Policy Alert, a non-governmental organizationworkingto strengthen institutions, citizens and communities in Niger Delta, has launched its bespoke youth development programme known as the Emerging Voices Fellowship (EVF). The programme is designed to build a corps of young leaders to drive the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in communities of Nigeria’s Niger Delta – a region known for its low human development indicators despite abundant revenue inflows. The fellowship comprises a Learning, Thinking, and Doing (LTD) Workshop scheduled for November 27-29, 2018, in Uyo, AkwaIbom state, followed by an internship and mentorship placement over a period of three months.
Commenting on the significance of the fellowship, ChimezieAnajama, Head of Communications and Stakeholder Engagement at Policy Alert, said: “Emerging Voices Fellowship (EVF) is founded on the recognition that young people have the potential and the attributes to lead positive change in their communities and across the Niger Delta region and beyond. The fellowship would afford selected young people the space to test out new ideas, develop transformative leadership, build confidence and skills, challenge the way they work and cultivate new alliances for change.”
She also noted that young people were targeted because they possess unique creativity, passion, commitment and energy required to be champions of the Policy Alert`s vision in building accountable institutions, empowered citizens and sustainable communities. She added: “Whether in the field of economic governance, environment and climate change, community rights and peace building, or entrepreneurship and livelihoods, our work at Policy Alert has often depended on the vibrancy of young social change agents who are impatient to help make a difference in their communities and their world. This fellowship seeks to connect that passion with capacity.”
The Harmattan Cohort of the EVF will run into the first quarter of 2019 and will see the young fellows implementinginnovative and sustainable solutions to the development challenges of their communities.
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