Designed with a strong focus on African realities while incorporating African and global perspectives, the fellowship goes beyond basic mental health awareness. Participants will engage with mental health experts, practitioners, researchers and leaders while exploring subjects ranging from community mental health and lived experience to neuropsychology, learning how the brain, mind, environment and society interact to influence wellbeing.

The programme also places a strong emphasis on turning knowledge into community action. At the end of the fellowship, participants will develop and implement a Community Impact Capstone Project designed to address a mental health challenge and create measurable benefits within their communities.

About the Nivishe Mental Health Fellowship

The Nivishe Mental Health Fellowship is a 12-week virtual leadership and learning programme intended for people who want to become more effective changemakers in the mental health space.

Rather than limiting participants to theoretical discussions about mental health, the fellowship is structured around learning, leadership, community engagement and practical action.

Participants will be exposed to perspectives from:

• Mental health experts
• Practitioners
• Researchers
• Leaders
• People with lived experience
• Diverse communities and professional backgrounds

The fellowship examines mental health through both African and global perspectives, giving participants an opportunity to understand mental health challenges within the broader social, cultural and environmental contexts in which people live.

This approach is particularly relevant to individuals who recognize that mental wellbeing cannot be addressed solely through clinical interventions. Community structures, education, social environments, policy, culture, advocacy and access to information can all influence mental health outcomes.

What Participants Will Learn

The fellowship covers a broad range of mental health-related themes.

These include:

Community Mental Health

Participants will explore mental health from a community perspective, considering how communities can better identify, discuss and respond to mental health challenges.

Lived Experience

The programme recognizes lived experience as an important form of knowledge and leadership. Participants will have opportunities to engage with perspectives shaped by real-world experiences of mental health.

Neuropsychology

The fellowship also introduces participants to neuropsychology and the relationship between the brain, mind and behaviour.

Learning and Wellbeing

Participants will develop a deeper understanding of how learning, environments and social conditions can influence wellbeing.

African and Global Perspectives

A central feature of the programme is its grounding in African realities while drawing on broader global perspectives. This can help participants consider how mental health approaches can be adapted to the contexts in which their communities operate.

From Mental Health Awareness to Community Action

One of the defining features of the Nivishe Mental Health Fellowship is its focus on moving beyond awareness.

The programme is designed to help participants understand how to act on mental health challenges within their communities.

Throughout the fellowship, participants can strengthen their ability to:

1. Identify mental health challenges.
2. Understand the needs of their communities.
3. Engage with different perspectives.
4. Develop practical approaches to mental health challenges.
5. Communicate mental health information effectively.
6. Build networks with other changemakers.
7. Apply learning to community-level action.
8. Develop initiatives capable of reaching people beyond the fellowship itself.

This practical orientation culminates in the Community Impact Capstone Project.

Community Impact Capstone Project

The Community Impact Capstone Project is a central component of the fellowship.

Fellows will take knowledge gained during the programme and apply it to a real mental health issue affecting their communities.

The project is intended to create a tangible community impact rather than remaining solely as an academic or theoretical exercise.

Previous fellows have reportedly undertaken initiatives including:

• Community dialogues
• Radio programmes
• Mental health awareness campaigns
• School-based interventions
• Outreach activities

The fellowship seeks to create a ripple effect in which one participant’s knowledge and leadership can reach and positively influence many other people.

For Cohort 7, applicants will need to demonstrate that they can design and implement a project that benefits their community. The selection criteria specifically consider the strength and feasibility of the proposed project, including its potential to positively influence at least 200 community members.

Who Should Apply for the Nivishe Fellowship?

The programme is seeking passionate individuals committed to addressing mental health disparities and promoting mental wellbeing.

Applicants should ideally demonstrate one or more of the following characteristics:

• A commitment to reducing mental health disparities.
• An interest in improving mental wellbeing in their communities.
• Current or potential leadership responsibilities.
• An interest in community development.
• Experience or interest in advocacy.
• Experience or interest in education.
• Experience or interest in healthcare.
• Experience or interest in research.
• Experience or interest in humanitarian work.
• A desire to create positive social change.
• An appreciation for diversity and inclusion.
• Willingness to learn from different perspectives and lived experiences.

Formal mental health employment or professional experience is not required. The application specifically states that leadership and commitment to community wellbeing can be demonstrated in different ways.

Age Requirements

Applicants must be 18 years or older.

The fellowship is primarily aimed at young leaders between 18 and 35 years old.

However, people above 35 should not automatically rule themselves out. The programme specifically encourages applicants over 35 who have a strong track record of:

• Community leadership
• Advocacy
• Social impact

This makes the opportunity accessible to both emerging young leaders and more experienced changemakers who can demonstrate meaningful community impact.

Professional and Sectoral Backgrounds

The application form accommodates applicants from a wide range of professional and community sectors.

Relevant sectors include:

• Mental health
• Healthcare
• Education
• Research
• Humanitarian response
• Community development
• Advocacy and activism
• Government and public service
• Youth leadership
• Faith-based organizations
• Media and communications
• Private sector
• Other related fields

This broad range demonstrates that the fellowship is not exclusively intended for psychologists, psychiatrists or other clinical mental health professionals.

Professionals working in communication, education, public service, youth leadership, community development and other sectors can also be relevant applicants if they have a genuine interest in mental health and community impact.

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for the fellowship, applicants should meet the following requirements:

1. Be at Least 18 Years Old

The minimum age is 18.

2. Demonstrate Commitment to Mental Health

Applicants should demonstrate a genuine commitment to addressing mental health disparities and promoting mental wellbeing.

3. Have an Interest in a Relevant Field

Applicants may be involved in or interested in mental health, community development, advocacy, education, healthcare, research, humanitarian work or related areas.

4. Demonstrate Leadership Potential

Applicants should hold or aspire to leadership positions and demonstrate the ability to influence positive change in their communities or institutions.

5. Value Diversity and Inclusion

Applicants should be willing to learn from people with different identities, cultures, professions and lived experiences.

6. Have Reliable Internet Access

Because the fellowship is conducted virtually, applicants need access to a computer and reliable internet connection.

7. Commit to a Community Project

Applicants should be able to design and implement a Community Impact Capstone Project that applies their fellowship learning to benefit their community.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated against several criteria.

1. Leadership Potential and Community Impact

The selection team will look for evidence of leadership experience, initiative and commitment to creating positive change.

Applicants should therefore explain not only what positions they have held but also what they have actually done and the results their actions produced.

2. Commitment to Mental Health Advancement

Applicants should demonstrate a clear interest in mental health, wellbeing or related social issues.

This commitment can be demonstrated through professional activities, volunteering, advocacy, community initiatives, education, research or other relevant experiences.

3. Availability and Engagement

The fellowship requires active participation.

Applicants will be assessed on their ability to participate in:

• Fellowship sessions
• Collaborative activities
• Assignments
• Group discussions

4. Lived Experience and Personal Motivation

The programme recognizes lived experience as a valuable source of expertise.

Applicants who have personal, family, professional or community experiences that have shaped their interest in mental health may choose to explain how those experiences influence their commitment to mental health advocacy and systems change.

However, this section is optional.

5. Diversity and Inclusion

The fellowship aims to create a cohort representing diverse:

• Identities
• Geographies
• Cultures
• Professions
• Lived experiences

This means the selection process is not based solely on professional credentials but also considers the diversity of perspectives applicants can bring to the cohort.

6. Community Impact Capstone Proposal

The proposed capstone project is another important part of the selection process.

Applicants should present a project that is:

• Relevant to a genuine community mental health challenge
• Practical
• Feasible
• Capable of implementation
• Designed to create meaningful impact

The selection criteria indicate that the project should have potential to positively influence at least 200 community members.

Fellowship Schedule and Time Commitment

The Nivishe Mental Health Fellowship will run for 12 weeks.

Sessions will take place:

Every Saturday, from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM EAT.

Selected fellows are expected to attend weekly virtual sessions throughout the programme.

In addition to the weekly sessions, fellows should expect to commit approximately six hours per month to assignments, collaborative activities and group discussions.

Participants should therefore assess their schedules carefully before applying and ensure that they can maintain consistent participation throughout the entire programme.

Expectations for Selected Fellows

Those selected for Cohort 7 will be expected to:

• Attend weekly virtual fellowship sessions for 12 weeks.
• Commit approximately six additional hours per month to assignments and collaborative activities.
• Participate actively in peer learning.
• Engage in networking opportunities.
• Communicate effectively in English.
• Complete the required assignments.
• Design and implement a Community Impact Capstone Project.
• Address a mental health issue relevant to their community.
• Contribute to the Nivishe Fellowship Network after completing the programme.
• Continue advancing mental health leadership beyond the fellowship period.

Language Requirement

The fellowship will be conducted in English.

Selected fellows are therefore expected to be proficient in English and able to participate effectively in virtual sessions, discussions, assignments and collaborative activities.

Application Questions

The application requires candidates to provide detailed responses demonstrating their motivation, understanding of mental health, leadership experience and plans for community impact.

Question 1: Personal Motivation and Commitment

Applicants will be asked why they want to join the Nivishe Mental Health Fellowship and how the programme aligns with their personal, professional or community leadership goals.

The response should be between 100 and 200 words.

Candidates should use this section to communicate their motivation and explain how the fellowship could help them grow as changemakers.

Question 2: Mental Health Understanding and Community Context

Applicants will be asked to explain what good mental health means to them and identify pressing mental health challenges affecting their community, institution or the population they work with.

The response should be 100–200 words.

This question provides an opportunity to demonstrate understanding of mental health within a specific community context.

Question 3: Leadership, Experience and Impact

Applicants will need to describe their current or previous involvement in areas such as:

• Mental health
• Community development
• Advocacy
• Education
• Healthcare
• Research
• Related areas

They should also explain the impact they have made and the leadership lessons they have gained.

The response should be 100–200 words.

Importantly, formal mental health experience is not mandatory. Applicants can demonstrate leadership and commitment to community wellbeing through different types of experiences.

Question 4: Community Impact Capstone Project

Applicants will be asked to propose a mental health initiative they would like to implement during the fellowship.

The response should be 150–300 words.

Applicants should describe:

• The community mental health challenge they want to address
• The proposed initiative
• The community they hope to reach
• The expected impact

Possible approaches include awareness campaigns, community dialogues, radio programmes, school activities, digital campaigns, support groups, workplace initiatives, research dissemination and advocacy efforts.

The application also notes that project ideas may evolve during the fellowship as fellows gain additional knowledge and mentorship.

Question 5: Community Reach and Ripple Effect

Applicants must explain how they intend to share knowledge, skills and networks gained through the fellowship with people beyond themselves.

The response should be 100–200 words.

Candidates can discuss how they plan to engage:

• Community members
• Organizations
• Institutions
• Professional networks
• Youth groups
• Other relevant stakeholders

The purpose is to demonstrate how participation in the fellowship can produce a wider community impact rather than benefiting only the individual fellow.

Question 6: Lived Experience and Perspective

Applicants may optionally discuss personal, family, professional or community experiences that have shaped their interest in mental health.

This is an optional question requiring a response of 100–200 words.

Applicants should only share what they are comfortable discussing. The programme recognizes lived experience as a valuable form of expertise and leadership.

Question 7: Commitment Statement

Applicants must indicate whether they can commit fully to the fellowship’s requirements.

The programme requires:

• Weekly attendance
• Active participation
• Assignment completion
• Community Impact Capstone Project implementation

Applicants who answer yes must briefly explain how they will ensure their participation throughout the 12-week programme.

The response should be 50–100 words.

How to Prepare a Strong Application

Applicants should approach the application as an opportunity to demonstrate not just interest in mental health but also their potential to create community-level impact.

Demonstrate Genuine Motivation

Clearly explain why mental health matters to you and why this particular fellowship is relevant to your goals.

Connect Your Experience to Community Impact

Whether your background is in communications, education, healthcare, advocacy, research, government, youth leadership or community development, explain how your experience has helped you contribute to positive change.

Identify a Specific Community Challenge

For the capstone project, avoid proposing an overly broad initiative. Identify a specific challenge and explain how your project could address it.

Think About Measurable Impact

Because the fellowship emphasizes community reach, applicants should think about how their proposed project could reach and positively influence at least 200 people.

Demonstrate Leadership

Leadership does not necessarily mean holding a senior job title. Applicants can demonstrate leadership through volunteering, community organizing, advocacy, educational initiatives, youth engagement, research or other forms of social impact.

Show Commitment

The programme requires consistent participation over 12 weeks. Applicants should demonstrate that they have considered the time commitment and can participate fully.

Application Timeline

The application timeline for Nivishe Mental Health Fellowship Cohort 7 is:

• Applications open: September 9, 2026
• Applications close: September 18, 2026
• Fellowship sessions: Every Saturday, 10:00 AM–12:30 PM EAT
• Fellowship duration: 12 weeks

The application deadline is therefore September 18, 2026.

Application Support

Nivishe states that it is committed to making the application process accessible and inclusive.

Applicants who experience challenges completing or submitting the application, or who require reasonable accommodation because of a disability, language barrier or other circumstances, can contact the Nivishe team for support.

The organization states that it will make efforts to assist applicants and provide an equitable opportunity to apply.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should complete the official Nivishe Mental Health Fellowship Cohort 7 Application Form and provide the information and written responses requested in the application.

Applicants should carefully review each question, observe the specified word limits and ensure that their responses clearly demonstrate motivation, leadership, mental health understanding and potential community impact.

For application support, the fellowship provides the following email address:

partnerships@nivishefoundation.org

APPLY HERE

Why You Should Consider the Nivishe Mental Health Fellowship

The fellowship can be particularly valuable for emerging leaders who want to combine personal development with practical community impact.

Key opportunities include:

1. Deepen your understanding of mental health: Explore mental health through African and global perspectives.
2. Develop leadership skills: Strengthen your capacity to lead initiatives and influence positive change.
3. Learn from experts: Engage with mental health experts, practitioners, researchers and leaders.
4. Build an international and diverse network: Connect with people from different professional, cultural and geographic backgrounds.
5. Gain practical experience: Apply fellowship learning through a Community Impact Capstone Project.
6. Reach your community: Develop an initiative capable of benefiting at least 200 community members.
7. Strengthen communication and advocacy: Learn how to translate knowledge into activities that engage communities.
8. Continue beyond the fellowship: Join the growing Nivishe Fellowship Network and continue contributing to mental health leadership.

Important Things Applicants Should Remember

Before submitting an application, candidates should make sure they understand the fellowship’s key requirements.

The fellowship is:

• Virtual
• 12 weeks long
• Conducted in English
• Scheduled every Saturday from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM EAT
• Designed for participants aged 18 and above
• Primarily focused on young leaders aged 18–35
• Open to older applicants with relevant leadership and social-impact experience
• Based on active participation
• Inclusive of diverse professional and community backgrounds
• Built around a Community Impact Capstone Project

Applicants should also ensure that they have reliable internet access and the ability to participate consistently in online sessions.

Visit HERE for more information about the Nivishe Mental Health Fellowship Cohort 7.

Conclusion

The Nivishe Mental Health Fellowship Cohort 7 presents an opportunity for emerging and established changemakers to develop deeper knowledge of mental health while building the leadership and practical skills needed to create meaningful community impact.

The programme stands out because it does not focus solely on mental health awareness. Instead, it combines expert-led learning, diverse perspectives, leadership development, networking and practical community action. Through the Community Impact Capstone Project, fellows are expected to transform what they learn into an initiative that addresses a real mental health challenge and has the potential to reach at least 200 community members.

The fellowship is particularly suitable for young leaders aged 18–35, while experienced applicants above 35 with strong records in community leadership, advocacy or social impact are also encouraged to apply. Applicants can come from a wide range of sectors, and formal mental health experience is not mandatory.

With applications opening on September 9, 2026, and closing on September 18, 2026, interested candidates should begin preparing their application responses early. A strong application should clearly communicate the applicant’s motivation, leadership experience, understanding of their community’s mental health challenges and a realistic vision for creating a wider ripple effect through the fellowship.

For more global Fellowship opportunities, visit OFY HERE.