Training
Young leaders will participate in approximately one month of full-time intensive training during the course of the fellowship year. Training methodology focuses on participatory strategies appropriate to the needs and interests of young leaders, including experiential approaches such as community mapping, experiential learning, and the use of art, drama, and popular culture. Training will focus on developing Fellows’ skills and knowledge by building on their diverse life experiences and empowering the young leaders to excel in their fields. Participants will develop a broad range of skills and knowledge in a range of areas, including:
- Personal Leadership Development
- Adolescent Reproductive Health and Rights
- Gender and Sexuality
- Strategic Thinking and Planning
- Program Management and Evaluation
- Policy Advocacy
- Media and Strategic Communications
- Conflict Resolution
- Community and Political Mobilization
- Population-Environment
- Information Technology
- Facilitation and Training
- Financial Management and Fundraising
Training will include a diverse range of methodologies such as: training of trainers, group processes, lectures, applied exercises, site visits, experiential learning, technical assistance and mentoring. The year-long training will include 4 week-long regional trainings which will bring Fellows from all four countries together. Fellows will also be invited to participate in regional meetings and other individualized training opportunities, corresponding to the unique interests of each participant.
Ongoing opportunities for Fellows’ development may also take the form of study tours, field visits, support for job advancement, and mentoring. Fellows will have the opportunity to receive additional financial support to participate in additional training courses and conferences, based on program approval. Fellows may also have the opportunity to receive academic credit for participation in GOJoven.
In addition to participating in intensive training, Fellows from each country will jointly develop a Leadership Action Plan (LAP) focusing on the improvement of adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights in their communities. The LAP enables Fellows to apply the skills they are developing in leadership, management, and teamwork to the design and implement a self-initiated group project.
Mentoring will serve as a vital component of the emerging leaders’ continued learning process, as Fellows will develop and maintain relationships with locally-based senior level mentors in their respective fields who will guide and advise the Fellows’ professional development in a range of key areas throughout the training.




