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INITIATIVE
Africa's Young Fashion Leaders Fellowship
An annual professional development experience and training scheme for emerging fashion talent
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Africa's Young Fashion Leaders Fellowship
‘Africa’s Young Fashion Leaders Fellowship’ is an annual professional development experience and training scheme offering emerging talent the opportunity to work on live projects and produce impactful solutions to which result in impactful change in the global fashion industry.
The theme of the 2023 Fellowship Programme is Social Sustainability: Using research and policy to create a positive impact in the fashion workplace.
This initiative brings in a new generation of diverse African talent and enriches the fashion industry by bringing in fresh diverse skills, viewpoints and ideas. The fellowship is a fully funded part-time opportunity for young talent on the continent and the diaspora to obtain professional experience and ongoing mentoring while learning about the global fashion industry.
The first AYFL Fellowship commenced in April 2022 and 6 months down the line it has been a tremendous experience with our young leaders all achieving amazing accomplishments and some starting their own businesses.
We recognise that in particular, for professionals on the continent and the diaspora, it can feel disproportionately challenging to access resources and opportunities needed to thrive in the fashion industry. That is why we’re looking within the continent to find and nurture exceptional talent to join CIAFE’s Africa’s Young Fashion Leaders Fellowship.
5 Research Associate Positions Available
​This initiative brings in a new generation of diverse African talent and enriches the fashion industry by bringing in fresh diverse skills, viewpoints and ideas. The fellowship is a fully funded part-time opportunity for young talent on the continent and Diaspora to obtain professional experience and ongoing mentoring while learning about the global fashion industry throughout the world.
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This fellowship is suitable for:
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A recent graduate who is keen to take a year out to learn and further develop
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Someone who may consider a masters degree but requires more experience
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Someone who is experienced but has not done a degree and does not have the financial means to do so
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Someone who is interested in a career change in the industry
Benefits of the Programme
In the year-long fellowship, you will develop hard and soft skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, management, social sustainability, time management, presentation skills, communications, crisis management, content creation, market research and data collection. Alongside learning, you will also be working on hands-on projects to showcase your skills to an international fashion network. CIAFE aims to allow students to apply and recreate learned skills and education to strengthen employment capabilities.
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By the end of the fellowship you will receive:
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Enrol on a year long programme with over 12 modules tailored to your pathway
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Customised training and development to based on your position
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Publish research publicly
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A recommendation letter from CIAFE’s executive director
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Participate in language classes
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Mentoring from senior executives
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Work with members from international organisations
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Develop a portfolio with all the projects you have worked on
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Build a personal development package (CV, cover letter, LinkedIn profile and personal website)
Disclaimer: Please note, this fellowship is to learn and acquire relevant skills, this is not official CIAFE employment. This is a year-long programme and is not eligible for those with full-time commitments. You will be required to attend sessions and work on live projects throughout the week You must own a laptop or PC (a tablet is not acceptable) and access to a reliable internet connection to participate in the programme.
FAQ's
What are the requirements for joining?
Over 18, Valid iD, laptop, access to a strong and reliable wifi, and basic computer literacy skills.
​Is there a fee involved, do you have to pay to join the programme?
​No, it is fully funded.
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What qualities are you looking for in a potential fellow?
We’re looking for fellows that are committed and want to be the next leaders in fashion. Individuals who are resourceful, self-motivated and purpose-driven.
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What do I need for the application and how long will the process take?
You will need to submit a CV, a 60-second video of yourself and fill out questions regarding your previous experience and background questions. The process takes roughly 2 weeks from application to notification of whether you are accepted or not.
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How many fellows will you accept into the program and when does it start?
5 fellows. This second intake will commence January 2023.
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Do you need a university degree to be a part of this?
No.
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Can you work full time and do this?
No as you will be required to commit at least 12 hours to this programme.
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Can you work part-time and do this?
Yes, however you would need to create a schedule out of the fellowship programme.
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How much time is required for the programme?
12 hours. Fellowship days will be Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
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Ok this sounds great! I want to apply, how do I do it?
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When do applications close?
October 31st, 5pm GMT
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Must I attend every session?
Yes, we have an attendance target of 96% if you meet less than this you will not be eligible for completing the fellowship
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Will I get paid to do this?
No as it is a fully funded programme and not employment
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What happens after we complete the programme?
You will be prepared for an entry-level role in the fashion industry or ready to start your own business.