Fellowship program offered to young leaders
FILIPINO youth leaders are encouraged to join a pioneering learning program aimed at empowering them for civic participation and democratic governance.
Those interested can now apply for the Youth Leadership for Democracy’s (Youthled) 2021-Leadership and Democracy (Lead) Fellowship. It offers a series of leadership and skills-development activities, real-world application training, as well as network-building engagements spread out from May 2021 to March 2023.
“We are looking for youth leaders from diverse backgrounds, particularly those who are active members of a private, public, [community or civil-society organization, or] educational institution,” said The Asia Foundation’s Youthled
Chief of Party Ching Jorge, “We need champions of civic engagement, democratic participation and activities for the benefit of the community. The program is completely free.”
“We offer equal opportunities regardless of one’s background, geographical origin, gender, belief system, and social status. We encourage differently abled persons, members of indigenous communities, and those identifying as LGBTQI+ [lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and other orientations and identities] to apply,” she added.
The series of training sessions will be provided in collaboration with the Asian Institute of Management’s Future Bridging Leadership Program, Ateneo School of Governments’ Executive Education Courses, and Ayala Foundation Inc.’s Servant Leadership Program.
Chosen candidates aged 18 to 30 years old will also undergo mentorship activities with the Makati Business Club and Philippine Business for Social Progress.
Beyond these, participants will gain access to grants and funding for their respective organizations, or will receive guidance in putting up their own agencies as youth leaders. Supporting them will be a network of mentors. They will be recognized as a member of the Youthled network of young leaders in the country.
The five-year fellowship program is being organized by The Asia Foundation, in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development or USAID, along with several organizations, institutions and experts.
Youthled is designed to produce young leaders who are champions of democratic values, participatory governance and civic engagement. Also, it seeks to support informed, engaged, and empowered Youthled leaders in their ability to navigate, engage and maximize platforms for democratic governance via issue-based campaigns and development programs.
Applications are now being accepted until February 28. Documents for submission include completed Lead Fellowship application form, updated curriculum vitae, project proposal, budget proposal of proposed project, and two endorsement letters from an employer, teacher, school official or verifiable mentor.
Candidates will undergo two stages of application reviews, including blind and panel interviews. Results will be announced by the end of April on www.youthled.org.ph.