Creating future leaders who represent their communities & push for change
The 1.5–2 year program trains youth to become skilled role models and community facilitators.
We work with youth who’ve already been part of our life-skills program, helping them grow into confident, resilient community mobilisers. Through mixed-gender sport, they go on to empower younger peers and lead by example.
31
Fellows across Chennai and Gudalur
20+
Exposure Visits + Guest Speakers
500
Youth and Children directly impacts through sessions
(in 2024-25)
16-28YRS
Age range of fellows
While the overall fellowship structure is fixed, specific focus areas and outcomes are tailored to meet the unique needs of each community
The fellowship consists of 3 primary parts, that progressively prepares them to plan and manage sessions, and finally become job ready.
PART 1
Personality Development, Facilitator Training & Community Leadership Program

PART 2
Hands-on experience and training to build a community that reflects their vision.
Fellows are immersed in a custom curriculum where modules are constantly adapted to their social and cultural context
PART 3
Exposure to different careers, learning from real work experiences, to build job-ready skills.
STORY OF CHANGE
Building the confidence to voice opinions and thoughts
There was a time when I rarely spoke and hesitated to asked questions. In the fellowship program I am encouraged to express myself, making me more confident. In the beginning even standing in front of a college audience and speaking was terrifying for me. But now if I am given any topic, I confidently go up and speak about it.
Divya Dashini
Fellow, Community Impact Fellowship, Chennai
In Gudalur, our focus is on enabling tribal youth
The tribal communities of Gudalur have faced land loss, disrupted livelihoods, and limited access to education due to historical marginalization. As a result, many struggle with unemployment, substance abuse, and a loss of confidence in their identity and future opportunities.
The Adivasi Youth Fellowship focuses on building skills around 3 main aspects:
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The skills to understand their own
communities and the world around them.
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Opportunities to build confidence and identity.
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Mentorship and support to guide their growth.
16
Fellows in the Cohort
13
Villages
Youth Impacted
(Through Fellows this year)
350
In Chennai, we work closely with local fishing communities
This 18-month program equips young women from Chennai’s fishing communities with life skills, leadership, and employability training—creating a ripple effect as they go on to inspire, mentor, and uplift the next generation.
Our goal is to enable these youth to have access to 2 things:
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Personal growth to become role models and leaders in their communities
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Tools to initiate change and bring equity into their communities.
450
Adolescents Impacted
(Through Fellows)
16
Women Fellows
7
Fishing Communities
