BAL DOST FELLLOWSHIP

Love working with children? Ready to lead change in rural Gujarat?

The Bal Dost Fellowship is an immersive, two-year journey for young people who want to build a meaningful career working with children in underserved communities. As a Bal Dost (friend of children), fellows will work closely with tribal children in Ashramshalas and villages of Narmada district, Gujarat—facilitating sessions, creating safe and joyful spaces, and enabling children to express, question, and lead with confidence.

Gain hands-on experience in participatory approaches to education, while learning how to co-create child rights-friendly spaces that nurture every child’s full potential .

Who is a Bal Dost?

A trained grassroots child rights facilitator who mentors children, ensures their safety and well-being, and strengthens local systems to support their growth and participation.

  • Fellowship Structure

    • 8–10 weeks intensive residential training
    • 21 months full-time field immersion in Aashramshalas, schools & villages
  • What fellows will do

    Fellows will design & facilitate sessions on

    • Foundational Literacy & Numeracy (FLN, );
    • Life Skills & Mental Well-being;
    • Understanding of Child Rights and Entitlements
    • Adoloscent Empowerment & Protection
  • Who’s eligible?

    • Young graduates from across Gujarat
    • Aged 20–30 years(flexible)
    • Minimum 2 year committment
    • Willingness to live & work in a remote rural area
    • Fluent in Gujarati & Hindi

Take the first step towards becoming a Child Rights Champion

Work alongside children, teachers, parents, communities & local governance ecosystem to

co-create spaces that children love and thrive in.

Cohort 1 (2026-28)

Application Deadline: 5 April 2026