Attractive events

Since its founding, YAPS has held a variety of events, including a seminar entitled "Shaping the China-Africa Relationship: The Role of African Media," and an East African coffee tasting event. Over 20 influential women were invited to speak at the group's commemoration of International Women's Day this past March.

While many of these functions feature presentations from guest speakers followed by a Q&A session, smaller events are about discussion and interaction. A highlight of these small gatherings is its monthly roundtable country review, which examines one African country in depth. A key speaker talks about the country's history and culture, its current political and economic climate, and potential for Chinese investment.

"Africa is not one country. We are all Africans, [but] we still have different cultures," said Sarah Ferdjani. A Nigerien pursuing a master's degree at Beijing Jiaotong University, she is YAPS Executive Officer and presented the Niger review.

Nigeria and Rwanda have also been covered in the last few months, while Ethiopia, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Egypt will be spotlighted at roundtables in the near future.

Reaping benefits

Currently, membership is open to those who share the ideals of YAPS and can contribute to group activities. Membership benefits include information sharing, networking opportunities and access to industry leaders, according to Lefifi. She believes the benefits accrue to all young Africans in China and those who will soon arrive.

"YAPS provides an all-round [educational] experience. Through YAPS we have improved our leadership skills, business acumen and interpersonal skills," she said, adding that active members have experienced personal and professional growth.

"When we first came [to China], we didn't know much about the language, the culture, [and we felt] kind of lost. [But] YAPS brings us together. It's like a small African community in Beijing and we try to help each other, understand the culture, learn to make our way in Beijing," said Ferdjani.

Future outlook

According to Lefifi, financial considerations and time are the main challenges facing YAPS. The organization has many interested investors, but YAPS is holding off until it can guarantee projects that will show tangible returns. The group also prefers to work on projects that promote social entrepreneurship instead of operating on grand funding.

One of the problems in China-Africa relations is lack of participation from students and people-to-people engagement, Lefifi said, and she always encourages members to find a way to contribute in their own capacity.

"We are culture, education and industry ambassadors and promoters... For China-Africa, we hope to promote Africa as a brand of choice. We will create more opportunities and a solid support base while [our members] are studying or developing their careers in [the] China-Africa realm," she said.

Learn more about YAPS at www.yapschina.com

YAPS can be reached at yapscn@gmail.com