Applications are now open for the Coalition for Good Schools Young Leaders Fellowship 2026, a unique leadership development program designed for young changemakers from the Global South who are working to prevent violence against children in and through schools.
The one-year fellowship aims to strengthen the leadership capacity of emerging leaders, helping them gain the confidence, knowledge, and global exposure needed to advance safer learning environments for children worldwide.
The fellowship will bring together a select cohort of 8 to 10 young leaders from different countries across the Global South, creating opportunities for learning, collaboration, mentorship, and professional growth.
About the Coalition for Good Schools Young Leaders Fellowship 2026
The Young Leaders Fellowship supports individuals who are passionate about protecting children and improving school environments through innovative and impactful initiatives.
The program welcomes leaders working across various sectors, including:
- Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
- School-based organizations
- Community-based organizations
- Social enterprises
- Government-supported initiatives
- Child protection programs
Applicants may be working on early-stage projects or established initiatives. What matters most is a clear commitment to preventing violence against children and creating positive change within schools and communities.
The fellowship combines continuous learning, expert coaching, networking opportunities, and peer-to-peer collaboration to help fellows become influential voices in the global movement for safer schools.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the Coalition for Good Schools Young Leaders Fellowship 2026, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Age Requirement
Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old at the time of application.
Geographic Eligibility
Candidates must be based in and actively working in a country within the Global South.
Professional Experience
Applicants should currently be leading or making meaningful contributions to an initiative focused on preventing violence against children in and through schools.
This may include work through:
- Non-profit organizations
- Community initiatives
- Educational institutions
- Government agencies
- Child protection programs
Language Requirement
Applicants must be able to participate fully in English.
Program Commitment
Participants must be willing to engage in a virtual fellowship cohort with regular online sessions across different time zones and attend an in-person convening during the fellowship year.
Fellowship Benefits
The Coalition for Good Schools Young Leaders Fellowship offers a comprehensive leadership development experience.
Continuous Learning Opportunities
Fellows will participate in regular learning sessions that connect their work with global research, evidence, and best practices in violence prevention.
Learning opportunities will include contributions from:
- Academic experts
- Government leaders
- Civil society organizations
- Child protection practitioners
- Young people and children with lived experiences
The program also provides practical leadership training in areas such as:
- Pitching and fundraising
- Organizational compliance
- Team recruitment
- Personnel management
- Program development
Personalized Coaching
Fellows will receive guidance from experienced practitioners in school-based violence prevention.
Through structured coaching sessions, participants will:
- Assess the strengths of their initiatives
- Identify gaps and challenges
- Improve program design
- Develop growth strategies
- Strengthen impact measurement systems
Field Exposure and Networking
The fellowship provides exposure to the broader child protection and violence prevention ecosystem.
Participants will gain insights into:
- Key stakeholders in the sector
- Policy and advocacy processes
- Strategic partnerships
- Leadership pathways in child protection
Networking sessions and guided reflections will help fellows expand their professional networks and strengthen their leadership influence.
Community of Practice
A key component of the fellowship is peer learning.
Each month, one fellow will present a real challenge, innovation, or opportunity from their work, allowing the cohort to collaboratively explore solutions and share experiences.
This creates a supportive environment where participants can learn directly from one another while building lasting professional relationships.
Why You Should Apply
Across many countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and other parts of the Global South, violence against children remains a significant barrier to education, well-being, and development.
The Coalition for Good Schools Young Leaders Fellowship provides a platform for emerging leaders to strengthen their impact, connect with global experts, and contribute to building safer educational environments for future generations.
For young professionals, educators, child advocates, social entrepreneurs, and nonprofit leaders, the fellowship offers valuable leadership training, mentorship, and access to a growing international network committed to child protection and educational transformation.
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply for the Coalition for Good Schools Young Leaders Fellowship 2026 is:
4 July 2026
Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline.
Final Thoughts
The Coalition for Good Schools Young Leaders Fellowship 2026 represents an important opportunity for young leaders who are committed to preventing violence against children and creating safer schools.
Through leadership development, coaching, networking, and collaborative learning, fellows will gain the tools and confidence needed to strengthen their initiatives and drive meaningful change in their communities.
If you are passionate about child protection, education, and social impact, this fellowship could be the next step in your leadership journey.
For complete application details and submission guidelines, you can click here.
