The not-for-profit organisation Altemus is pleased to announce an open competition for its foundational Leadership Skills Training Programme.  (Toulon, France, July 27 – August 14, 2013).

Deadline for applications: April 1, 2013. 

This programme offers young people from emerging democracies and developing countries an opportunity to:

• Deepen their self understanding;
• Develop their leadership skills and competencies;
• Gain experience and confidence leading a volunteer service project in their home communities; and,
• Receive coaching and mentoring
• Meet like-minded peers from around the world

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Altemus programme you must be:

• A national and resident of an emerging democracy or developing country
• 20 – 29 years old at the time of application;
• Highly proficient in written and spoken English;
• Healthy and capable of demanding physical and mental activity;
• Able to complete the entire training;
• Committed to implementing a project for marginalised youth in their community
• Committed to participating in monthly skype coaching sessions for a period of 8 months

Programme Description

The Altemus programme is comprised of 2 parts:

I. A 17-day training program (in class, volunteer work and outdoor trek) covering the following core leadership skills:

• Self-understanding
• Visioning, goal-setting, planning and positive thinking
• Ethics
• Communication skills
• Building & leading teams
• Creative problem-problem solving
• Results-based project management

Methodology

The Altemus Leadership Training Program combines theory and practice. It is highly participatory and interactive. The methodology applied includes theoretical lectures, group discussions, role-playing, case studies, team activities, problem-solving exercises, self-assessment, peer feedback, one-on-one coaching, outdoor experiential learning and volunteering. By placing participants in unique environments, we challenge their minds, bodies and souls.

Typical Day

• 7 am Wakeup call (during the trek could be sooner)
• 7:30 – 8:30 am Breakfast
• 8:30 – 9:00 am Reflections
• 9:00 – 12:30 am Classes (includes break)
• 12:30 – 1:30pm Lunch
• 1:30 – 5:00pm Classes (includes break)
• 5:00 – 7:00 Free time
• 7:00 – 8:00pm Dinner
• 8:00 – 11:pm Free time. Films or other activities related to the training.

II. A leadership practicum (Volunteer project)

Participants apply their newly acquired knowledge and skills to organise and lead a volunteer project for the benefit of marginalized youth in their home communities. Participants will provide updates on their project’s progress and receive coaching over skype on a monthly basis for 8 months. Only participants who complete both Parts I and II will be eligible for a certificate of completion and a letter of reference.

Faculty

Altemus’ trainers, facilitators and coaches are highly qualified and seasoned professionals. They come from different countries, disciplines and sectors (e.g. academia, business, psychology, journalism, social work, mediation, nursing, and sports).

Cost of Training

Altemus is a not-for-profit organisation and receives limited external support. All Altemus personnel (Director, trainers, facilitators and staff) offer their time and expertise without pay.

The training programme, educational materials, social activities and T-shirts are free of charge.

However, we ask participants to cover accomodations (food and lodging) during the training (500€) as well as their own travel costs (including visa and medical insurance).

We strongly advise applicants to approach potential sponsors upon submitting their application and not to wait until you are selected for the training.

Judging Procedure

Submitted application forms will be reviewed by a judging panel comprised of 4 persons (the Director, an Expert in Project Management, a Trainer, an Alumni).

Criteria

The panel will evaluate the project ideas submitted according to the following criteria:

• Impact
• How realistic it is – the likelihood of success
• Creativity
• Sustainability
• Quality of submission – how much effort was put into it

The best 30 ideas for the age groups 20-24 and 24-29 will be selected for in person or skype interviews.

How to Apply

Complete and submit the online application form. All applications received will be acknowledged. If you are having difficulty submitting or have not received confirmation of receipt, please contact us at [email protected] Good luck!

Important Dates (2013)

• April 1: Application Deadline
• April 1-7: Participants chosen for an interview are notified.
• April 8-13: Interviews
• April 15: Applicants selected for the Altemus training and on the waiting list are informed by email.
• April 22: Deadline for confirmation of attendance.
• April 23: Applicants on waiting list are contacted if there are openings.
• May 6: Accommodation fee of 500€ is due. Upon confirmation of attendance and payment of accommodation fee, Altemus will send by registered mail, an official invitation letter for Visa purposes. Should the applicant be denied a Visa, he/ she will be refunded 475€; 25€ being retained by Altemus to cover bank transfer charges and postal expenses.
• June 10: Deadline for confirming receipt of Visa.
• June: 11 Applicants on waiting list are contacted if there are openings.
• July 27 – August 14: Training