Al Sharq International Fellowship Program is now welcoming new fellows for the 2023 cycle.
Watch highlights from our previous cycle
The Al Sharq International Fellowship is a 9-months capacity-building program that brings together a network of 35 participants from around the world to become effective change agents committed to informed action.
The Program aims to empower passionate and high-potential youth committed to public service, civil society, and community engagement. The program equips fellows with strategic skills and core competencies to lead positive change, elevate their knowledge capacity and wisdom, and connect them regionally and globally to amplify their impact.
After completing and passing the program, fellows will have the chance to join Al Sharq Youth’s Alumni Community, which will give them access to the network’s full range of special events, resources and opportunities.
Our approach to the program is distinct in its integrated nature. The program is designed to engage you with the fundamental ideas that shape our understanding of the world, expose you to the systemic structures that run it, and equip you with the skills and competencies to act on the complex challenges of our time.
Remote Learning Engagement
Duration: 5-6 months
Format: Combination of virtual scholarly sessions, workshops, simulations and group discussions.
Description: Remote Learning Engagement aims to equip participants with reasoning, critical thinking and networking tools. It focuses on understanding and conceptualizing core intellectual and theoretical subjects. Participants engage in the analysis and deconstruction of complex issues to obtain a deeper understanding of their challenges and potential solutions.
Virtual Trainings
Duration: 1-2 days (weekend)
Format: A virtual event that consists of online seminars, workshops, and discussion panels.
Description: To help participants generate ideas and solutions for the pressing challenges of their countries and regions. Sessions focus on community leadership, social entrepreneurship, innovation and context analysis.
Capstone Project
Duration: 2-3 months
Format: Facilitated group work with the supervision of an expert coach.
Description: The fellows continue their learning by doing. They can apply their knowledge and skills in a real-world context using various approaches. It is an opportunity to put their training into practice and achieve impact.
In-Person Retreat
Duration: 5-7 days
Format: In-person training program.
Description: Hands-on training, workshops, lectures and diverse group activities. The program’s focal point is capacity building skills such as strategic planning, leadership and interpersonal skills (facilitation, negotiations, motivation).
Personal Mentorship
Duration: 4-5 months
Format: Virtual Sessions.
Description: In parallel to the learning journey, professional mentorship would be introduced as part of the program, connecting prominent individuals with fellows, who would contribute to the professional and personal growth journey, expand their networks and horizons.
A fellow must have/be:
⬊ A valid passport
⬊ Age: Between 22-35.
⬊ Language: Excellent command in English Language is required along with minimum understanding of the country of residence’s language.
⬊ Professional: Enrollment in post-secondary or graduate study program, or a professional with work experience.
⬊ Time Commitment: Able to commit for 10 hours per week throughout the program and engage in its various activities.
⬊ Public Service: Proven commitment to public and community service through civic initiatives, and involvement in social projects.
⬊ Leadership: Proven community leadership potential through civic engagement and volunteering track-record.
⬊ Value Driven: Proven commitment to the values of Al Sharq Youth.
To successfully complete the Fellowship Program, the fellow is expected to:
✔ Commit between 8-10 hours weekly for the full program duration.
✔ Complete no less than 70% of the virtual learning content is a must.
✔ Successfully complete the program’s assignments and projects.
✔Attend and participate in the in-person international retreat.
✔Attend at least one Mentorship session monthly.
* participants who fail to engage above a certain threshold, and are unable to commit, will be excluded from the program.*
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Fekri Shaaban has extensive experience in journalism including being the former bureau chief of Al Jazeera, Turkey, as well as being heavily involved in the humanitarian sector.
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Umar Munshi is a social entrepreneur and Islamica500 Influencer of the Islamic Economy, in addition he is the co-founder & managing director of Ethis Global, the world’s first property Islamic crowdfunding platform backed by 21thousand members across the world. He is also the Chairman of Islamic Fintech Alliance and CEO of GlobalSadaqah.
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