Two Kenyans, Ashura Michael and Willie Oeba, have been picked alongside 24 other individuals worldwide to participate as fellows in the Ford Foundation's Ford Global Fellowship.
In a press release dated March 28, the foundation explained that the fellowship programme is designed to connect and support the next generation of leaders from around the world who are advancing innovative solutions to end inequality.
The 26 individuals were picked across Africa, Asia, the Americas, and the Middle East and join 72 others who have been part of the programme since its launch in 2020.
The foundation made an investment of Ksh6.6 billion (USD50 million) for the Ford Global Fellowship programme expected to run for 10 years.
"the foundation’s flagship fellowship program provides emerging leaders with the tools, networks, and solidarity they need to effectively advance social justice," read the statement in part.
"The Ford Global Fellowship focuses on shared learning across issue areas, building and strengthening connections across borders, and developing a supportive, interconnected cohort from across a wide variety of sectors and regions."
Michael was selected for founding and leading Free a Girl’s World Network while Oeba is the Chief Executive Officer of ISM Academy.
The Free a Girl’s World Network prides itself for providing opportunities to young girls with and without disabilities from social marginalization, isolation and discrimination
The ISM Academy, on the other hand, trains young leaders to create art that combats inequality.
Ford Foundation promised to provide each individual Ksh3.3 million stipend with no strings attached. The beneficiaries will also get individualised coaching, to help grow leadership skills and reach new audiences.
“The community of Ford Global Fellows have expanded each others’ worldviews, challenged their own and our thinking, and posed inquiries that have sharpened our approaches to creating a more just society and fairer systems,” Ford Global Fellowship Director Adria Goodson.
“These 26 new Fellows enter a dynamic learning community and will bring their own wisdom and perspectives, contributing to a more complete picture of the work that lies ahead. Together, Fellows will examine their thorniest questions about disrupting inequality and build towards insights, innovations, and actions that will shape a better future.”
Ford Foundation was founded in 1939.
