Background

Afresist presents Afresist Youth Leadership Programme (AYLP), a training rooted in the belief that African youth can be everyday pan-Africanists, everyday leaders, everyday activists. While various leadership programs targeting African youth do exist, most times there is either little or no focus on African knowledge, philosophy and models. This is disempowering for African youth because it creates the perception that African youth and Africans, in general, must look outside of Africa for best practice models. Consequently, AYLP is a step towards addressing this gap by supporting, empowering, nurturing and creating Pan-African spaces for African youth. AYLP focuses on three key modules, each rooted in self-disciple and action: Pan-Africanism, Leadership and Non-Violence.

Philosophy

The Afresist Youth Leadership Programme is more than a training programme – it is a philosophy, a new model that is in harmony with the Africa We Want. It is designed and directed by Africans for Africans. As Africans, we have always been participants in programmes directed by others, but it is time for us to produce our philosophy of leadership driven by African and feminist wisdom and values. We need to think outside the box and develop new successful leadership models and decolonize conceptions that feed into current western centred leadership programs.

AYLP, therefore, is shifting the conversation about youth leadership from Western models of peaceful free and fair elections as indicators of democracy to everyday active citizenship. The leadership programme is designed to support and train youth who are interested in activism as well as those who are discovering their place and role in society. It targets youth from diverse backgrounds across Africa, including rural and urban. It aims at training youth to draw from their environment, history and indigenous wisdom systems to create social change that embraces inclusion and diversity.

Who should apply?
  • African youth residing in Africa and the Diaspora
  • Global South youth (Latin America, Asia, Middle East, Oceania)
  • 18-25 years old at the time of submitting the application
  • Have a genuine interest in personal growth and self-empowerment
  • Be aspiring or young leaders in their communities
Programme

The programme offers two weeks of intensive training based on AYLP Toolkit which provides participants with an experience that will equip them with skills, knowledge and network to own and build the Africa We Want. Our first Cohort met in Nairobi for this training but unfortunately due to the current pandemic of COVID-19 this year training course will take place virtually. There will be online activities and engagement which will take place throughout the programme. Centred on Pan-African philosophy, participants will gain knowledge on various theoretical and practical approaches that include:

  • Intersectional Analysis
  • Decolonization
  • African Leadership and Wisdom
  • Postcolonial Africa
  • Concept of Power
  • African-inspired self-care tools
  • Storytelling
  • Intergenerational dialogue
  • African Art and Spirituality
  • African Women’s wisdom

In a nutshell, participants will be learning and sharing experiences to reflect, collaborate and co-create their vision for Africa.


Checkout Aylp toolkit
The Programme Covers
  • Program materials which includes African movies, literature, art, case studies.
  • Certificate of becoming an “Afresist Leader” after completion of full programme
  • Membership of AYLP Alumni network
Process/ Timeline
  • The deadline for submission of application form is 31 May 2022. DEADLINE HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO 22 JUNE 2022!
  • Phase I will take place from 4 July – 21 July 2022 – Virtually.
  • Action Phase: between August and September 2022, participants will go back to their communities and conduct a research project and apply the skills they learnt in a social project.
  • Phase II will take place from 3-9 October 2022 – Virtually.
Application Form

Fields marked with an * are required


    Full Name *

    Email *

    Gender *

    Date of birth *

    Nationality *

    Disability *

    Living In *

    Region *

    Preferred Language *

    Phone No/WhatsApp *

    Education/Profession

    Education Level *

    Current Occupation *

    Organisation/Institution *

    Resume/CV Link *

    Link to any other documents you feel will support your application *

    Story and Vision

    What is your story? *

    What values, attitudes and mottos do you live by that are important in your life now? *

    What skills have you acquired to date through your studies and life, and how have you continued improving them? *

    What social issues are you most passionate about or moved by? *

    What motivates you to go the extra mile? *

    How would you define Pan-Africanism? Which African leaders or Africans inspire you and why? *

    How do you define leadership? Which African leaders or Africans inspire you and why? *

    How would you define non-violence? Do you consider yourself non-violent? And give an example of a time when you encountered conflict or disagreement and how you handled it *

    Why are you a suitable candidate for the Afresist Youth Leadership Program? Why are you applying for the program?*

    Participation

    Are you able to cover program fees of 100 USD ? (Please do note this question will not affect the selection process) *

    If you answered No in the previous question, how much can you contribute? *

    Are you committed to participating in the entire two-phase programme? *

    Reference

    Please share the contact of a reference that can recommend you for this programme

    Name *

    Profession *

    Email *

    Survey Information

    How did you learn about Afresist? *

    Would you like your application to be considered for Afresist Regional or National training if you were not selected for AYLP? *

    Would you recommend Afresist to your networks? *

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