Online applications are invited for the Goonj Grassroot Fellowship 2024 -25. The last date for the application is June 24, 2024.
About Goonj Grassroot Fellowship
The Goonj Grassroot Fellowship is a transformative year-long program that immerses fellows in hands-on community work across diverse rural and urban regions. Throughout this year, fellows engage deeply with various communities, gaining a profound understanding of their challenges and realities. This firsthand experience enables fellows to collaboratively develop and implement sustainable solutions that address the specific needs of these communities.
By interacting closely with people from different villages and cities, fellows learn to navigate and bridge cultural and socio-economic differences. This engagement broadens their perspectives and equips them with the skills and knowledge necessary to drive meaningful change. Fellows work alongside community members, fostering a sense of ownership and participation. Through this immersive experience, fellows contribute to Goonj’s mission of creating lasting change and promoting community-driven development.
Eligibility Criteria
- Age – you ought to be 21 to 40 years by 31st December, 2024
- Education – we expect you to have matriculated by 31st July, 2024
- Languages known – basic understanding of English / Hindi
- Adept with technology – basic computer knowledge: MS Office and other tools
Selection Process
- Start by filling out the online application form.
- If your application is shortlisted, you will be called for an assessment and the panel interview at the nearest Goonj office.
- You will receive an invitation to join the Goonj Grassroot Fellowship program upon selection.
Milestone at Goonj Grassroot Fellowship
- The Goonj Way: Deep Dive into the Goonj Way, Values and Ethos
- Deeper Community Work: Deeper understanding of local issues and work towards weaving sustainable solutions
- Experience in Urban Setup: Instigating positive civic participation in development and climate action
- Cross Learnings: learning about the Interconnected and holistic nature of issues and action
- Learning & Workshop: Honing skills and dreams for the future through workshops, reflections, peer-to-peer learning and proactive action
- Eco System exposure: Engage with and learn from development sector leaders working on innovative ideas on different issues
How to Apply?
Interested candidates can directly apply through this link.
Stipend
- Fellows receive a monthly stipend of Rs. 10,000/– if placed in the native district. A stipend of Rs.12,000/- would be given to those outside their native district.
Allowance
- Accommodation and food expenses are to be borne by fellows.
- Field travel expenses will be reimbursed on an actual basis.
Location
PAN India
Deadline
The last date for the application is June 24, 2024.
FAQs
What is the fellowship program about?
Goonj Grassroot Fellowship is a year-long programme, where fellows will be working in various areas by engaging with the communities on ground. During the one year, fellows interact with various communities from villages as well as cities and get a deeper understanding of the realities and devise ways to act upon the needs of the communities by engaging the communities.
What does this fellowship program aim to achieve?
Goonj with its Grassroots Fellowship aims to reach out to this resilient force of youth and create a ground for their nurturing and fine tuning. Our goal is to value what they bring to the world – their inherent understanding of the people, their resilience of working in the toughest circumstances, their hunger to make it a better world for their own families and future.
What does Goonj expect from the Grassroot Fellow?
They expect a prospective Grassroot Fellow to have passion to work towards changing the ground realities by working and staying in close connection with the affected communities. A Grassroot Fellow should possess the zeal to survive in the toughest of the situation possible and takes it as a learning experience. A minimum of matriculation is required to apply for the Fellowship along with holding an Indian Citizenship.
Where will the fellows be placed?
Goonj has its operations spread in 27 states & UT’s with implementing areas across geographies. Grassroot Fellows will be placed in their own areas if Goonj has its operations there. In case we do not have operations in the state/area from where fellow is selected then fellow will be placed in one of the urban/rural implementation areas where the Goonj has its operations and fellow is comfortable with the language. Depending on the area he/she is placed in, they will be engaged in the respective implementation work. And will be working from the same location throughout the fellowship.
What if a fellow leaves the fellowship in the middle?
If a fellow leaves the fellowship in the middle, he/she will have to serve a notice period of 15 days otherwise a stipend of 15 days will be withheld. And he/she will not be given any certificate if he/she leaves the fellowship at any point of time.
Can a fellow pursue his higher education during the fellowship?
If a fellow is pursuing education through open sources he/she can continue his/her education without affecting the work. However, fellow cannot pursue education through regular sources during the fellowship.
Can a fellow undertake any job during the fellowship?
No, fellowship is a full-time programme and a fellow cannot do any other paid job during the fellowship.
