Applications are now open for the 2026 Resilience Fellowship, a unique 9-month leadership and wellbeing programme designed for young changemakers in East Africa. The fellowship is recruiting 12 pairs of youth leaders from Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania who are passionate about climate justice, emotional wellbeing and community resilience. Created by youth for youth, the programme combines leadership development, mental health support, mentorship and hands-on community impact.

Selected fellows will take part in a 5-day Resilience Residential focused on restoration, healing and leadership development in nature, receive certification as Mental Health First Aiders, gain practical skills in facilitation, project management and community care, and benefit from eight months of intergenerational mentorship. Fellows will also receive a stipend of KES 40,000 together with fully covered travel costs. The programme aims to help young leaders reduce climate anxiety, strengthen emotional resilience and build lasting support networks across East Africa.

Participants will be expected to complete a 2-day online Mental Health First Aid training, attend the in-person residential from 31 July to 4 August 2026, and co-lead weekly Resilience Circles in their communities alongside their chosen partner. Fellows will facilitate sessions for groups of 16–20 young people over an 8-week period while also participating in monthly mentorship meetings, reporting activities and community check-ins throughout the fellowship.

Applicants must be aged between 18 and 28 years, based in Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda or Tanzania, proficient in English and available between July 2026 and March 2027. Applications must be submitted in pairs, meaning candidates should apply with someone they already work well with and are prepared to co-facilitate community activities alongside. The programme is especially interested in young people committed to climate justice, emotional wellbeing and building inclusive, resilient communities.

The fellowship also strongly encourages applications from marginalized and underrepresented communities, including young people with lived experiences related to inequality, disability, socio-economic challenges, ethnicity, gender identity, faith and other intersecting identities.

Listing tags: Resilience Fellowship, East Africa opportunities, youth fellowship, climate justice, mental health, leadership programme, Uganda opportunities, Kenya opportunities, Rwanda opportunities, Tanzania opportunities, mentorship, community leadership, youth empowerment, climate resilience, fellowships