CALL FOR APPLICATIONS
YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAM 2026 – 2027
Are you a passionate and driven young leader looking to make a difference in your community?
Join the movement! The Healing Balm Foundation, in collaboration with Digital Opportunity Trust, and The Mastercard Foundation is proud to announce that applications are now open for the Youth Leadership Program 2026–2027. Part of the Going Beyond Project, this transformative initiative aims to equip young graduates with the skills, knowledge, and resources needed to drive social change and foster entrepreneurship in their communities.
Why Join the Youth Leadership Program?
As a participant in the Youth Leadership Program you will be equipped with digital skills and social impact acumen to enhance your ability to influence and contribute to socio-economic development within your community. This program aims to boost your agency and open up new work opportunities, while also building your capacity to implement the Digital Business Program locally.
During the program you will undergo 3 weeks of extensive training to prepare you for your role as a program facilitator, coach, and changemaker. After training you will be deployed back to your community for 6 months with a mission to empower your peers and local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) owners, 70% women, with essential skills for business growth. This includes soft skills, basic business skills, practical digital skills, and self-confidence.
By joining the Youth Leadership Program, you will:
Receive Comprehensive Training:
Enhance your leadership, digital, and entrepreneurial skills through detailed training modules. You will also receive career development training and employment linkages throughout the program.
Become a Coach and Changemaker:
Serve as a role model and coach to your peers, fostering a spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship in your community.
Empower Your Community:
Help local MSMEs grow by sharing essential business skills and practical digital tools.
Join the DOTYouth Community:
Become part of a vibrant network of over 5,000 young leaders across Africa, gaining access to local and international opportunities for collaboration and growth.
About the Going Beyond Project
The Going Beyond – Partnering for a Youth-Led Future project is a partnership between Digital Opportunity Trust (DOT) and the Mastercard Foundation that aims to scale DOT’s evidence-based, peer-to-peer model and will be executed in Côte d’Ivoire, Malawi, Zambia, and Tanzania. Over five years, and with the support of DOT regional hubs in Africa, the Going Beyond project will progressively transfer the responsibility for delivering DOT’s programs and equip youth as leaders of the future.
Eligibility
- Ages 18–35
- Applicants must be recent university or college graduates from accredited institutions with a certificate, diploma, or bachelor’s degree
- Certificates from credible Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs in relevant subjects may be accepted
- To qualify as a recent graduate, you must be within 6 months to five years of graduation
- Applicants must be current residents of Livingstone or Kazungula District
- Applicants must be fully available for the duration of eight (8) months for the training and placement period
- Have access to a basic smartphone or laptop and possess basic computer skills
- Able to communicate fluently, both orally and in writing, in the local language
- Demonstrated leadership and passion for community development and entrepreneurship
- Applicants should have a history of or passion for community engagement activities
- No employment experience required
- Applicants should be unemployed or underemployed
- Commitment to participate fully in the program
- Young women and youths living with disabilities are highly encouraged to submit their applications
Deployment Requirements
Following their selection, Youth Leaders will participate in program activities within their own communities. The Healing Balm Foundation is committed to supporting local leadership development and does not require relocation.
Timeline for Recruitment, Selection and Deployment of Youth Leaders
Call for Applications: 17 March 2026
Deadline for Application: 6 April 2026
Announcement of finalists: 13 April 2026
Youth Leader Interviews: 23 April – 30 April 2026
Youth Leader Day 0 (Orientation): 4 May 2026
Induction and Training of Trainers: 11 May – 25 May 2026
Contracting and official deployment: 27 May – 3 June 2026
Placement start date: 3 June 2026
Placement end date: December 2026
Support Measures
Non-graduates, those still in academic training and those currently in full-time or part-time employment will not be considered.
Going Beyond is committed to ensuring the meaningful inclusion of young women and other marginalized groups, including youth with disabilities, young people from rural areas, those living in poverty, and displaced youth. Young women and youth from these marginalized groups are strongly encouraged to apply.
Going Beyond is also committed to supporting youth leaders to manage their childcare responsibilities and will provide on-site childcare for participants who demonstrate need.
How to Apply
Prepare the following before you start filling out the application form:
- Your CV/Resume in PDF format
- A scanned copy of your higher education certificate (PDF or Image format)
- A cover letter in PDF format
Click the application link and complete the form with all required details.
APPLY
Selection Process
Selection will include the following stages:
Stage 1: Youth will be selected to attend the Youth Leadership Training of Trainers (TOT) in Livingstone beginning 11 May 2026.
Stage 2: Youth will be selected to proceed to contracting and deployment to their communities beginning 3 June 2026.
Stage 3: Youth Leaders will receive career development training and mentorship from The Healing Balm Foundation, Digital Opportunity Trust, and associated local and international partners.
Got Some Questions?
Read the FAQ sheet, and if you still cannot find your answer, please contact us through our email thehealingbalmfoundation@gmail.com.
Safeguarding and Code of Conduct Information
The Healing Balm Foundation and its partners are a safe and inclusive community, and this opportunity is completely free.
If anyone asks you to pay any fee or provide anything outside of what has been communicated here, please report the incident immediately through the organization’s safeguarding channels email programshealingbalmfoundation@gmail.com