Hear directly from several past fellows about why they joined, what they did and how they were impacted by the experience.
Thinking about applying for YCI’s HerStart International Fellowship?
By YCI Staff | Global
The HerStart International Fellowship program, run by Youth Challenge International, is more than just a volunteer placement. It’s a rare and unique opportunity for Canadian young professionals and students to immerse themselves in a new culture, collaborate with impact-driven organizations and support talented women entrepreneurs in bringing bold, innovative ideas to life.
Read direct quotes from several alumni who completed the program in Tanzania, Ghana and Uganda in the last few years. Hear all about their motivations, reflections and most impactful moments.
Defining Moments
For many, HerStart is a career-defining step that builds confidence, global networks and lasting impact. Getting out of your comfort zone exposes you to new ideas, perspectives and opportunities you have never considered before.
“It has been an incredibly transformative experience, defined by valuable lessons that have forever shaped my life. Throughout these 3 months, I learned the power of embracing discomfort as a catalyst for growth. The highlights were numerous – from collaborating with other fellows on projects to collaborating with the HerStart entrepreneurs.”
– Krista, Fellow in Ghana
“The impact of HerStart was undeniable, with women ready to launch their social enterprise and build a supportive network. This experience ignited my passion for global impact and inspired me to encourage everyone to consider a life-changing fellowship”.
– Adele, Fellow in Uganda
“I’ve really learned about how a program like HerStart achieves its objective on ground. Now I have a more narrow idea that I want to work with young women to develop their skills and create a life for themselves.”
– Love, Fellow in Ghana
The Fellowship was an invaluable opportunity for both my personal growth and to contribute to international development. It’s immensely difficult to articulate the impact it can have on a person. HerStart has been the jumping point that inspired me to continue to pursue my dreams in international work.”
– Liam, Fellow in Uganda
Photo: Team of HerStart Fellows outside of the YCI Ghana office
The Projects They Did
From training and mentorship to climate action and gender equality strategies, HerStart Fellows take on extremely diverse projects that build their skill sets, expand their real-world experience and create lasting impact.
“I was able to work with young women directly on their business models to develop their skills and enhance their capacities to create a livelihood for themselves.”
– Love, Fellow in Ghana
“The projects I collaborated on highlighted the importance of human-centered design, asking the right questions and involving locals in finding solutions.”
– Mehran, Fellow in Tanzania
“Being able to ground development work in lived experiences is incredibly important and from engaging directly with women entrepreneurs to contributing to program design, climate action and gender equality initiatives, and working alongside local partners, this fellowship encouraged me through the power of collective action and locally-centred solutions”.
– Aliya, Fellow in Uganda
“I supported the development of marketing strategies that would amplify the voices of local women entrepreneurs and showcase their innovative project ideas. I witnessed their growing confidence and skills to sustain their business which, in turn, supports their families.”
– Ljiljana, Fellow in Tanzania
Growth That Stays with You
HerStart is a catalyst for both personal and professional development, equipping fellows with in-demand knowledge, skills and networks that last a lifetime.
“This fellowship stretched and pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best ways: leading projects, experimenting creatively, and collaborating with an incredible global community that reminded me impact, no matter how big or small, is never built alone.”
– Lolita, Fellow in Ghana
“My experience helped me to understand what I wanted to do and shape my career; including further developing my skills in partnership building, program design and resource mobilization.”
– Lindy, Fellow in Uganda
“The Fellowship gave me so much confidence. Now I know I can travel anywhere, start conversations with anyone and walk into a room and present without hesitation. I feel more confident in myself to be able to do anything.”
– Tayba, Fellow in Uganda
“Seeing the improvement in presentation skills and speaking confidence was an incredible experience. Beyond skills, I’ve cultivated a network of talented and passionate individuals from Canada and Tanzania. These connections will undoubtedly shape my career with a newfound focus on social impact.”
– Simon, Fellow in Tanzania
“The fellowship pushed me out of my comfort zone, helping me develop both professionally and personally. For anyone interested in development, gender equality, or communications, this fellowship provides a platform to grow professionally, expand your global network and develop skills that will serve you throughout your career”.
– Rachael, Fellow in Ghana
Photo: 3 Fellows collaborating in the YCI Uganda office
Why They Applied
Young professionals and students from diverse backgrounds and areas of study across Canada have applied and joined the HerStart program. We look for people who are passionate, motivated, adaptable and ready to learn.
“I think the main thing is to meet a lot of different people and see different viewpoints of the way people approach the world… and support entrepreneurs that have great business ideas and help them mobilize to create more change in their communities.”
– Rohan, Fellow in Tanzania
“It’s honestly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I feel like at some point in your life, you should travel by yourself and live by yourself. It helps you grow as a person and can help you grow in your career.”
– Tayba, Fellow in Uganda
“I just never really had the opportunity to get that kind of hands-on experience… working with communities, working with local partners has been the perfect combination of all of my skills and interests.”
– Jaclyn, Fellow in Tanzania
“Anyone looking for an immersive hands-on experience to be involved in a program making waves in an amazing way, you’ve come to the right place.”
– Mel, Fellow in Tanzania
Inspired to apply?
After learning all you need to know about the program here, take the plunge and apply for the HerStart International Fellowship if it feels aligned to your goals and values. You’ll gain professional experience, grow personally and create meaningful change alongside inspiring entrepreneurs and partner organizations.
Learn more and submit your application: www.herstart.org