World Learning Announces 2016 Advancing Leaders Fellows

Publication Date: October 18, 2016
Publication Location: WASHINGTON
Contact: Kathryn Schoenberger   |   [email protected]

World Learning has awarded six talented alumni with the 2016 Advancing Leadership Fellowship, which funds social entrepreneurship projects around the globe. The organization will recognize the fellows with a reception in their honor on November 3 at the Rubin Museum in New York City.

“This year’s fellows are wonderful exemplars of the creativity and breadth of experience that characterize World Learning alumni,” said Patricia Harrison, director of World Learning’s Exchange and Training Unit. “Their optimism and dedication will help drive positive change in their communities through active leadership and innovative solutions.”

The Advancing Leaders Fellowship program begins with comprehensive online training for a select group of World Learning alumni; the training covers topics related to social innovation, project management, and leadership. After completing the training, alumni participants can submit proposals for up to $5000 in funding to implement a project in their community. Five to six fellows are chosen each year. In addition to financial support, fellows are also paired with mentors who will provide guidance on developing sustainable social innovation programs.

The 2016 winners and their projects are:

• Aditi Rao – Youth Empowerment Through the Arts
• Anne Outwater – RukaJuu Beekeeping: Entrepreneurship and Beekeeping for At-Risk Young Men in Tanzania
• Arta Uka– Living in Kosovo with a Stoma
• Hein Paing Htoo Chit – Youth Entrepreneurship for Social Justice
• Johanny Amaya – Empowering Honduras
• Nya Holder – By Empowering Awareness & Respect, I Transform (BE ART)

World Learning established the Advancing Leaders Fellowship in 2013 with seed funding from former trustee Judy Huret and her husband Robert. The fellowship is now funded by a generous grant from the Newman’s Own Foundation and donations from current trustees and alumni. World Learning has awarded fellowships to 23 alumni since the program’s inception, and fellows have carried out projects on issues including inclusive education in Ghana, information and communication technology training for teachers in Haiti, and youth and child rights in Pakistan.