AKRSP Announces Youth Internship & Fellowship Programme for Female Graduates of Baltistan
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| AKRSP Announces Youth Internship & Fellowship Programme for Female Graduates of Baltistan |
In an inspiring move to empower young women in the mountainous regions of Pakistan, the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP), in collaboration with Global Affairs Canada, has announced the launch of the Youth Internship & Fellowship Programme. This initiative is designed specifically for female graduates from four key districts of Baltistan — Skardu, Ghanche, Kharmang, and Shigar — and aims to foster professional development, build capacity, and promote community engagement.
This opportunity is a part of AKRSP’s broader mission to enhance gender equality, boost employment, and nurture leadership skills among young women in the remote regions of Gilgit-Baltistan.
Programme Overview
The Youth Internship & Fellowship Programme serves two main objectives:
- Skill Development: Providing early-career female graduates with on-the-job experience, soft skills, and mentorship.
- Community Contribution: Encouraging participants to engage with their local communities, NGOs, and public/private sector institutions to create meaningful impact.
The programme is open to two categories of applicants:
- Internship Track: For fresh graduates who have not previously completed an internship under AKRSP.
- Fellowship Track: For graduates with 3–6 months of prior professional experience, including internships or community work.
Eligibility Criteria
👩 Who Can Apply?
To ensure targeted support and meaningful impact, the programme has specific eligibility requirements:
- Gender: Only female candidates are eligible to apply.
- Education: Must have completed at least 16 years of education (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in 2023 or later.
- Eligible Fields of Study:
- Management Sciences
- Economics
- Health and Nutrition
- Agriculture / Food Sciences
- Social Sciences
- Computer Science / Information Technology (IT)
🏠 Residence Requirement
Applicants must permanently reside in selected Union Councils of the following districts:
📍 Skardu:
- Ganji
- Gultari
- Kowardu
- Shingo Shigar
- Tormik
📍 Ghanche:
- Bara
- Ghursey
- Ghuwari/Kuro
- Keris
- Kondus
- Machulu
- Pharawa
- Saltoro
📍 Kharmang:
- Hamzigond
- Katisho
- Kharmang
- Mehdibad
- Memosh
- Tarkati
- Tolti
📍 Shigar:
- Alchori
- Basha
- Braldo
- Churka
- Daso
- Gulabpur
- Tisar
- Nar
📅 Age Limit
Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years of age by the application deadline.
Tracks of the Programme
🎓 Internship Track
This track is for young women who do not have prior internship experience with AKRSP. It focuses on grooming candidates through practical experience, professional exposure, and project-based learning under the guidance of experienced mentors and partner organizations.
🧭 Fellowship Track
This track is designed for those with 3–6 months of professional experience, either through employment, volunteering, or internship programmes (excluding AKRSP). Fellows will take on more advanced responsibilities and will be encouraged to lead initiatives, conduct community assessments, or support development projects.
Programme Benefits
Participants selected for the AKRSP Youth Internship & Fellowship Programme will receive:
- Monthly stipend to support basic expenses
- Mentorship by professionals in relevant fields
- Placement in organizations (NGOs, health units, agriculture offices, etc.) across Baltistan
- Capacity building workshops
- Networking opportunities
- Certification upon successful completion
The programme not only builds individual capabilities but also contributes to the broader goal of women empowerment, socioeconomic inclusion, and regional development.
Application Deadline & Process
- Deadline to Apply: 08th July 2025
- How to Apply: Interested candidates can apply by scanning the QR code on the official poster or visiting the application link provided by AKRSP.
Applicants must ensure they meet all eligibility criteria and complete the application with accurate and verifiable information.
Importance of the Initiative
In the context of Gilgit-Baltistan, where access to professional opportunities and educational exposure is often limited—especially for women—this programme is a transformational step.
Through this initiative, AKRSP and Global Affairs Canada aim to:
- Promote inclusive growth
- Enhance gender equity
- Boost employment for rural youth
- Encourage social responsibility and leadership among women
The programme is a continuation of AKRSP’s long-standing efforts in sustainable rural development and gender-sensitive programming across Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral.
Final Thoughts
The AKRSP Youth Internship & Fellowship Programme is more than just a short-term placement — it is a pathway to leadership, a platform for empowerment, and a step toward a brighter future for young women in Baltistan. By investing in the professional development of female graduates, this initiative recognizes the untapped potential of women in remote areas and brings them into the mainstream of socio-economic activity.
Women who qualify are highly encouraged to apply before the deadline and seize this unique opportunity to make a lasting impact in their communities — and in their own lives.
📢 For More Information
Stay connected through AKRSP’s official social media pages or visit their local field offices for assistance in the application process.
#EmpowerWomen #AKRSP #Internship2025 #FellowshipOpportunity #GilgitBaltistan #WomenLeadership #Skardu #Ghanche #Kharmang #Shigar #CanadaPartnership #YouthEmpowerment #BEST4WEER
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