As a humanitarian organization, promoting peace is a cornerstone of Rotary’s mission. By carrying out service projects, supporting peace fellowships and scholarships, and partnering with others, Rotary members take action to address the underlying causes of conflict, including poverty, discrimination, ethnic tension, lack of access to education, and unequal distribution of resources.

One of the most effective ways we build peace is with our Rotary Peace Fellowships that train peace and development professionals to become effective catalysts for peace.

The Rotary Peace Fellowship funds tuition and fees, room and board, round-trip transportation, and internship and field-study expenses. The program is designed to increase the capacity of dedicated peacebuilders from communities around the world to prevent and resolve conflict and support sustainable development by offering academic training, field experience, and professional networks.

Rotary Peace Fellows are selected every year in a globally competitive process based on personal, academic, and professional achievements. Fellows have the opportunity to earn a master’s degree or participate in a one-year professional development certificate program at one of the Rotary Peace Centers located at leading universities.

Program alumni are working to advance peace as leaders in national governments, nongovernmental organizations, education and research, peacekeeping and law enforcement, business and consulting, human rights law, media and the arts, and international organizations such as the United Nations.

Master’s degree
▪ 15-24 month program, small-group classroom learning, in fields related to peace and development
▪ Intended for leaders near the start of their careers
▪ 50 fellows selected annually to study at one of five Rotary Peace Centers at partner universities, which offer interdisciplinary curricula with research-informed teaching
▪ 2-3 month field study experience to develop practical skills
▪ Fellows connect with an international cohort of fellows, experts and thought leaders, and a global network of Rotary members.

Professional development certificate

▪ One-year program for working professionals that blends online learning, in-person classes, and an independent social impact project
▪ Intended for social change leaders with extensive experience working in peace-related fields

▪ Interdisciplinary program includes a one- or two-week online preliminary course, 10 weeks of on-site courses with field studies, a nine-month period during which fellows implement a social change initiative (with interactive online sessions), and an on-site capstone seminar

▪ 40 fellows will be selected for the peacebuilding and conflict transformation professional development certificate program at Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda. Candidates who are from Africa, have worked in Africa, work with African communities or initiatives outside the continent, or who demonstrate a compelling interest in learning about peacebuilding approaches within the region can apply for the certificate program at Makerere University.

▪ 40 fellows will be selected for the peace and development studies professional development certificate program at Bahçeşehir University, Istanbul, Türkiye. Candidates who are from the Middle East or North Africa, have worked in the region, work elsewhere around the world with communities or initiatives related to the Middle East or North Africa, or who demonstrate a compelling interest in learning about peacebuilding approaches within the region can
apply for the program at Bahçeşehir University.”

“▪ 40 fellows will be selected for the peace and development studies professional development certificate program at Symbiosis International University, Pune, India. Candidates who are from Asia, have worked in the region, work elsewhere around the world with communities or initiatives related to Asia, or who demonstrate a compelling interest in learning about peacebuilding approaches within Asia can apply for the program at Symbiosis International University.

Eligibility

Qualified candidates must:

▪ Have at least three years of related work experience for the master’s program
▪ Have at least five years of related work experience for the certificate program
▪ Be proficient in English (Master’s candidates whose first language is not English must provide English language standardized test scores.)
▪ Have a bachelor’s degree (Master’s candidates must provide a copy of their transcripts.)
▪ Demonstrate leadership skills
▪ Have a strong commitment to cross-cultural understanding and peace
▪ Propose a feasible Social Change Initiative that aligns with Rotary’s mission to promote peace (Certificate candidates only)
Master’s candidates must have at least three years between the “of their most recent academic degree program (undergraduate or graduate degree) and their intended start date for the fellowship. Any candidate currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program, or who will be enrolled in the upcoming academic year, is not eligible to apply for either the master’s degree or professional development certificate program.
* Rotaract club members who are not dual members of a Rotary club are eligible to apply.

Application tips

▪ Review the eligibility restrictions and the relevant experience guide.
▪ Research the curriculum and programs at each of the Rotary Peace Centers.
▪ Connect with a local Rotary or Rotaract Club or an online club for application mentorship and a recommendation. (Please note that a candidate recommendation does not require district funding support. Fellowships are supported through The Rotary Foundation.)
▪ Gather required documents and contact academic and/or professional references in advance.
▪ Master’s candidates should review the English proficiency test requirements for their preferred university.
▪ Ensure all submitted application content is original and authentic and reflects the candidate’s personal perspectives and experiences. (Application content that is generated by AI will disqualify an application.)

Each year, applications are accepted online beginning on 1 February and must be submitted by 15 May. Applications are considered final upon submission.

“If you know someone who might be a good candidate for the Rotary Peace Fellowship, please submit a short referral form with their name and email address. We’ll contact them with information on how to apply.
Follow the Rotary Peace Centers on Facebook.”

“Please write to [email protected] with questions.”

News Source : https://rotarydistrict5110.com/rotary-peace-fellowship-application-open-until-may-15th/