Future Leaders Fellowship Programme at ASRI

The ASRI Future Leaders program develops young people for the NGO and Government sectors, and therefore recruits individuals who are socially and politically active in their communities. The program seeks to recruit young people who aspire, in different spheres, to create change in South Africa. In developing these young people, we enhance their social and human capital in a way that not only accelerates their personal growth but which also translates into increased opportunities in the future.
Graduates of the 2017 ASRI Future Leaders Fellowship Program are anticipated to go on to become influential and prominent leaders in government and civil society, occupying a variety of positions in non-profit organisations; interest groups; policy institutes; media organisations; the public service and so forth.

The investment made during the program is approximately R90 000 per graduate (for the full programme including the externship) – which includes the cost of materials, stipends, program and operational costs. The program will accept 30 individuals for 2017, and each person will receive a monthly stipend of R5 000. There is no financial cost to the participants for being on the program.
Program Structure
The fellowship program is 6-months and fellows are required to be in attendance Monday to Thursday from 9am – 3:45pm, in Johannesburg, from the beginning of February to the end of July. Upon completion of the 6-month program, there is an optional 3-month work experience placement (externship) at an organisation in-line with your aspirations and interests. The mission of the program is the building of a social justice mind-set, with a particular focus on bettering the socio-economic conditions of people in South Africa. Emphasis is also placed on integrity, respect and tolerance.

ASRI is a pluralist domestic public policy institute that conducts Applied Research, Prototyping and Advocacy in Job Creation, Nation Building, Crime and Justice, Education, and Healthcare.

Some of the themes that will be covered include the following:
• Law and social justice
• Leadership
• Public policy
• Understanding government
• NGOs and Civil society
• Political philosophy
• Economics and development
• Ethics and Values
Practical skills developed:

• Communication (both written and verbal)
• Project, Financial and Organisational Management
• Advocacy
• Microsoft Suite

The eligibility requirements to be considered for the program are as follows:

Community & leadership experience: Individuals should be active in their community, have some form of leadership experience and show potential for being a change agent in South Africa
Academic: Students must have at least an undergraduate degree or diploma, with additional qualifications being an advantage
Attendance requirement: To be eligible for the program, you must be able to be in attendance (at our premises) from Monday-Thursday from 9am-3:45pm, from February-July
Age limit: 30
Citizenship: South African citizenship or permission to reside in South Africa (with the long term view of staying in the country)