Nivishe Mental Health Fellowship Cohort 7: Apply for a 12-Week Virtual Mental Health Leadership Fellowship in Africa

The Nivishe Mental Health Fellowship Cohort 7 is inviting applications from emerging and established changemakers who want to deepen their understanding of mental health and develop practical leadership skills to address mental health challenges within their communities. The 12-week virtual fellowship brings together participants interested in mental health, community development, advocacy, education, healthcare, research, humanitarian work and related fields. Designed with a strong focus on African realities while incorporating African and global perspectives, the fellowship goes beyond basic mental health awareness. Participants will engage with mental health experts, practitioners, researchers and leaders while exploring subjects ranging from community mental health and lived experience to neuropsychology, learning how the brain, mind, environment and society interact to influence wellbeing. The programme also places a strong emphasis on turning knowledge into community action. At the end of the fellowship, participants will develop and implement a Community Impact Capstone Project designed to address a mental health challenge and create measurable benefits within their communities. About the Nivishe Mental Health Fellowship The Nivishe Mental Health Fellowship is a 12-week virtual leadership and learning programme intended for people who want to become more effective changemakers in the mental health space. Rather than limiting participants to theoretical discussions about mental health, the fellowship is structured around learning, leadership, community engagement and practical action. Participants will be exposed to perspectives from: • Mental health experts • Practitioners • Researchers • Leaders • People with lived experience • Diverse communities and professional backgrounds The fellowship examines mental health through both African and global perspectives, giving participants an opportunity to understand mental health challenges within the broader social, cultural and environmental contexts in which people live. This approach is particularly relevant to individuals who recognize that mental wellbeing cannot be addressed solely through clinical interventions. Community structures, education, social environments, policy, culture, advocacy and access to information can all influence mental health outcomes. What Participants Will Learn The fellowship covers a broad range of mental health-related themes. These include: Community Mental Health Participants will explore mental health from a community perspective, considering how communities can better identify, discuss and respond to mental health challenges. Lived Experience The programme recognizes lived experience as an important form of knowledge and leadership. Participants will have opportunities to engage with perspectives shaped by real-world experiences of mental health. Neuropsychology The fellowship also introduces participants to neuropsychology and the relationship between the brain, mind and behaviour. Learning and Wellbeing Participants will develop a deeper understanding of how learning, environments and social conditions can influence wellbeing. African and Global Perspectives A central feature of the programme is its grounding in African realities while drawing on broader global perspectives. This can help participants consider how mental health approaches can be adapted to the contexts in which their communities operate. From Mental Health Awareness to Community Action One of the defining features of the Nivishe Mental Health Fellowship is its focus on moving beyond awareness. The programme is designed to help participants understand how to act on mental health challenges within their communities. Throughout the fellowship, participants can strengthen their ability to: • Identify mental health challenges. • Understand the needs of their communities. • Engage with different perspectives. • Develop practical approaches to mental health challenges. • Communicate mental health information effectively. • Build networks with other changemakers. • Apply learning to community-level action. • Develop initiatives capable of reaching people beyond the fellowship itself. This practical orientation culminates in the Community Impact Capstone Project. Community Impact Capstone Project The Community Impact Capstone Project is a central component of the fellowship. Fellows will take knowledge gained during the programme and apply it to a real mental health issue affecting their communities. The project is intended to create a tangible community impact rather than remaining solely as an academic or theoretical exercise. Previous fellows have reportedly undertaken initiatives including: • Community dialogues • Radio programmes • Mental health awareness campaigns • School-based interventions • Outreach activities The fellowship seeks to create a ripple effect in which one participant's knowledge and leadership can reach and positively influence many other people. For Cohort 7, applicants will need to demonstrate that they can design and implement a project that benefits their community. The selection criteria specifically consider the strength and feasibility of the proposed project, including its potential to positively influence at least 200 community members. Who Should Apply for the Nivishe Fellowship? The programme is seeking passionate individuals committed to addressing mental health disparities and promoting mental wellbeing. Applicants should ideally demonstrate one or more of the following characteristics: • A commitment to reducing mental health disparities. • An interest in improving mental wellbeing in their communities. • Current or potential leadership responsibilities. • An interest in community development. • Experience or interest in advocacy. • Experience or interest in education. • Experience or interest in healthcare. • Experience or interest in research. • Experience or interest in humanitarian work. • A desire to create positive social change. • An appreciation for diversity and inclusion. • Willingness to learn from different perspectives and lived experiences. Formal mental health employment or professional experience is not required. The application specifically states that leadership and commitment to community wellbeing can be demonstrated in different ways. Age Requirements Applicants must be 18 years or older. The fellowship is primarily aimed at young leaders between 18 and 35 years old. However, people above 35 should not automatically rule themselves out. The programme specifically encourages applicants over 35 who have a strong track record of: • Community leadership • Advocacy • Social impact This makes the opportunity accessible to both emerging young leaders and more experienced changemakers who can demonstrate meaningful community impact. Professional and Sectoral Backgrounds The application form accommodates applicants from a wide range of professional and community sectors. Relevant sectors include: • Mental health • Healthcare • Education • Research • Humanitarian response • Community development • Advocacy and activism • Government and public service • Youth leadership • Faith-based organizations • Media and communications • Private sector • Other related fields This broad range demonstrates that the fellowship is not exclusively intended for psychologists, psychiatrists or other clinical mental health professionals. Professionals working in communication, education, public service, youth leadership, community development and other sectors can also be relevant applicants if they have a genuine interest in mental health and community impact. Eligibility Requirements To be considered for the fellowship, applicants should meet the following requirements: 1. Be at Least 18 Years Old The minimum age is 18. 2. Demonstrate Commitment to Mental Health Applicants should demonstrate a genuine commitment to addressing mental health disparities and promoting mental wellbeing. 3. Have an Interest in a Relevant Field Applicants may be involved in or interested in mental health, community development, advocacy, education, healthcare, research, humanitarian work or related areas. 4. Demonstrate Leadership Potential Applicants should hold or aspire to leadership positions and demonstrate the ability to influence positive change in their communities or institutions. 5. Value Diversity and Inclusion Applicants should be willing to learn from people with different identities, cultures, professions and lived experiences. 6. Have Reliable Internet Access Because the fellowship is conducted virtually, applicants need access to a computer and reliable internet connection. 7. Commit to a Community Project Applicants should be able to design and implement a Community Impact Capstone Project that applies their fellowship learning to benefit their community. Selection Criteria Applications will be evaluated against several criteria. 1. Leadership Potential and Community Impact The selection team will look for evidence of leadership experience, initiative and commitment to creating positive change. Applicants should therefore explain not only what positions they have held but also what they have actually done and the results their actions produced. 2. Commitment to Mental Health Advancement Applicants should demonstrate a clear interest in mental health, wellbeing or related social issues. This commitment can be demonstrated through professional activities, volunteering, advocacy, community initiatives, education, research or other relevant experiences. 3. Availability and Engagement The fellowship requires active participation. Applicants will be assessed on their ability to participate in: • Fellowship sessions • Collaborative activities • Assignments • Group discussions 4. Lived Experience and Personal Motivation The programme recognizes lived experience as a valuable source of expertise. Applicants who have personal, family, professional or community experiences that have shaped their interest in mental health may choose to explain how those experiences influence their commitment to mental health advocacy and systems change. However, this section is optional. 5. Diversity and Inclusion The fellowship aims to create a cohort representing diverse: • Identities • Geographies • Cultures • Professions • Lived experiences This means the selection process is not based solely on professional credentials but also considers the diversity of perspectives applicants can bring to the cohort. 6. Community Impact Capstone Proposal The proposed capstone project is another important part of the selection process. Applicants should present a project that is: • Relevant to a genuine community mental health challenge • Practical • Feasible • Capable of implementation • Designed to create meaningful impact The selection criteria indicate that the project should have potential to positively influence at least 200 community members. Fellowship Schedule and Time Commitment The Nivishe Mental Health Fellowship will run for 12 weeks. Sessions will take place: Every Saturday, from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM EAT. Selected fellows are expected to attend weekly virtual sessions throughout the programme. In addition to the weekly sessions, fellows should expect to commit approximately six hours per month to assignments, collaborative activities and group discussions. Participants should therefore assess their schedules carefully before applying and ensure that they can maintain consistent participation throughout the entire programme. Expectations for Selected Fellows Those selected for Cohort 7 will be expected to: • Attend weekly virtual fellowship sessions for 12 weeks. • Commit approximately six additional hours per month to assignments and collaborative activities. • Participate actively in peer learning.

• Be at least 18 years old • Demonstrate commitment to mental health and community wellbeing • Design and implement a Community Impact Capstone Project with potential to positively influence at least 200 community members • Show willingness to learn from different perspectives and lived experiences