Deadline: 06-Apr-2026
The Healing Balm Foundation, in partnership with Digital Opportunity Trust and The Mastercard Foundation, invites young graduates in Livingstone and Kazungula District to apply for the Youth Leadership Program. The eight-month program offers training in leadership, digital skills, and entrepreneurship, followed by community placement to support local MSMEs, with a focus on women-led businesses.
About the Youth Leadership Program
The Youth Leadership Program equips young graduates with skills, knowledge, and resources to drive social change and foster entrepreneurship in their communities. The program emphasizes digital literacy, leadership development, entrepreneurial capacity, socio-economic impact, and support for local MSMEs, particularly women-led enterprises.
Program Objectives
- Enhance digital skills for modern entrepreneurship and community engagement
- Strengthen leadership capacity and soft skills
- Provide entrepreneurial knowledge to support local businesses
- Empower women-led MSMEs and promote inclusion
- Build community impact through practical mentorship and guidance
Program Structure
- Three-week intensive training: Participants gain leadership, digital, and entrepreneurial skills, career development support, and employment linkages
- Six-month community placement: Participants work with peers and local MSMEs, delivering training in soft skills, business practices, and digital tools
- Network building: Participants join a wider network of youth leaders, accessing collaboration opportunities and local and international initiatives
Who is Eligible?
Applicants must:
- Be aged 18–35
- Hold a certificate, diploma, or bachelor’s degree, including TVET qualifications
- Have graduated within the past 6 months to 5 years
- Reside in Livingstone or Kazungula District
- Be available for the full 8-month program
- Have basic computer skills and access to a smartphone or laptop
- Be fluent in the local language
- Demonstrate leadership potential, interest in community development, and willingness to engage actively
- Be unemployed or underemployed; no prior work experience is required
Inclusion Focus
The program encourages applications from:
- Young women
- Persons with disabilities
- Individuals from marginalized backgrounds
Selected participants remain in their communities and are provided additional support, including childcare assistance if needed.
How to Apply
- Confirm eligibility based on age, graduation timeline, and residence
- Prepare personal details, educational certificates, and motivation statement
- Submit application through the official program portal
- Shortlisted candidates may be invited for interviews or assessments
- Selected participants begin three-week training, followed by six-month placement in their community
Key Benefits
- Intensive training in leadership, digital skills, and entrepreneurship
- Hands-on experience supporting local MSMEs, especially women-led businesses
- Career development support and potential employment linkages
- Networking with local and international youth leaders
- Active contribution to community innovation and development
Tips for a Strong Application
- Highlight interest in community development and entrepreneurship
- Demonstrate leadership potential and willingness to learn
- Emphasize inclusion and engagement in local initiatives
- Show commitment to the entire 8-month program
- Mention relevant digital skills or experience with MSMEs
FAQs
1. Who can apply? Recent graduates aged 18–35 residing in Livingstone or Kazungula District.
2. Is prior work experience required? No, the program is open to unemployed or underemployed graduates.
3. How long is the program? Total duration is eight months: three weeks of training and six months of community placement.
4. Do participants relocate? No, placements are within participants’ own communities.
5. Are women and marginalized groups encouraged to apply? Yes, the program emphasizes inclusion and provides additional support.
6. What support is provided? Participants receive training, mentorship, and may receive childcare support if needed.
7. Are participants paid? The program does not provide a salary, but offers practical skills, experience, and career support.
Why It Matters
The Youth Leadership Program empowers young graduates to become changemakers in their communities by fostering entrepreneurship, strengthening MSMEs, and promoting socio-economic development. It provides practical skills, mentorship, and networks that create lasting impact for both participants and their communities.
Conclusion
The Healing Balm Foundation Youth Leadership Program 2026 offers a transformative opportunity for young graduates to develop leadership, digital, and entrepreneurial skills while supporting local MSMEs. By applying, participants become active contributors to community development, innovation, and sustainable socio-economic growth.
For more information, visit The Healing Balm Foundation.