Call for Champions Leadership Program 2024

Background

Somalia has one of the world’s largest young populations, with 75 percent of its population under 30 years old. While young people represent the majority in Somali society, continuing unrest, conflict, and socioeconomic and political exclusion have left them with psychological wounds and multiple roadblocks to adulthood.

This leadership training challenge is part of the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) Fellowship Program, a flagship project supported by NELIS—Next Leaders’ Initiative for Sustainability. The Fellowship Program aimed to equip one million NexGen leaders and social innovators with the required skills to lead positive and sustainable change in their regions by 2030.

Many young people in Somalia lack the critical thinking and leadership skills necessary to develop into better adults because ongoing unrest and conflict have demoralized them, leaving them with psychological wounds and numerous obstacles to adulthood.

Engaging and empowering young people is a prerequisite for the UN to deliver on its mandate in support of the Somali people. As a result, a number of global and national frameworks shape the UN’s integrated response in support of Somali youth. Youth leadership development is crucial for fostering future leaders and empowering young individuals to make a positive impact in their communities. This proposed training initiative aims to develop effective youth leadership programs by exploring strategies and best practices that can enhance youth’s leadership skills and abilities to inspire positive change in their communities.

Why join the Youth Leadership Program?

Participating in the Youth Leadership Program will equip you with leadership and critical thinking skills, enhancing your ability to influence and contribute to socio-economic development within your local community as a productive and inspired citizen. This leadership program aims to boost your potential to contribute and open up broad network opportunities, while also building your capacity to contribute and implement sustainable community programs in communities.

During the program, you will undergo 3 weeks of extensive training to prepare you for your role as a program facilitator, coach, and change maker. After training, you will have the opportunity to participate in community support initiatives.

Are you a passionate and driven young leader looking to make a difference in your community? Are you between the ages of 18 and 30, living in Somalia,  who is highly motivated to cause change in their lives and the lives of their communities?

Join the leadership program in collaboration with the OML-MENA Fellowship Program, NELIS: The Next Leaders’ Initiative for Sustainability. The MENA Fellows Leadership Challenge is proud to announce that applications are now open for the Youth Leadership Program in August–Sep 2024. This transformative initiative aims to equip young people with the skills, knowledge, and creativity needed to drive social change and foster entrepreneurship leadership in their communities.

Eligibility

  • Age 18–35
  • Have an interest in personal development and leadership.
  • Traits of a problem solver
  • Having a personal vision
  • Passion to make a positive change in the community, particularly pastoralist communities
  • Have access to a basic smartphone or laptop and possess basic computer skills.
  • Demonstrated leadership and passion for community development and entrepreneurship.

How to Apply

Click this online link https://forms.gle/ybKjb83YWT8b1hRY6 and fill it with all required information regarding your interest in the participation of the program.

Deadline for Application: 30 Aug 2024