Arewa Creative Writing and Advocacy Fellowship (ACWAF) Cohort 1: Hybrid Fellowship for Emerging Writers and Storytellers in Northern Nigeria

Overview

The Arewa Creative Writing and Advocacy Fellowship is a development and civic engagement initiative designed for emerging writers, storytellers, and spoken word artists from Northern Nigeria. Organised by the Poetic Wednesdays Initiative with support from the Nigeria Youth Futures Fund, the programme seeks to strengthen creative storytelling and advocacy skills among young people. The fellowship runs for six to eight weeks using a hybrid format that combines virtual learning with physical activities in Kano State.

What you get

Selected fellows receive hybrid training covering creative writing, civic storytelling, policy framing, editorial ethics, fact-checking, and multimedia narrative techniques. Participants also gain one-on-one mentorship from experienced professionals, editorial and publication support, data stipends, networking opportunities with mentors and advocacy stakeholders, and capstone dissemination opportunities to share their completed work with wider audiences.

Who can apply

The opportunity is open to emerging writers, storytellers, and spoken word artists from Northern Nigeria who have an interest in creative writing, civic engagement, and advocacy. Applicants must be available for the six to eight-week duration of the programme, be capable of attending the physical component in Kano State, and demonstrate an interest in themes such as governance, democracy, elections, voter rights, or youth rights.

How to apply

Interested individuals must complete the official online application form. The application process requires candidates to provide accurate personal details, including their full name, email address, phone or WhatsApp number, gender, age group, state and local government area, and residential address.