1. Presented by the Association of African Universities (AAU)
An Introduction To: The Ford Foundation International Fellowship Program (IFP)
Presented by the
Association of African Universities (AAU)
June 18

2. BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE FORD FOUNDATION
The Ford Foundation has been actively involved in funding development programs for over 50 years.
The Foundation’s main goals are to:
Strengthen democratic values
Reduce poverty & injustice
Promote international cooperation
Advance human achievements
The Foundation’s grant-making areas are focused on the following fields of study:
Asset Building & Community Development
Education, Media, Arts & Culture
Peace & Social justice
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Association of African Universities

3. AIMS OF THE PROGRAM (IFP)
To provide opportunities to talented people from communities lacking systematic access to higher education so as to broaden the talent pool of future leaders in developing countries
To prepare Fellows to become leaders in the field that further the goals of the Foundation through the knowledge and skills gained from advanced graduate study
To encourage Fellows to apply their advanced skills and knowledge in the development and advancement of their own communities and countries
AIMS
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Association of African Universities

4. MANAGEMENT ROLES Ford Foundation Secretariat Partner Orgs.
Documents the design and implementation of the Program
Secretariat
In association with partner Organizations shares program experiences with individuals and institutional higher education field.
Assesses the program’s educational effects
Partner Orgs.
In association with Secretariat share program experiences with individuals and institutional higher education field.
Responsible for:
Recruiting and Selection Process
Management of Fellow-elect phase
Monitoring of Fellows during study period.
Placement Partners
Works with the Partner Organizations in providing University placement and related services.
Provides a monitoring & information gathering service to program
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Association of African Universities

5. PROGRAM TARGET
The program is aimed at outstanding individuals from groups or communities that historically have lacked opportunities to pursue higher education
Particular ethnic, racial or religious groups
Women/Disabled
People living outside major cities
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Association of African Universities

6. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Residents and Resident citizens of participating country( Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal).
Holders of Bachelors Degree or its equivalent who have demonstrated academic potential in their studies.
Experience in community or development related activities
An intention to pursue formal Masters or Doctoral training that will enhance their leadership skills in fields that support the goals of the Ford Foundation.
Have a statement of objectives specifying how they intend applying their studies to social issues in their own community/or country.
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Association of African Universities

7. PROGRAM SELECTION PROCESS
Applications submitted to Partner Organizations (AAU) and local implementation partners, ( Pathfinder and AAWORD)
AAU in association with Pathfinder & AAWORD identify and appoint academics and professionals as Short-listing & Selection Committee Members
Short-listing Ctee evaluates completed applications and recommends candidates for interview.
Selection Committee interviews candidates and makes recommendations.
IFP NY review and endorse recommendations
All short- listed applicants are notified of outcome
Successful applicants provided assistance with registration process for University of their choice.
AAU ensures selection criteria are applied consistently
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Association of African Universities

8. MAIN SELECTION CRITERIA
Eligibility / Disadvantaged
Academic achievement and promise
Leadership potential / Demonstrated Social Commitment
Career and Professional Goals
AT INTERVIEW LEVEL :
Represents Eligible / Disadvantaged Applicants
Demonstrated Social Commitment
Academic
Background
&
Proposed Study
Program & Purpose
Leadership Skills &
Potential
IFP Target
Group
Change
Agents
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Association of African Universities

9. IFP WEST AFRICA - The Association Of African Universities (AAU) and its Local Implementing Partners
AAU is an international non-governmental organisation set up in 1967 to promote consultation, exchange of information and cooperation among the universities in Africa as well as encourage contacts between them and the international academic world.
PATHFINDER is an international, private, voluntary and non-profit non-governmental organisation headquartered in Boston and registered in Nigeria. Pathfinder provides technical and financial assistance to reproductive health programs in the developing countries including Eastern Europe.
AAWORD is an international, non-profit non-governmental organisation created in 1977 to analyse and transform gender relations and social conditions in Africa; to build a powerful African women’s movement linking human rights to the theory and practice of development; to bring forth African women’s contribution to sustainable and democratic development.
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Association of African Universities

10. FURTHER INFORMATION
International Fellowship Program Website:
Ford Foundation Website: www. Fordfound.org/news/ifp
Association of African Universities Website:
Pathfinder International Website:
Contact details:
The Senior Project Officer The Project Officer
IFP -West Africa IFP- Nigeria
Association of African Universities Pathfinder International
P.O.Box AN Plot 248 Muri Okunola St.
Accra-North Victoria Island
Ghana. Lagos, Nigeria
Tel: / Tel/Fax:
Fax:
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Association of African Universities