AFS Youth Assembly invites applications for the Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program, supported by the Sir Cyril Taylor Charitable Foundation. This initiative aims to empower young changemakers from Sub-Saharan Africa with essential skills, resources, and funding for sustainable development in their communities.
Application Deadline & Key Dates:
- Application Closing Deadline: 19 November 2026 at 23:59 UTC (Note: Applications are reviewed on a rolling, first-come, first-served basis due to advance visa processing requirements).
- Fellowship Duration: 12-month hybrid program.
- In-Person Event Date: August 2027 (AFS Youth Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland).
Tell Me About The Program:
The Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Fellowship is a 12-month fully funded leadership program supported by the Sir Cyril Taylor Charitable Foundation and organized via the AFS Youth Assembly. The initiative empowers 10 outstanding young changemakers from Sub-Saharan Africa with advanced capacity building, seed funding, intercultural training, and global networking opportunities to drive sustainable community development and advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Which Fields are Eligible:
- Social impact projects, global affairs, youth leadership, sustainability, and community initiatives aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Type:
Fully Funded International Fellowship, Capacity Building & Youth Leadership Program
Who can Apply:
- Age Requirement: Must be between 18 and 35 years old at the time of application.
- Geographic Eligibility: Must be a citizen/resident of a Sub-Saharan African country.
- Leadership Track Record: Must demonstrate proven leadership experience, changemaking activity, or active involvement in social impact projects.
- Travel Readiness: Must hold a valid, unexpired passport and be fully available to travel to Geneva, Switzerland, in August 2027 for the in-person Youth Assembly.
- Language Proficiency: Intermediate-level proficiency in English.
How Applicants Are Selected:
Applications are reviewed competitively on a rolling, first-come, first-served basis by a selection committee looking for strong leadership potential, genuine commitment to community impact, alignment with the SDGs, and clear personal/professional growth trajectories (Note: The use of AI to write application narratives is strictly discouraged).
Which Countries Are Eligible:
Sub-Saharan African countries (e.g., Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, Malawi, Namibia, Mali, and others across the region).
Where will the Program be Taken:
Virtual training modules combined with an intensive in-person summit at the AFS Youth Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, followed by local community implementation in the fellow’s home country.
How Many Fellows / Grantees:
Only 10 exceptional young leaders selected globally for the 2027 cohort.
What is the Benefit of the Program:
- Full Financial Coverage: Covers all program participation costs, including round-trip international travel, visas, and accommodation for the AFS Youth Assembly in Geneva.
- AFS Global Competence Certificate (GCC): Enrollment in a virtual intercultural training program.
- Pre-Assembly Workshops & Effect+ Training: Specialized training to build changemaking and project-scaling frameworks.
- Seed Funding & Mentorship: Financial backing and 6 months of dedicated mentorship from the AFS Youth Assembly Impact Network to execute a local community impact project (impacting at least 100 peers locally).
- Global Recognition: Formal recognition and networking with 700–900 global leaders from over 100 countries during the Closing Ceremony in Geneva.
What is Not Covered:
Program-related travel, accommodation, and registration costs are fully funded by the fellowship. Personal incidental expenses or passport acquisition fees are borne by the participant.
How Long Will it Last:
12 Months total (including virtual preparation, the August 2027 summit in Geneva, and a subsequent 6-month mentored impact project phase).
Required Application Documents:
- Valid, unexpired passport.
- Comprehensive CV / Resume detailing leadership background and community initiatives.
- Personal essays / narrative responses detailing your social impact project and vision for sustainable development (written in your own authentic voice without AI assistance).
- Supporting materials demonstrating leadership or project impact (if applicable).
How to Apply:
- Review the eligibility requirements and prepare your application narratives early.
- Access the official application portal
- Complete the online application form and submit all required documentation before 19 November 2026 at 23:59 UTC (Early submission is strongly recommended to accommodate advance visa processing times).
