Train your voice. Tell your story. Document impact.
Kasa Future Voices Fellowship · Benin Pilot Cohort 2026
Kasa Future Voices Fellowship is Kasa Foundation's youth media and storytelling program. It equips young people with practical skills in ethical storytelling, photography, videography, mobile journalism, interviewing, social media storytelling, writing, and digital content creation.
The first cohort will launch in Benin on July 16, 2026. Fellows will begin with a short launch readiness sprint before continuing through the full 12-week fellowship. Throughout the program, fellows will complete practical assignments, document Kasa Foundation's community impact, and build a storytelling portfolio.
Applicants do not need to be professional media creators. The fellowship is designed to train young people step by step — fellows will learn while completing supervised assignments.
Program Snapshot
Two phases, one fellowship
The Benin Pilot Cohort begins on July 16, 2026. Selected fellows will start with a short launch readiness sprint covering orientation, ethical storytelling, consent, safeguarding, and basic media documentation before continuing through the full 12-week fellowship.
Launch Readiness Sprint
Orientation, introduction to Kasa Foundation, code of conduct, ethical storytelling, consent, safeguarding, and basics of photography, video, interviewing, and event coverage. Prepares fellows to safely begin supervised documentation.
Core Fellowship
Photography, videography, mobile journalism, interviewing, social media storytelling, writing for impact, Canva, CapCut, podcast/audio basics, event coverage, portfolio development, final reflection, and certification.
Who Should Apply
Kasa Future Voices is for young people aged 16–21 based in Benin who are interested in:
- Photography
- Videography
- Journalism
- Interviewing
- Social media storytelling
- Community impact
- Writing and content creation
- Digital communication
- Youth leadership
Applicants do not need to be professional media creators. We are looking for young people with curiosity, commitment, integrity, creativity, and a desire to tell community stories with dignity and care.
Eligibility
Applicants should:
- Be 16–21 years old
- Be based in Benin
- Be interested in media, storytelling, communication, or community impact
- Have access to a smartphone or basic digital device
- Be available for virtual learning sessions and field assignments
- Be willing to follow Kasa Foundation's ethical storytelling and safeguarding rules
- Provide parent/guardian consent if under 18
What Fellows Will Learn
The fellowship curriculum blends ethical foundations with hands-on creative skills. Final modules are in development by our curriculum consultant.
Ethical Storytelling
Learn how to tell stories with dignity, consent, truthfulness, and care.
Photography Basics
Learn framing, lighting, composition, captions, and impact photography.
Videography Basics
Learn how to record short videos, capture good audio, and structure visual stories.
Mobile Journalism
Learn how to document events and community stories using a smartphone.
Interviewing Skills
Learn how to ask respectful questions and listen carefully.
Social Media Storytelling
Create responsible posts, captions, reels, and story updates.
Writing for Impact
Write short stories, captions, profiles, and event summaries.
Canva and CapCut Basics
Learn simple digital design and video editing tools.
Event Coverage
Cover Kasa activities before, during, and after events.
Portfolio Development
Build a portfolio of photos, videos, interviews, and written stories.
Frequently asked questions
Is the fellowship completed before July 16?+
No. July 16, 2026 is the start of the Benin Pilot Cohort. Selected fellows will begin with a launch readiness sprint and continue through the full fellowship after launch.
Do I need to be experienced already?+
No. Applicants do not need professional media experience. The fellowship is designed to train young people step by step.
How long is the fellowship?+
The full fellowship is 12 weeks and begins with a short launch readiness sprint (5–10 days) covering orientation, ethical storytelling, consent, safeguarding, and basic media documentation.
Can fellows document Kasa activities while still learning?+
Yes, but only after completing basic orientation, ethical storytelling, consent, safeguarding, and media readiness. Sensitive stories involving children, vulnerable people, or beneficiary profiles require mentor or Kasa staff review before publication.
Will every selected fellow receive a certificate?+
No. Only fellows who complete the required lessons, assignments, portfolio, and final reflection will receive the Kasa Learning Academy certificate.
Will every country have a different curriculum?+
No. Kasa Future Voices has one core curriculum that can serve multiple country cohorts. Each country cohort may have local mentors, dates, examples, and assignments.
Who can apply?+
Young people ages 16–21 based in Benin who are interested in media, storytelling, journalism, photography, videography, social media, or community impact.
Do I need a camera?+
No. A smartphone is enough for the pilot.
Is there an application fee?+
No.
What if I am under 18?+
Applicants under 18 may apply, but parent or guardian consent will be required before final acceptance.
What language will the fellowship use?+
The Benin pilot is French-first with English support. Spanish is accessible to learners where content has been translated; the full Spanish curriculum is still in development.
Ready to apply?
The Benin Pilot Cohort 2026 is the first chapter of Kasa Future Voices. Tell us your story.
Apply for the Fellowship