"There is a lot we can do in the digital space these days, but there is nothing like in-depth personal interaction when it comes to building relationships, discussing ideas and creating innovations. AGYLE provides a unique opportunity for young leaders from different continents and backgrounds to interact, connect, and learn from each other, and I am thrilled to be a part of the programme!"
Lena Gronbach is a social entrepreneur, researcher, mentor and youth exchange advocate with over 10 years of professional experience. She is passionate about education, intercultural understanding, personal and professional development, digital technologies, and creating opportunities for African youth. In 2019 Lena founded Africademics, a digital scholarship platform and community for students, graduates and scholars in and from Africa. The organization won the 'Deutscher Engagementpreis’ in 2022 and reaches over 40,000 followers on a daily basis. Lena is also the National Director of Youth for Understanding South Africa, a non-profit high school exchange organization offering cultural and educational study abroad programmes to over 50 countries worldwide. Her other passion is research, focusing on digital payment systems for social cash transfers. She is currently completing her PhD at the University of Cape Town and works as a freelance research consultant on social protection.
