What is the program about?

Nepal Leadership Academy is implementing the “Strengthening Political and Civic Youth Engagement for Democratic Change” project to provide emerging leaders increased opportunities to build momentum for youth activism and advocate to Nepali political decision-makers to become more transparent, accountable, and citizen-centered in their decisions. The program will competitively select a total of 60 Emerging Young Leaders from seven provinces (Province No. 1, Madhesh Province, Bagmati Province, Gandaki Province, Lumbini Province, Karnali Province, and Sudurpashchim Province) divided into Eastern (Province No1, Madhesh and Bagmati Province) and Western (Gandaki, Lumbini, Karnali and Sudurpashchim Province) Region (30 participants each from two regions). The program will engage the participants to execute community-based projects focusing on Sustainable Development Goals.

Before executing the projects, the participants will be provided with training on Youth Empowerment Skills (YES). Along with the courses and learning opportunities, the participants will be provided support and platforms to expand the network of young professionals in nation-building which will broaden their democratic engagement and participation.

Who is the program targeted to?

Youths with a special focus on women and marginalized communities of all the seven provinces (Province No. 1, Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini, Karnali, and Sudurpashchim Province) of Nepal.

Key Features of the Program

  • 3-Day Youth Empowerment Skills (YES) Workshop
    • Change Making Power
    • Raising Your Voice
    • Leadership Dialogues
  • Leadership Dialogues
  • YES Project (Chance to win a Seed Grant of $2000)
  • 2-Day International Summit in Kathmandu
  • Opportunity for youths to expand their network

Requirements

  • Currently enrolled in or completed a bachelor’s degree
  • Involvement or interest in politics, civil society, media, etc is desirable
  • Under the age of 35
  • Able to fully participate in the program and time management skills
  • Basic computer skills
  • Good written and verbal skills in Nepali and English
  • Hardworking, creative, and able to take risk

FAQs

What are the criteria to apply for the program?

Participants are expected to currently be enrolled in or have completed at least a bachelor’s degree and should be under the age of 35. Experience or involvement in politics, civil society, media, etc is desirable.

Where will the program be based?

The program will be based in seven provinces (Province No. 1, Madhesh Province, Bagmati Province, Gandaki Province, Lumbini Province, Karnali Province, and Sudurpashchim Province) clustered into Eastern and Western Regions. 3-day workshops for the eastern region will be conducted in Biratnagar (tentative) and 3-day workshops for the western region will be conducted in Pokhara or Butwal (tentative). A 2-day International Summit will be held in Kathmandu.

What are the benefits of the program?

  • 3-Day Youth Empowerment Skills (YES) Workshop
    • Change Making Power
    • Raising Your Voice
    • Leadership Dialogues
  • Chance to win a seed grant of USD 2000 (appx. NPR 2,50,000) each for 5 people (or teams) to implement their project ideas
  • 2-Day Emerging Leaders Academy International Summit in Kathmandu
  • Opportunity to join a national network of youth campaigners

About Nepal Leadership Academy (NLA)

NLA was established in 2013, envisioning an enterprising Nepal where all citizens embrace their responsibilities to collectively transform societal challenges into innovative opportunities. Nepal has been experiencing a growing issue of leadership crisis, hence NLA offers customized leadership courses for change agents, entrepreneurs, politicians, and professionals to architect effective policy, business, and civic solutions that tackle grueling adaptive challenges. NLA’s leadership development work is rooted in 18-month research of NLA Executive Coach and Former Senior Fellow at Harvard Center for Public Leadership Dr. Pukar Malla with Harvard Professors Marshall Ganz and Ronald Heifetz and 10 years of coaching 700+ change agents in Nepal and the US. NLA has also organized several cross-sectoral dialogues on effective leadership practices in Nepal’s context. Similarly, NLA emphasizes promoting youth leadership to foster inclusive democracy, promote equitable economic growth, and achieve sustainable development.

NLA and its sister organization Daayitwa have more than 9 years of experience implementing projects throughout Nepal and have implemented them in all 7 provinces. NLA has provided over 60 customized leadership courses to more than 700 innovators working in civic engagement, governance innovation, and entrepreneurship.

What is the duration of the program?

The program will start on November 28 and will end on January 25, 2023 (2 months).

How many participants will be selected for the program?

A total of 60 candidates will be selected. 30 candidates from the Eastern Region: Province No. 1, Madhesh and Bagmati Province. 30 candidates from the Western Region: Gandaki, Lumbini, Kanali and Sudurpashchim Province.