Nivishe Mental Health Fellowship Cohort 7: 12-Week Virtual Fellowship for African Changemakers | Apply by 18 September 2026
Emerging and established changemakers interested in mental health, community development, advocacy, healthcare, education, research, and social impact can apply for the Nivishe Mental Health Fellowship Cohort 7. The 12-week virtual fellowship is designed to help participants deepen their understanding of mental health while developing practical leadership skills and initiatives that can create positive change in their communities.
Applications opened on 9 September 2026 and will close on 18 September 2026. The fellowship takes place virtually every Saturday from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM EAT, making it accessible to participants across different locations.
About the Nivishe Mental Health Fellowship
The Nivishe Mental Health Fellowship is designed for people who want to move beyond basic mental health awareness and develop a deeper understanding of mental wellbeing from African and global perspectives.
During the 12-week programme, fellows will learn from mental health experts, practitioners, researchers, and leaders. Topics will cover areas including community mental health, lived experience, neuropsychology, and the relationship between the brain, mind, environment, and society.
The programme also focuses on practical action. Participants will have opportunities to exchange ideas, learn from different perspectives, strengthen their leadership abilities, and build networks with other individuals working to improve mental health.
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship is open to individuals aged 18 and above. While the programme is primarily aimed at young leaders between 18 and 35 years, applicants above 35 with strong records in community leadership, advocacy, or social impact are also encouraged to apply.
Applicants should demonstrate a commitment to addressing mental health disparities and promoting wellbeing in their communities.
People working in or interested in mental health, healthcare, education, research, humanitarian response, community development, advocacy, government, youth leadership, media and communications, faith-based organisations, or the private sector are welcome to apply.
Applicants should also have access to a computer and reliable internet connection because the programme is delivered virtually.
What Will Fellows Learn?
The fellowship combines learning with leadership and practical community engagement. Fellows will explore mental health challenges while considering how social, environmental, cultural, and community factors influence wellbeing.
Participants will also engage in peer learning, collaborative activities, assignments, and networking opportunities.
The programme requires approximately six hours per month for assignments, group discussions, and collaborative activities, in addition to the weekly fellowship sessions.
English proficiency is required because the fellowship will be conducted in English.
Community Impact Capstone Project
One of the most important components of the fellowship is the Community Impact Capstone Project.
Rather than simply completing a training programme, fellows will be expected to apply what they learn by designing and implementing a mental health initiative within their communities.
Potential projects could include mental health awareness campaigns, community dialogues, radio programmes, school-based activities, digital campaigns, support groups, workplace initiatives, research dissemination, or advocacy projects.
Applicants should propose an initiative capable of reaching and positively influencing at least 200 community members. The project idea does not have to remain unchanged throughout the fellowship, as participants will have opportunities to develop their ideas through learning and mentorship.
How Applicants Will Be Selected
Applications will be assessed using several criteria, including leadership potential, community impact, commitment to mental health advancement, availability, and engagement.
The selection process also recognizes the importance of lived experience. Applicants whose personal, professional, family, or community experiences have influenced their interest in mental health advocacy are welcome to share those perspectives.
Diversity and inclusion are also important, with the fellowship seeking participants from different geographical areas, cultures, professions, and lived experiences.
Fellowship Benefits
Joining the fellowship provides an opportunity to deepen mental health knowledge while developing practical leadership and community engagement skills.
Fellows will also become part of the growing Nivishe Fellowship Network, allowing them to continue connecting with other changemakers beyond the 12-week programme.
Most importantly, participants will have an opportunity to transform knowledge into action through their Community Impact Capstone Project and potentially reach hundreds of people in their communities.
Application Details
Programme: Nivishe Mental Health Fellowship Cohort 7
Duration: 12 weeks
Format: Virtual
Sessions: Saturdays, 10:00 AM–12:30 PM EAT
Application Opens: 9 September 2026
Application Deadline: 18 September 2026
Age: 18+
Primary Target: Young leaders aged 18–35
Language: English
Community Project: Minimum potential reach of 200 people
Cost: Not stated in the application information provided
Interested applicants should complete the Nivishe Mental Health Fellowship Cohort 7 application form before the deadline.
Apply here: Nivishe Mental Health Fellowship Cohort 7 Application Form
For application support or reasonable accommodations, applicants can contact partnerships@nivishefoundation.org.
Conclusion
The Nivishe Mental Health Fellowship Cohort 7 offers an opportunity for African changemakers to strengthen their understanding of mental health while developing practical solutions for their communities. With expert-led learning, peer networking, leadership development, and a Community Impact Capstone Project, the fellowship is particularly suited to individuals who want their knowledge to create a wider community impact.
Eligible applicants should prepare their applications early and submit them by 18 September 2026 to be considered for Cohort 7.
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Disclaimer: Remote Job Opportunities (RJO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to RJO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
