The United States Embassy in Kenya has announced opportunities for Kenyan youth to join the 2024-2025 Community Engagement Exchange (CEE) Program.
In a statement, the US Embassy on Friday, May 31, announced that the application for the program is open for young people in countries including Kenya.
“Are you a young leader committed to improving your community? Apply to the Community Engagement Program to expand your network and meet global leaders in the United States,” read part of the statement.
CEE is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and supported in its implementation by IREX.
According to IREX, the Program is a dynamic global network of innovators working with communities to address critical 21st Century issues.
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IREX while noting the eligibility requirements for the program noted that competition is merit-based and open to emerging civil society and community leaders who meet listed criteria.
Requirements of CEE Program
Among the requirements is that applicants must be within the age of 21-27 years who must be citizens of listed countries from different continents of the world.
Eligible countries in Africa include Kenya, Angola, Botswana, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, and Nigeria, among others.
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Also, the applicants must be living and working in their home country at the time of application and should be eligible to receive a U.S. J-1 Visa.
“Special consideration can be given to individuals living in another country who have refugee status and are working on behalf of their home community,” adds IREX.
Applicants are also expected to have a minimum of two-years professional or volunteer experience, working on community or civil society issues, at the time of application.
Furthermore, the applicants should be Committed to returning to their home country after completion of the program and implementing a community-based project and be proficient in spoken and written English at the time of application.
Financial Support & How to Apply
According to IREX, the program covers the cost of most expenses associated with J-1 visa support and round-trip travel from participants’ home city to the U.S.
Also, the program covers for monthly allowance to cover housing, meals, and other living expenses while in the U.S. and Accident and sickness health benefits
Eligible applicants are encouraged to apply through the Community Engagement Exchange Online Application website by July 2, 2024.
CEE equips dedicated visionaries with the expertise, skills, and resources to develop multisector approaches and build healthy and engaged communities in over 100 countries.
The fellowship entails components which include a three-month Practicum in the United States.
“IREX matches CEE fellows to civil society organizations throughout the United States. Designated supervisors and peers support the fellows through a three-month, hands-on professional practicum,” noted IREX.
At the same time, successful applicants attend Leadership and Civic Engagement Academy where they explore the program themes through interactive curriculum that includes service learning, face-to-face trainings, mentorship, professional coaching, and inclusion in a global network.
Community Engagement Project (CEP) and Community Engagement Project (CEP) Exchange are also components entailed in the program.
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