aKoma Media in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation wants talented African writers and creators for a six-month fellowship in Nairobi along with two other African cities: Kigali (Rwanda) and Lagos (Nigeria). The program is titled Amplify.

With a mission “to make Africa come alive”, Zain Verjee and Chidi Afulezi want to ‘foster a vibrant community and operating a storytelling platform where a combination of user generated and original content about Africa and its diaspora’, according to their website.

Since it is a paid fellowship, Amplify Fellows will receive a monthly stipend and digital hardware as part of their program benefits. Akoma is an open source community of creators, influencers, storytellers and audiences sharing diverse narratives on Africa and its diaspora. (I’m thinking Africa’s medium.com). This is their call to action:

Do you want to make a difference for your community and country, but don’t know how? Do you have a burning desire to contribute, but don’t know where to start? Do you need help mastering new storytelling skills and tools, but don’t know where to turn to? Do you have the creative energy, the ideas, the compelling stories, but don’t have access to the networks to get your voice heard?

aKoma is here to help. We will provide you with a platform to have your voice heard and your stories shared with the world. As an Amplify Fellow, you will be exposed to the craft plus techniques to help you succeed in the digital age, connecting you with a circle of mentors to provide the necessary guidance in constructing your personal stories about Africa to appeal to a wider audience.

Applications are open here for those who want to join the paid fellowship. Remember, however, that you have to be in either Nairobi, Lagos or Kigali, be of 21 – 34 years of age and able to commit 8 to 10 hours a week.