The First Lady's Trip to Africa

The First Lady's Trip to Africa Blog

  • Photos: The First Lady's First Day in South Africa

    Posted by Kori Schulman on June 22, 2011 at 2:08 PM EDT

    This week, the First Lady is on an official visit to Africa focused on youth leadership, education, health and wellness. Have a look at photos from the first day of the trip:

    First Lady, Sasha, Malia, read "Cat in the Hat" in township

    First Lady Michelle Obama, along with daughters Sasha and Malia, reads “The Cat In The Hat” to children at the Zandspruit Township Daycare Center during an event at the Emthonjeni Community Center in Johannesburg, South Africa, June 21, 2011. (Official White House Photo by Samantha Appleton)

    South African Women Listen to FLOTUS Address

    Members of the Young Women Leader’s Forum listen as First Lady Michelle Obama address them at the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg, South Africa, June 21, 2011. (Official White House Photo by Samantha Appleton)

    First Lady Michelle Obama Tours the Apartheid Museum

    First Lady Michelle Obama views the “Sticks Exhibit” at the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg, South Africa, June 21, 2011. (Official White House Photo by Samantha Appleton)

    First Lady, Sasha, and Malia Tour Apartheid Museum, South Africa

    First Lady Michelle Obama, along with daughters Sasha and Malia, tour the exhibits at the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg, South Africa, June 21, 2011. (Official White House Photo by Samantha Appleton)

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  • A Remarkable Day in South Africa

    Posted by Alan Fitts on June 22, 2011 at 11:06 AM EDT

    It's been an incredible first day traveling in South Africa with the First Lady and her family!

    I had often heard South Africa described as a country of stark contrasts, powerful history and inspirational leaders - with a culture of hospitality, warmth and song. We had a long and varied day today, and all of us on the First Lady's staff feel like we got a true taste of it all!

    The First Lady started her morning meeting with leaders from across South Africa. Through various meetings, we encountered leaders from government and industry, non-profit and education. We had the opportunity to pay a visit to the Presidential Residence to greet First Lady Ntuli-Zuma and her children.  I felt inspired being in the presence of many leaders making such an impact on this country.

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  • As We Start Our Journey

    Posted by Tina Tchen on June 20, 2011 at 7:59 PM EDT

    Ed. Note: Follow the First Lady's trip at WhiteHouse.gov/YoungAfrica and learn more about some of the participants in the Young African Women Leaders, like Toyosi and Annah.

    The First Lady just arrived in South Africa and as we start this journey to meet with young African leaders we hope you will join us.

    Since Mrs. Obama announced this trip we’ve heard from young people at home and abroad who are excited to learn more about their peers in Africa, and we want to share your stories with the young leaders we meet.  Mrs. Obama hopes you will use this as an opportunity to build connections across the globe, to stretch your imagination, and think of ways you can impact the world around you.

    We are already seeing the beginning of great conversations, and we want to continue this important dialogue. So please share your stories and questions with us on Facebook and on Twitter using the hashtag #YoungAfrica, and stay connected with the First Lady’s trip by visiting whitehouse.gov/youngafrica. 

    We look forward to hearing from you!

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  • Join a Dialogue with Young African Women Leaders

    Posted by Karen Richardson on June 17, 2011 at 6:14 PM EDT

    Next week, the First Lady will travel to Johannesburg and Cape Town, South Africa and Gaborone, Botswana during an official visit to Africa. During the trip, which will go from June 21 – 26, Mrs. Obama will deliver the keynote address to a U.S.-sponsored Young African Women Leaders Forum in South Africa.  Forum participants include young women from across sub-Saharan Africa, like Toyosi and Annah, 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.

    On Monday, June 20 at 8:30 AM EDT, join us for a pre-Forum overview and discussion with Edward Kemp, Deputy Director for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs in the Bureau of African Affairs;  and Larry Garber, Deputy Assistant Administrator for Africa at USAID and me.

    Here's how you can join us to discuss the First Lady’s Forum and talk about the issues that matter to you and your community:

    Keep up with the First Lady at http://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/youngafrica, where you can find updates on this trip as well as engage in the conversation on Facebook and Twitter (#YoungAfrica).

    Karen Richardson is a Deputy Associate Director in the Office of Public Engagement.

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  • Follow the First Lady's Trip to Africa

    Posted by Kori Schulman on June 16, 2011 at 7:23 PM EDT

    In the coming days, First Lady Michelle Obama will be traveling to South Africa and Botswana to meet with young people from across Africa, including the Young African Women Leaders Forum. In a video message, Mrs. Obama invites young people at home, in Africa, and around the world to follow the trip and join the conversation:

    Download Video: mp4 (22MB) | mp3 (2MB)
     
    You can join the conversation on facebook and by using the hashtag #YoungAfrica on Twitter. Check WhiteHouse.gov/YoungAfrica for updates from the trip, videos of young leaders, and much more in the days and weeks to come.

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  • First Lady Michelle Obama Announces Visit to Africa Focused on Youth Leadership, Education, Health & Wellness

    Posted by Kori Schulman on June 3, 2011 at 11:15 AM EDT

    The First Lady just announced that she will travel to Johannesburg and Cape Town, South Africa and Gaborone, Botswana during an official visit to Africa later this month. The trip, focused on youth leadership, education, health and wellness, is a continuation of Mrs. Obama’s work to engage young people at home and abroad. Stay tuned for updates on the trip and ways to engage on WhiteHouse.gov.

    Here's the full press release:

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