The West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network is excited to announce that it is welcoming applications for its Next Gen Initiative.

The Initiative, a six-month mentorship program, is designed to empower and engage young leaders and activists in West Africa, to promote and strengthen democracy in the region. The program is thoughtfully designed to encompass a four-week intensive online session, followed by a two-month mentoring program with a recognized civil society organization, accompanied by research and project work, and a culminating camp meeting that brings together all participants in Ghana.

Through this comprehensive approach, we aspire to equip the next generation of leaders with the necessary skills and knowledge to promote positive change and strengthen democracy in West Africa.

Criteria:

Click to download the French version

Click to download the English version

• Young people who meet the following criteria are encouraged to apply:
• Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old at the time of application, regardless of their gender.
• Applicants must be citizens of one of the West African countries, including Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo.
• Applicants should be able to read, write, and communicate in English, French, or Portuguese or have a minimum of a high school diploma or its equivalent. Higher educational qualifications or ongoing studies in fields related to democracy, governance, political science, international relations, human rights, gender, or the social sciences will be an advantage.
• Applicants must have a strong interest in democracy, governance, human rights, or related fields and a commitment to promoting and defending democratic principles in West Africa.
• Applicants should demonstrate leadership potential or have prior involvement in activities related to democratic governance, such as community organizing, advocacy, civil society engagement, or volunteer work.
• Applicants must be available to commit to the full duration of the program, including attending training sessions, workshops, and other related activities. They should also be willing to actively participate and contribute to the program’s objectives.
• Member of an organization (Including interns and volunteers) promoting civil engagement, a young political aspirant, a leader of student movements, or an activist
• Applicants should demonstrate high ethical standards, integrity, and a commitment to promoting inclusivity, transparency, and accountability.
• The initiative aims to promote diversity and inclusivity; therefore, individuals from diverse backgrounds, including different genders, ethnicities, religions, and socio-economic backgrounds, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
• Applicants may submit recommendation letters from individuals who can speak to their character, leadership potential, and commitment to democratic principles.

Application and Deadline:

Interested applicants should visit https://bit.ly/3pWr4WS to fill out the application form.

Prospective applicants are obliged to provide a brief statement (200 words maximum) explaining their interest in democracy, elections, civic engagement, political participation, peace and security, gender and inclusion etc; state ways in which they have demonstrated leadership potential or a commitment to driving positive change in their community (200 words maximum); write a brief essay on how they think diversity and inclusion can strengthen democracy (200 words maximum) and also upload their CVs.

The deadline for the application is August 11, 2023.

Note: Only shortlisted applicants will be notified by email.

If you require further clarification, you may contact info@wademosnetwork.org or Divine Ntiamoah-Berko via d.ntiamoah@wademosnetwork.org or Naa Ameley Tagoe via n.tagoe@cddgh.org