Resilience Fellowship 2026: A Deep Dive for East African Changemakers
The Resilience Fellowship is back for its fifth year, offering a unique 9-month program for young changemakers in East Africa. This fellowship is designed by youth, for youth, focusing on personal growth, healing, leadership, and building community resilience. If you are a passionate individual aged 18-28, based in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, or Tanzania, and committed to making a difference, this program might be for you. The fellowship emphasizes high commitment, requiring participants to dedicate time to in-person events, ongoing mentorship, and community work.
Understanding the Fellowship’s Core Mission
The Resilience Fellowship aims to empower young leaders to address climate justice and foster emotionally resilient communities. It’s a demanding program that requires full dedication from participants. The fellowship is structured to provide a powerful journey of growth, healing, and leadership development over nine months. Participants are expected to be ready to invest significant energy into their personal development and their community’s well-being.
Key Benefits for Selected Fellows
Those chosen for the Resilience Fellowship can expect a range of valuable benefits designed to support their growth and impact. A significant part of the program includes a five-day restorative retreat in nature, offering a space for deep healing and meaningful conversations. Fellows will also receive certification as a Mental Health First Aider, equipping them with essential skills to support others.
Additional benefits include:
- Skill Development: Gaining new skills in facilitation, leadership, project management, and community care.
- Well-being Improvement: Experiencing reduced climate anxiety, improved emotional well-being, and strengthened community connections.
- Mentorship: Receiving eight months of expert intergenerational mentorship to guide their development.
- Networking: Building lifelong friendships and a strong support network with fellow changemakers.
- Financial Support: A KES 40,000 stipend, with travel expenses covered.
Eligibility Criteria for Applicants
To be considered for the Resilience Fellowship, applicants must meet specific criteria. The program is open to individuals aged 18 to 28 years old who are currently residing in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, or Tanzania. A crucial aspect of the fellowship is the requirement to apply as a pair. This is because fellows are trained to lead Resilience Circles together in their local communities, so pre-formed pairs who work well together are sought.
Further requirements include:
- Availability: Being available from July 2026 to March 2027 to commit to training, facilitation, mentorship, and reporting.
- Passion: Demonstrating a strong passion for climate justice and building emotionally resilient communities.
- Personal Qualities: Being a good listener, a compassionate leader-in-the-making, and eager to support others.
- Openness: Being open to exploring topics like climate anxiety, burnout, and emotional well-being.
- Language Proficiency: Being proficient in English.
Commitment Expectations During the Fellowship
The Resilience Fellowship requires a substantial commitment from its participants over the nine-month period. Fellows are expected to complete a two-day online training course to become certified Mental Health First Aiders. Attendance at the five-day in-person Resilience Residential, scheduled from July 31 to August 4, 2026, is mandatory.
The core of the community work involves co-leading in-person Resilience Circles with 16-20 young people in their local communities. This requires approximately 5-6 hours per week for preparation and facilitation over an eight-week period. Additionally, participants must commit to weekly preparation and reporting, including submitting feedback and data after each session and weekly check-ins with the TRP team. Monthly community calls for updates and troubleshooting, along with one-hour monthly mentorship meetings, are also part of the commitment.
How to Apply for the Resilience Fellowship
Prospective applicants interested in the Resilience Fellowship must carefully review the application booklet for detailed instructions. It is advised to prepare all application answers in advance before submitting them through the online form. The application deadline is May 31, 2026.
The application process involves submitting information through an online form. For more detailed instructions and to access the application booklet, applicants should refer to the provided resources. The fellowship is a significant opportunity for young East Africans dedicated to personal growth and community impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Resilience Fellowship?
The Resilience Fellowship is a 9-month program designed for young changemakers in East Africa to foster personal growth, healing, leadership, and community resilience.
Who is eligible to apply for the fellowship?
Applicants must be between 18 and 28 years old, live in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, or Tanzania, apply as a pair, and be proficient in English.
What are the main benefits of being a fellow?
Benefits include a restorative retreat, Mental Health First Aider certification, skill development, mentorship, networking opportunities, and a KES 40,000 stipend with covered travel.
What is the time commitment for the fellowship?
Commitment involves a 2-day online training, a 5-day in-person retreat, co-leading community circles for 5-6 hours weekly over eight weeks, and regular reporting and check-ins.
