Youth Futures Training & Mentorship Programme in Participatory Action Research

The African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP), in partnership with CAP Youth Empowerment Institute, is inviting young professionals to apply for the Youth Futures Training and Mentorship Programme. This initiative aims to build practical skills in participatory research, analysis, and community engagement to support meaningful employment opportunities for young people across Africa.

About the Youth Futures Policy Research Project

The Youth Futures Policy Research Project is a three-year initiative supported by the Mastercard Foundation. It is implemented in Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, and Uganda.

The project focuses on improving youth employment policies by addressing gaps in policy design, implementation, and regulatory systems. A key objective is to support a new generation of young African researchers who can use evidence and participatory approaches to inform decision-making and contribute to more responsive employment policies.

About the Training Programme

The Youth Futures Training and Mentorship Programme runs for three months and combines practical learning with hands-on research experience. Participants will be introduced to core approaches used in the Youth Futures Project, including:

• Participatory Action Research (PAR)
• Political Economy Analysis (PEA)
• Intersectionality and equity-focused frameworks

During the programme, participants will also develop and implement a small-scale PAR project addressing a youth livelihood challenge in their community.

Training Structure

1. In-Person Boot Camp (2 Days)

Participants will receive an introduction to:

• Research fundamentals
• Community-driven and participatory methodologies
• Problem identification and prioritisation
• Ethical and responsible research practices

2. Virtual Learning Labs (3 Sessions)

Guided online workshops covering:

• Translating concepts into practical research steps
• Applying PEA and intersectional analysis
• Defining research scope and questions
• Basic tools for data collection and interpretation

3. Three-Month Mentorship

Participants will work with experienced researchers to:

• Co-design a mini-PAR project
• Conduct fieldwork in their community or country
• Reflect on findings and research processes
• Prepare insights that can contribute to broader policy discussions

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must be aged 24–35 and be residents of:

Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Senegal, Nigeria, Ghana, or South Africa.

Ideal candidates will have:

• Some experience or interest in research, community engagement, youth development, or policy work
• Curiosity, strong analytical thinking, and motivation to use research for social impact
• Commitment to completing all programme components

The selection process aims to promote:

• Gender balance
• Inclusion of youth from rural or marginalised areas
• Participation of young people with disabilities

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit:

• An updated CV
• A 400-word motivation statement explaining their interest and how they plan to apply the skills gained 

  Application Deadline: 23 November 2025

  For more information, applicants may contact: cynthia.kahiga@capyei.org

Apply HERE