ASPEN-IMPACT WEST AFRICA FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM 2024 FOR YOUNG CHANGEMAKERS (FULLY FUNDED)-Apply Now

ASPEN-IMPACT WEST AFRICA FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM 2024 FOR YOUNG CHANGEMAKERS (FULLY FUNDED)

The Aspen Global Innovators Group, in partnership with Niyel, has announced the launch of the Impact West Africa Fellowship Program for 2024. This fully funded initiative aims to empower young changemakers from West Africa by providing them with the necessary skills and support to address key issues affecting the region.

Background and Objectives:

The Impact West Africa Fellowship program, initiated by the Aspen Global Innovators Group in collaboration with Niyel, a Senegal-based advocacy firm, aims to amplify the voices of leaders with firsthand expertise in West Africa. Launched in Senegal in 2023, the program provides a unique opportunity for West African leaders to drive advocacy efforts and address the region’s development challenges.

Key Objectives:

1. Elevating Voices: The fellowship seeks to elevate the voices of West African leaders who possess proximate and lived expertise in the region’s issues. By centering the expertise of local leaders, the program aims to advance Africa’s own development priorities.
2. Developing Advocates: Through the fellowship experience, the program aims to develop a new generation of powerful African development advocates. These advocates will have a proven passion for advocacy and a solid track record of activities aimed at improving lives and driving meaningful change across the region.
3. Spotlighting Key Issues: The program will spotlight advocates from both French-speaking and English-speaking West African countries, highlighting key issues relevant to the region’s Francophone and Anglophone communities. By addressing these issues, the fellowship aims to address common challenges that affect close to half a billion people across the region’s 17 countries.

You may also be eligible for:

(The World Academy of Sciences) Postdoctoral Fellowships – 2024- Apply Today!

UNICEF Office of Innovation Internship- Programme Support for Key Innovative Financing Initiatives 2024-Apply Now

Program Components:

The Impact West Africa Fellowship program consists of several key components designed to equip changemakers from the region with the skills and support needed to tackle common challenges:

1. Intensive 12-Month Journey: Each Impact Fellow will participate in an intensive 12-month journey aimed at advancing their individual advocacy goals. Throughout the program, fellows will continue their professional commitments while engaging in fellowship activities.
2. Tailored Mentorship: Fellows will receive tailored mentorship from experienced professionals in their field. This mentorship will provide guidance and support as fellows work towards their advocacy goals.
3. Immersive Convenings: Fellows will attend two immersive convenings, providing opportunities for networking, learning, and collaboration. These convenings will allow fellows to connect with peers and experts in the field.
4. Quarterly Online Training Sessions: Between convenings, fellows will participate in quarterly online training sessions. These sessions will cover various topics relevant to advocacy and leadership development, providing ongoing learning and skill-building opportunities.

Overall, the program aims to empower West African leaders to drive positive change in their communities and advance the region’s development priorities. Through tailored support, mentorship, and networking opportunities, fellows will be equipped to tackle the region’s most pressing challenges and create a better future for all.

Program Overview: The Impact West Africa Fellowship Program is designed to elevate the voices of leaders with proximate and lived expertise in West Africa. It seeks to develop a new generation of powerful African development advocates who are passionate about driving meaningful change across the region. Fellows will have the opportunity to participate in a 12-month intensive program that includes mentorship, immersive convenings, and quarterly online training sessions.

Eligibility Criteria:

1. Citizenship and Residency: Applicants must hold citizenship and residency in a West African country. This requirement ensures that the fellowship is open to individuals who are closely connected to the region and its issues.
2. Passion and Commitment for Advocacy: Candidates must demonstrate a genuine passion and commitment for advocating on key issues affecting West Africa. This includes a strong desire to drive positive change and contribute to the development of the region.
3. Access to Reliable Internet Connection: Due to the virtual nature of some program components, applicants must have access to a reliable internet connection. This ensures that fellows can fully participate in online training sessions and other virtual activities.
4. Ability to Fully Participate: Successful applicants must be able to commit to participating fully throughout the duration of the program. This includes attending in-person convenings, virtual training sessions, and engaging in other fellowship activities.
5. Organizational Support: Applicants should have organizational support to engage in the fellowship experience. This support may come in the form of a letter from their organization confirming their ability to participate and fully engage in the program.

Program Components:

The Impact West Africa Fellowship Program consists of several key components designed to support the development of young changemakers in the region:

1. In-person Week-long Convenings: Fellows will participate in two in-person week-long convenings, providing opportunities for networking, learning, and collaboration. These convenings will include all-day sessions and cohort bonding activities.
2. Quarterly Virtual Training Sessions: Fellows will engage in quarterly virtual training sessions, covering various topics relevant to advocacy and leadership development. These sessions will provide opportunities for continued learning and skill-building.
3. Professional Mentorship Support: Fellows will receive mentorship from experienced professionals in their field, offering guidance and support as they work towards their advocacy goals.
4. Travel-Related Costs Coverage: The fellowship will cover all travel-related costs for the two in-person convenings, including airfare, local transportation, lodging, and food. This ensures that fellows can attend the convenings without facing financial barriers.

Overall, the program aims to empower young leaders in West Africa, providing them with the skills, support, and resources needed to drive meaningful change in their communities and beyond.

Timeline:

• May 1, 2024: Application opens.
• June 30, 2024: Application closes.
• July 2024: Successful applicants invited for interviews.
• Early August 2024: Applicants notified of application status.
• Late August 2024: Successful applicants virtually onboarded as Fellows.
• September 2024: First convening in Dakar (Tentative).
• November 2024: First Virtual Training (Tentative).
• Jan/Feb 2025: Second convening, location TBD (Tentative).
• April 2025: Second Virtual Training (Tentative).
• July 2025: Final Virtual Training (Tentative).

Application Process: Interested candidates can visit the official webpage of the Aspen- Impact West Africa Fellowship Program for more information and to access the application portal. The deadline for applications is June 14, 2024.

Apply here on original website

APPLY HERE

This fellowship program presents a unique opportunity for young changemakers in West Africa to enhance their advocacy skills, network with like-minded individuals, and drive positive change across the region.