The Shamiri Institute is on a mission to revolutionize mental health support for young people across Africa. As a youth-led organization, we envision a world where mental health services are accessible, personalized, and deeply embedded in community life. Since our founding in 2018, Shamiri has been pioneering an approach that makes mental health care affordable, relevant, and sustainable for African youth.
Based in Nairobi, Kenya, the Institute was co-founded by award-winning Kenyan entrepreneur and community mobilizer Tom Osborn and Katherine Venturo-Conerly, a globally recognized mental health researcher. What began as a bold idea during their time at Harvard University has since grown into a transformative organization that has already reached over 40,000 high school students across the country.
Our interventions are designed to be delivered within schools and led by young people themselves. The Shamiri approach has been proven to make a meaningful difference: we have observed a 40% improvement in mental health and wellbeing, a 14% increase in positive social relationships, and a 3% improvement in academic performance among participating students.
To see our work in action and better understand our mission, we invite you to watch our TED Talk.
Who We Are Looking For
We are currently recruiting for the 6th cohort of Shamiri Fellows, a unique opportunity designed for young, passionate, and driven individuals aged 18 to 22. This role is ideal for recent high school graduates who are eager to make a positive impact on the lives of other young people while gaining valuable experience in the fields of mental health, youth development, and community service.
The Role: Shamiri Fellow
As a Shamiri Fellow, you will be trained to deliver our flagship 4-week life skills-based intervention program to high school students. You don’t need to have a background in mental health or counseling — we’ll provide comprehensive training and ongoing support to prepare you for success.
You will be part of a team that works directly with students, guiding them through a structured curriculum designed to improve their emotional wellbeing, social relationships, and academic engagement. You will be facilitating group sessions, tracking attendance, ensuring confidentiality, and working closely with Shamiri Clinical Supervisors for guidance and support.
Our previous cohorts of Fellows have consistently delivered high-quality sessions with a strong impact on participants. We believe in the potential of young people to support one another, and this program proves that youth-led interventions can be both meaningful and effective.
Key Responsibilities
As a Shamiri Fellow, your day-to-day responsibilities will include:
- Delivering Shamiri’s life skills intervention: Facilitate structured group sessions in local high schools, using a curriculum provided during training.
- Maintaining punctuality and professionalism: Arrive on time and conduct yourself in a manner that reflects Shamiri’s values.
- Attending all supervision sessions: Participate in weekly supervision meetings with Shamiri Clinical Supervisors to discuss progress, challenges, and personal development.
- Recording attendance and session reports: Maintain accurate records of student attendance and session summaries.
- Upholding confidentiality and safeguarding: Work with care and responsibility to protect student privacy and promote safety.
- Reporting issues in a timely manner: Communicate any concerns or issues to your supervisor without delay.
- Embodying Shamiri’s values: Act in accordance with our ethical standards, showing respect, empathy, and commitment to the wellbeing of others.
What We’re Looking For
We’re searching for candidates who are enthusiastic, empathetic, and ready to take on a leadership role in their communities. You don’t need prior health training or university education — what matters most is your mindset and motivation.
Minimum Requirements
- Education: A minimum grade of C in KCSE.
- Age: Must be between 18 and 22 years old at the time of application.
- Character: Should be dependable, trustworthy, and willing to take initiative.
- Interest in helping others: A demonstrated passion for youth development, mental health, or community service is highly valued.
Essential Skills and Attributes
- Self-awareness: Ability to reflect on your personal values, beliefs, and emotional responses.
- Empathy and confidentiality: A strong interest in the wellbeing of others, coupled with a commitment to maintaining participants’ privacy.
- Strong communication: Clear verbal and written communication skills, and the ability to lead group discussions.
- Time management and organization: Capacity to manage your schedule and complete all required tasks on time.
- Adaptability: Willingness to learn, grow, and receive feedback from supervisors and peers.
Compensation and Commitment
Shamiri Fellows will receive a stipend of KES 1,500 per group session delivered. This includes:
- KES 1,000 for facilitating the session.
- KES 500 for transport and logistics support.
Over the course of the contract, Fellows will deliver between 10 to 20 sessions, meaning you can expect total compensation of between KES 15,000 to KES 30,000 depending on the number of sessions you complete.
Contract Duration
This is a three-month contract. Fellows are expected to be available throughout the implementation period, including time for training, supervision, and session delivery.
Training and Support
Before you begin facilitating sessions, you will undergo 10 hours of training, led by Shamiri’s expert team of Clinical Supervisors. The training will prepare you with all the tools and knowledge needed to run sessions confidently and effectively.
In addition to initial training, you will receive weekly supervision, which serves as both a support system and a platform for professional growth. This structure ensures that you never feel alone in your role, and it provides continuous feedback to help you develop personally and professionally.
Additional Information
- Application Deadline: The final day to submit your application is Tuesday, 2nd April 2025 at 5:00 PM EAT.
- Application Link: All applicants must apply through the official link provided. Email applications will not be accepted.
- No AI Policy: Applicants are strongly discouraged from using AI to complete the application form. We value authenticity and your true voice.
- One Application Per Candidate: Submitting applications to multiple hubs will result in disqualification.
Why Become a Shamiri Fellow?
By joining Shamiri Institute, you’ll be part of a growing movement that is reshaping how mental health is approached in Africa. As a Fellow, you’ll gain:
- Professional experience in youth development and mental health.
- Personal growth opportunities, including mentorship and self-reflection.
- A supportive community of like-minded peers and professionals.
- A chance to make real impact in the lives of students across Kenya.
Our alumni have gone on to pursue university studies, secure employment in health and education sectors, and remain involved in community advocacy and development. This is more than just a short-term role — it’s a gateway to your own leadership journey.
Apply
The Shamiri Fellowship is a rare and rewarding opportunity for young people to serve their communities while developing key life and career skills. If you’re ready to be a force for good, to learn, grow, and lead, then we encourage you to take the next step.
Don’t wait — apply now and be part of something meaningful.
Shamiri Fellow (New)
Shamiri Fellow (Returning)
Returning Fellows Only: This call is specifically open to applicants who have previously worked as Shamiri Fellows, whether directly with us or through one of our partner organizations.
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