FY2023 Professional Fellows Program on Inclusive Civic Engagement in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda
Project Description:
The University of Massachusetts Boston's Institute for Community Inclusion (ICI) together with the African Disability Forum (ADF) seek continued funding for the Professional Fellows Program on Inclusive Civic Engagement in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Ethiopia addressing the Civic Engagement theme. Partners will implement a 2-way international exchange for emerging leaders ages 25–40 to promote mutual understanding, enhance leadership and professional skills, and build sustainable partnerships with the goals of increasing civic engagement of people with disabilities and strengthening civil society in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Ethiopia. Specifically, the program will support 12 mid-level professionals (Fellows) from the target countries to participate in a 5-week Fellowship on inclusive civic engagement. This includes a 4-week Fellowship placement with an individually matched US host site organization. Partners will recruit host site organizations for Fellowship placements through our national network of University Centers for Excellence in Disabilities Education, Research, and Service (UCEDDs) and the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities Programs (LENDs), and other sources. Fellows will focus on a key policy or practice issue related to disability and civic engagement in their country. During their placements, Fellows will develop an action plan for an individual follow-on project to implement upon returning home. The program will also select five American professionals (American Fellows) from the host site organizations to participate in a 2-week trip to visit their respective Fellow and their organizations in Africa to support and sustain project impact and long-term collaboration. There will be one exchange with two components: one US-based (tentative dates: May 8–June 12, 2025, plus international travel) and one Africa-based (tentative travel in summer/fall 2025; dates will vary by the American Fellow). African Fellows will spend 26 days in-country and American Fellows will spend 10 days in-country, plus international travel days. The partnership between ICI and ADF with the national network of UCEDDs and LENDs as a resource is powerful and uniquely suited to continue implementing an international exchange that prepares the next generation of leaders for their critical roles in ensuring that people with disabilities have an equal opportunity to participate in civic life and society in Africa.
Keyword(s):
None of the above, Civic Engagement
Core Function(s):
Continuing Education/Community Training
Area of Emphasis
Other - Leadership, Other
Target Audience:
Community Trainees / Short term trainees, Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers, Adults with Disabilities
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Geographic Areas, Territory, Geographic Area - Other, Other
Primary Target Audience Geographic Descriptor:
International
COVID-19 Related Data:
N/A
