and opportunities, they can create solutions that benefit many others.
Founded in 2024, AKIISA is dedicated to transforming African healthcare by empowering professionals and driving sustainable development through education, research, and strategic partnerships. The institute employs a hybrid learning model that combines community-engaged health sciences research with both in-person training and an interactive e-learning platform featuring over 50 specialised modules.