NEW YORK | Seeds of Peace has selected its inaugural class of GATHER Fellows: 16 individuals engaged in social change endeavors that have the potential to impact the dynamics of conflict in and between communities.
The GATHER Fellowship is part of a larger initiative launched by Seeds of Peace in 2015 that invests in inclusive, practical social change led by alumni of Seeds of Peace and other emerging changemakers. The year-long program is supports innovation and practical action by providing Fellows access to the resources necessary to unlock the potential of their vision.
“The Fellows are an incredibly unique group of individuals,” said Mohamed Rahmy, Director of Seeds of Peace’s Graduate Programs. “They come from different backgrounds, speak different languages, and are working in different sectors and industries, but are united by shared values and a passion for change and social justice.”
The Fellows will convene in London in the fall to take part in trainings, workshops, and expert-led presentations that speak to their professional and personal needs. They will benefit from an individually-tailored leadership development curriculum that offers coaching, networking, and opportunities for them to engage with their local community. The curriculum is designed in collaboration with a team of experts and knowledge partners, and is guided by the Fellows’ own goals.
Fellows also receive a stipend to support their initiatives and leadership development throughout the yearlong program.
The 2015-16 GATHER Fellows hail from countries throughout the Middle East, South Asia and North America. They come from diverse professional backgrounds and include a choral director, bio-medical engineer, humanitarian relief worker, and university lecturer.
Projects that this class of Fellows will be pursuing include studying empathy and its relationship to peacebuilding, researching bias in elementary school history textbooks, supporting young Syrian refugees, bolstering citizen journalism in conflict areas, and engaging in dialogue through music.
Details about the Fellows and projects will be made available in the coming months.
Congratulations to all peacebuilders and best wishes for their endeavors.