Young Leaders Fellowship 2026: Applications Open for Emerging Leaders Transforming School Safety (Fully Funded) Admin, June 22, 2026June 22, 2026 Application Deadline: July 4, 2026 Applications are now open for the Young Leaders Fellowship 2026, a unique leadership development program designed for young changemakers from the Global South who are working to prevent violence against children in and through schools. Across many communities worldwide, millions of children continue to face physical, emotional, and psychological violence within educational environments. While schools should be safe spaces for learning and growth, many students still experience bullying, abuse, discrimination, and other forms of violence that negatively affect their education and well-being. The Young Leaders Fellowship seeks to empower a new generation of leaders who are actively addressing these challenges. Through leadership development, coaching, networking, and global exposure, the fellowship helps participants strengthen their impact and become influential voices in the movement to create safer schools. For young professionals, nonprofit leaders, social entrepreneurs, educators, and advocates across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and other Global South regions, this fellowship offers an exceptional opportunity to develop leadership skills while connecting with a global community dedicated to child protection and education reform. About the Young Leaders Fellowship 2026 The Young Leaders Fellowship is a one-year leadership program that supports emerging leaders who are working to prevent violence against children in educational settings. The fellowship is backed by the expertise and networks of Raising Voices and the Coalition for Good Schools, organizations that have spent decades advancing evidence-based approaches to violence prevention and child protection. Unlike many traditional leadership programs that focus primarily on theoretical learning, this fellowship combines personal leadership growth with practical support for participants’ ongoing initiatives. Fellows receive guidance that helps them strengthen their projects, refine their strategies, and increase their influence within the broader violence prevention sector. The program is designed around the belief that effective leadership begins with personal transformation. Participants engage in reflective conversations, peer learning, and practical leadership exercises that help them better understand themselves, their work, and their ability to create meaningful change. In addition, fellows gain opportunities to contribute to international conversations that shape policies, programs, and research on school safety and child protection. Why This Fellowship Matters Violence against children remains one of the most pressing yet under-addressed challenges facing education systems globally. Research consistently shows that unsafe learning environments negatively affect educational outcomes, mental health, attendance, and long-term development. Young leaders are often at the forefront of innovative community-based solutions, but many lack access to leadership development opportunities, mentorship, funding networks, and global platforms. The Young Leaders Fellowship addresses this gap by equipping participants with the skills, confidence, and connections needed to scale their impact and contribute to lasting change. For African changemakers especially, this fellowship provides a valuable platform to share local experiences, learn from peers across different regions, and influence global discussions on creating safe and inclusive schools. Benefits of the Young Leaders Fellowship Selected fellows will receive a wide range of professional and leadership development benefits, including: Leadership Development Structured leadership growth opportunities Guided self-reflection and leadership coaching Honest peer discussions about leadership challenges Supportive learning environment that builds confidence Global Exposure Opportunities to contribute to conferences and expert discussions Participation in policy and sector conversations Increased visibility within the international child protection field Continuous Learning Access to learning sessions featuring experts from academia, government, and civil society Practical training on topics such as: Pitching and communication Compliance and governance Recruitment and team management Organizational growth and sustainability Coaching and Initiative Support Personalized guidance on participants’ projects and initiatives Structured analysis of program strengths and gaps Strategic advice for scaling impact Support for monitoring and evaluation approaches Community of Practice Monthly peer-learning sessions Collaborative problem-solving with other fellows Long-term professional relationships with leaders across multiple countries In-Person Convening Participation in one fully organized in-person gathering during the fellowship year Networking and collaboration opportunities with cohort members and sector experts Eligibility Criteria To apply for the Young Leaders Fellowship 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements: Age Requirement Applicants must be: Between 18 and 35 years old at the time of application. Geographic Eligibility Applicants must: Be based in a Global South country. Be actively working within their local community, country, or region. Professional Experience Applicants should be: Leading or significantly contributing to an initiative focused on preventing violence against children in and through schools. Working through NGOs, community organizations, social enterprises, schools, government programs, or related initiatives. Language Requirement Applicants must: Be able to participate fully in English-language sessions and activities. Commitment Requirement Applicants should: Be available for virtual fellowship activities throughout the year. Commit to participating in regular cohort sessions across different time zones. Be willing and able to attend the in-person convening. Selection Criteria The fellowship team will prioritize candidates who demonstrate: A strong commitment to ending violence against children. Consistent involvement in school safety or child protection initiatives. Clear leadership potential. Interest in contributing to global discussions on violence prevention. Openness to collaboration and peer learning. A willingness to learn from diverse perspectives and experiences. The selection process will also seek balanced representation across regions and gender. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to participate in a brief interview with the fellowship team before final selections are made. About Raising Voices and the Coalition for Good Schools The fellowship draws on over two decades of experience in violence prevention and child protection. Raising Voices, based in Uganda, is internationally recognized for innovative approaches to violence prevention, including the Good School Toolkit and SASA! methodology. The Coalition for Good Schools brings together practitioners, researchers, funders, and organizations working toward a shared vision of making every school safe, inclusive, and free from violence. Together, these organizations provide fellows with access to a powerful network of experts, practitioners, and institutions committed to improving children’s lives worldwide. Application Process and Key Dates Application Deadline July 4, 2026 Announcement of Selected Fellows Mid-July 2026 How to Apply Interested candidates should complete the official application form through the fellowship website before the deadline. Applicants are encouraged to prepare clear information about: Their current initiative or project Their leadership experience Their motivation for joining the fellowship Their vision for creating safer schools For more leadership and fellowship opportunities, check out similar programs on OpportunityPool.org. Tips for a Strong Application Competition for international fellowships can be intense, so applicants should focus on demonstrating genuine commitment rather than trying to impress reviewers with complex language. Here are a few tips: Tell a Clear Story Explain why preventing violence against children matters to you and how your work addresses the challenge. Show Evidence of Action Even if your initiative is still developing, highlight tangible actions, achievements, partnerships, or lessons learned. Demonstrate Leadership Potential The fellowship is looking for future leaders, not necessarily established experts. Share examples of initiative, problem-solving, and community engagement. Be Honest About Challenges Strong applications often include reflections on obstacles and learning experiences. Authenticity can be more compelling than perfection. Highlight Future Impact Describe how the fellowship will help you strengthen your work and create greater change in your community. Final Thoughts The Young Leaders Fellowship 2026 represents more than a leadership program—it is an opportunity to join a growing global movement working to ensure that every child can learn in a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment. If you are a young changemaker from the Global South committed to protecting children and transforming education systems, this fellowship could provide the mentorship, exposure, and community you need to take your impact to the next level. With only a small cohort of selected fellows, interested applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible before the July 4, 2026 deadline. For more information and to apply CLICK HERE Be one of the first to see new opportunities, Follow Us on social media: Facebook, Whatsapp Channel, LinkedIn Fellowships & Scholarship opportunities global opportunities