Second Cohort of SNGP Fellows Graduate in Nepal

The second cohort of our Subnational Governance Program (SNGP) in Nepal completed their yearlong fellowship with a graduation ceremony at the Foundation’s Kathmandu office. The fellowship, launched in 2021 by SNGP through a strategic partnership with the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, aims to equip fellows with an in-depth, practical understanding of local government’s core functions, foster leadership and professionalism, and build human capital in marginalized communities for democratic participation and engagement. Seven strategic partner municipalities onboard fellows and place them in various government institutions within their respective municipalities. Through personal experience, the fellows learn about the systems and functions of local governments, judicial affairs, policymaking, service delivery, and the budgeting processes.

Australian Ambassador to Nepal Felicity Volk, SNGP Team members, and the third cohort of recently onboarded SNGP Fellows attended the event where graduating fellows shared reflections on their technical and interpersonal growth from the program. They emphasized how it has helped structure their professional goals and gave their observations on how the program supports communities by providing better access to services. They also offered recommendations for planning future fellowship programs. Ambassador Volk reiterated the importance of fellowship programs like SNGP, which enable women to have the confidence to approach demanding roles. She also highlighted the value of learning from mistakes and encouraged them not to fear what they don’t know and to surround themselves with supportive individuals who facilitate growth.

The event also featured the release of the second cohort’s video where they recall their experience as SNGP Fellows, their learnings and takeaways, and their message to the next cohort.