An amazing opportunity for young leaders – The Sauvé Scholars Program

As part of our drive to encourage and inspire BellaNaija.com readers, we will routinely provide information on programs that will be of interest and benefit. The Sauvé Scholars Program is a wonderful program, unfortunately, the deadline is only 3 days away. We still encourage you to apply.

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The Sauvé Scholars Program is an amazing opportunity for young leaders (Under 30) to explore a new environment and build their intellectual and leadership skills.

Mission
The mission of the Jeanne Sauvé Foundation, sponsor of the SAUVÉ SCHOLARS PROGRAM, is to help prepare young adults of merit so that they can develop their potential and skills to be used towards making a difference and building a better future for the societies of tomorrow.

Jeanne Sauvé, the first woman Governor-General of Canada, in initially setting out the goals of the Foundation, spoke of the need to “address global issues, exchange opinions and ideas, gain insight, expand understanding and perspectives and hopefully create a network of leaders.”

As a long-time, highly-respected, professional journalist in print, radio and television, she was particularly sensitive to the power of the communication arts. She spoke of the Foundation contributing to “…the betterment of society by encouraging the development of…and communication between youth, whatever their origin, with a special emphasis on study and discussion of international issues of global concern…in which the voices of youth may be heard.

The Sauvé Scholars Program
The Sauvé Scholars Program exists for young leaders from across the globe who want to change the world. The Scholars are chosen above all on the basis of criteria laid out by the Right Honourable Jeanne Sauvé:

* Initiative
* Motivation
* Vision
* Imagination
* Demonstrated communication skills
* Awareness of international and domestic issues
* A strong desire to effect change

The Sauvé Scholars Program has welcomed 100 Scholars from 45 different countries. Launched in 2003, the Sauvé Scholars Program has evolved from the Jeanne Sauvé Youth Foundation, created in 1991 by the late Jeanne Sauvé, the first woman to serve as Governor General of Canada, the country’s Head of State and Commander-in-Chief.

Each year, up to 14 remarkable young leaders are invited to come to Montreal for the academic calendar year. They live together in a beautifully restored mansion, enjoy unlimited access to McGill University’s academic programs and other resources – including lectures, conferences and events suited to the advancement of their individual professional and intellectual goals – while benefiting from the communal life and multi-faceted exchanges with their fellow Scholars.

The Sauvé experience, a period of personal and professional growth, is founded on:

* Intense exchange of ideas and experience, supported by communal life
* Extensive intellectual freedom, allowing each participant to develop according to his or her needs and aspirations
* Focus on action accompanied by a clear commitment to the community —including the host community
* Commitment to dialogue among cultures, which allows participants to understand and assimilate viewpoints built within multiple frames of reference

Are You Eligible?

Yes, if you are:

* Between 23 and 30 years old on December 31st 2010
* A highly motivated self-starter
* A committed agent of change
* Fluent in English

Yes, if you have:

* A minimum of 2-3 years of professional and/or work experience (paid or unpaid). Experience may include positions in a volunteer or internship capacity
* Completed your undergraduate education, or the equivalent, by 31 July 2010
(advanced degrees are welcome but not a requirement)
* A record of accomplishment and ability to meet challenges
* Demonstrated leadership qualities
* Proven communications skills
* A highly developed curiosity about the world
* A strong interest in international and domestic issues
* An eagerness to engage with the complex issues of the day

Yes, if you possess these qualities:

* Initiative
* Vision
* Imagination
* Determination to achieve your goals

Yes, if you are seeking the time and opportunity to:

* Grow, both personally and professionally
* Enhance your ability to effect change
* Undertake or complete an important project or field of study

Being a Sauvé Scholar is not for the faint of heart. It is challenging. The environment is intellectually stimulating, filled with human and physical resources. With networks enriched and expanded, horizons sharpened and refocused, it is a year of incredible personal growth.

There is no typical Sauvé Scholar, no pre-established profile, other than demonstrated achievement in his or her chosen field, and evidence of the will, vision and determination to effect change for the betterment of society. Candidates are expected to have a solid academic record and, while attending university, to have taken an active part as a student or community leader. Professional experience (whether paid or volunteer) is an important asset.

Alumni and current Scholars represent a range of academic disciplines, professional experience, community activities and interests. They have come from fields such as the arts, advocacy, economics, education, entrepreneurship, the environment, government, media and communications, medicine, and social and community development. Their proposed projects and research reflect the same diversity as their backgrounds.

The 87 alumni and current Scholars have come from 44 countries and every region of the world. Their countries of origin include Afghanistan, Algeria, Armenia, Bhutan, Brazil, Burma, China, Egypt, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, Portugal, Sierra Leone, Slovakia, Turkey, Uganda, the United Kingdom the United States and Zambia. Every year there are one or two Canadians to guide their colleagues through the mysteries of Canadian customs, culture and – dare we say – weather.

Scholars’ Allowance
The Program provides a monthly allowance of $1,000 (Canadian dollars) to cover meals and incidental expenses. This sum will be deposited in a dedicated bank account set up for each Scholar for the duration of their stay in Montreal. In addition, the Program provides a “welcome allowance” of $500 to be used by Scholars to purchase any necessary supplies, and winter clothing for Scholars arriving from warmer climates. Finally, the Program covers the expenses related to:

* Invited speakers’ series and selected mentors
* French Club, including language courses and activities to explore francophone culture, etc. in Quebec
[Note: English is the common language of most of the Scholars, therefore it is important that all have proficiency before their arrival.]
* Media club
* Special dinners and receptions
* Professional development workshops
* Group travel, “field trips” and recreational activities related to the Program
* Basic computer support, high-speed internet access and wireless networking
* Cell/mobile phone and basic monthly plan (beyond which Scholars must cover additional costs)

Travel
Round-trip transportation (one trip only) to and from Montreal is arranged for each Scholar and paid for by the Program. The Program also assists in securing and paying for visas to Canada for Scholars who are neither Canadian citizens nor residents. They are required to leave Canada at the end of the Program, and must sign a formal undertaking to this effect as part of their acceptance of the Award.

How to Apply
The Application process for the 2011-2012 Program is now open. Complete applications are due by November 1, 2010.
Click HERE to apply

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We apologize for the very short notice. However, we just received information on the programme.