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Candidate Eligibilty

Who is the KwaYa Leadership Fellowship For?

​The KwaYa Leadership Fellowship is a small, carefully guided program. It is designed for African Children’s Choir alumni whose journeys have led them into practical work and community service, rather than university study.

This Fellowship values service, responsibility, and lived experience over academic achievement alone.

Only one Fellow is selected every one to two years.

Who Can Apply

You may be eligible to apply if you:

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  • Are a former member of the African Children’s Choir or a young adult closely connected to KwaYa programs

  • Did not progress into university studies

  • Have taken a practical work or service pathway

  • Are already working or volunteering in your community

  • Show reliability, maturity, and a heart for service

  • Are willing to commit to vocational training and mentoring

  • Are willing to return home after training to serve your community

  • Have completed secondary school (or equivalent)

 

The Fellowship is suited to people who have already begun serving others and want to strengthen their skills, confidence, and responsibility.

What We Look For

We look for candidates who demonstrate:

  • Ongoing service beyond ACC obligations

  • Experience in care, education, or community support roles

  • Consistency and commitment over time

  • Emotional maturity and personal responsibility

  • A clear desire to use skills for community benefit

  • Respect for the Fellowship’s values and expectations

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Leadership in this program is shown through care, reliability, and service, not titles or status.

A Note About University Pathways

KwaYa strongly supports the African Children’s Choir’s commitment to education.

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Young people who qualify for university are encouraged to complete their degrees.
This Fellowship does not replace or compete with university pathways.

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It exists alongside them and is designed for alumni whose strengths and opportunities lie in vocational and community based work.

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The Fellowship does not encourage students to stop or avoid university studies.

What Candidates Must Be Willing to Commit To

Applicants must be willing to:

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  • Undertake vocational training at Certificate III, Certificate IV, or Diploma level

  • Participate in mentoring and accountability while in Australia

  • Follow all visa conditions and program guidelines

  • Share updates about their journey through KwaYa

  • Return home after training

  • Apply their skills to support families and communities on return

 

This Fellowship requires commitment, honesty, and a willingness to grow.

Selection Process

All candidates go through a structured and careful selection process, including:

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  • A formal Expression of Interest

  • Field specific questions based on experience

  • Reference checks and verification

  • Shortlisting and interviews

 

This process helps ensure fairness, integrity, and the best outcomes for Fellows and their communities.

Who Should Not Apply

This Fellowship is not suitable for:

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  • University graduates

  • Those seeking migration or permanent employment in Australia

  • Applicants without relevant work or volunteer experience

  • Those unwilling to return home after training

  • Anyone not ready to commit to the responsibilities of the program

Looking Ahead

If this Fellowship reflects your journey and your values, you are invited to continue reading about:

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  • Approved study fields

  • Community impact and return home commitment

  • The application process

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