The AWeCCA Fellowship Program is a prestigious 6-month professional development opportunity designed to cultivate the next generation of animal welfare leaders across the African continent. Fellows gain hands-on experience, mentorship, and a powerful network of changemakers.
The fellowship combines remote learning with in-person gatherings, project-based assignments, and direct mentorship from senior experts in animal health, policy, advocacy, and organizational leadership. Fellows emerge with practical skills, a professional portfolio, and lifelong connections.
— Amina Suleiman, 2025 Fellow, Tanzania
Fellowship Components: Fellows will participate in weekly virtual seminars on topics including advocacy and policy engagement, project management and monitoring, fundraising and resource mobilization, communications and storytelling, and leadership and organizational development. Each fellow will also complete a capstone project addressing a specific animal welfare challenge in their community, with mentorship and a seed grant up to $2,000.
Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must be a citizen and resident of an African country, between 22 and 35 years old, have at least 2 years of professional or volunteer experience in animal welfare, conservation, public health, or related fields, hold a Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience, demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills in English, and be available to commit approximately 15-20 hours per week to fellowship activities.
What Fellows Receive: A monthly stipend to support participation, a seed grant for capstone project implementation, one-on-one mentorship from an AWeCCA leader or partner, access to AWeCCA's training library and resources, networking opportunities with global animal welfare professionals, and a certificate of completion and professional reference.
How to Apply: Submit your completed application form, a current CV, a personal statement (maximum 1,000 words) describing your passion for animal welfare and your leadership vision, two professional or academic references, and a brief proposal for your potential capstone project (500 words). Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview.
Important Dates: Application Deadline: October 1, 2026. Interviews will be conducted in November 2026. Selected fellows will be announced in December 2026. The fellowship begins in January 2027 with an orientation retreat (virtual or in-person depending on circumstances).
For questions about the fellowship, contact fellowship@AWeCCA.org with the subject line "Fellowship Inquiry".