you know the CHANGE that society needs!
we give you the tools!
Apply today to become a kanthari participant
Have you always wanted to start and run your own impact-making organization?
Or have you already registered one and are you looking to gain more skills in running it?
THEN… kanthari is the place for you.
Many people are searching for what they want to do in life, however, kanthari is for those who have already decided to initiate an organization/NGO that makes a difference. For them, kanthari is the last stop before getting started!
The twelve-month scholarship-based program will help participants develop all the necessary skills to effectively run CSOs/NGOs, Social enterprises, or social ventures.
To understand what the kanthari course is all about, read all about the kanthari colors, and the kanthari Curriculum via the options below.
This page has a lot of important details, so take sufficient time to go through it, before you start filling out the application form.
Requirements
– kanthari welcomes applicants over 22 years of age (we don’t have an upper age limit) who have overcome significant life challenges ranging from vision impairment, disability, poverty, war, discrimination, and/or exploitation.
Or, they could also be witnesses to social situations they wish to change so others do not suffer.
They all have a plan to start an organisation and/or initiative that addresses a social and/or environmental problem.
– They should have a passion to make the world a better place and the strength to be forces of good rather than be victims of circumstance.
– Applicants must speak and understand basic English and have basic computer skills.
What we offer
– Selected participants will qualify for a scholarship provided by our donors to cover the training fee and accommodation.
– Graduates of the program will have access to a network of change-makers from 50+ countries worldwide.
– The course covers a range of topics that are relevant to start and run an impact making organisation:
Further details about what is included in the scholarship and what is NOT included, as well as other important topics such as Admissions/Qualifications/intake process, Financial Matters, Curriculum, Campus Life, Computers/Software, Medical Concerns, and Miscellaneous are available on the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page
Please note: By clicking the apply button below, you confirm that you have read the FAQ page.
The next kanthari course starts in April 2025
Don’t miss this opportunity and apply today itself!
BEFORE YOU APPLY, ASK YOURSELF THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS
Am I 100% committed to making my goals and social project a reality, also beyond the 12 months program?
And am i willing:
– to come to the institute with a spirit of integrity, mutual respect, exchange, contribution, and teamwork?
– to help others achieve their goals and develop their skills in the areas in which I consider myself an expert?
– to participate in all activities giving 100% every time in terms of my knowledge, experience, energy, effort, creativity, and talent?
– to commit 12 months to the kanthari course?
– to be 100% committed to working intensively on developing my social entrepreneurship and leadership skills?
If i am blind, partially sighted or, a wheelchair user; am i flexible, mobile, and independent?
ONLY IF THE ANSWER IS 100% YES TO ALL THE QUESTIONS ABOVE, YOU ARE A POTENTIAL CANDIDATE AND WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO APPLY.
We are receiving a very high volume of applications, and our team is working diligently to review each one with the attention it deserves. Due to this, it may take us between one to three weeks to get back to you. So please bear with us.
deadline to apply: 25-DEC-2024
SO, DON’T WAIT, APPLY NOW!
Please note: We already reached the maximum number of participants from Nigeria and Cameroon, and therefore, anyone from these countries who wishes to apply, can still do that, but it will only be processed for the course that will take place in 2026. Thank you for your understanding.
What kanthari graduates and others say
"the kanthari training is a goldmine! There is no better place to learn how to become a Social Entrepreneur. When I got to kanthari in 2012, my project was scattered here and there but through the transformation concepts and several other sessions, I was able to transform my project and ideas into a Social Enterprise that would make meaningful impact. I realized my potential during the course, learned about the importance of collaborating with your beneficiaries and creatively solve problems. The experience gave me wings to fly with my dream and today, kanthari makes me an agent of change all the time, everywhere! "
Lawrence Afere
founder of Springboard - Nigeria
kanthari is an everlasting experience for me. Since I graduated from kanthari, I continued living the experiences in several ways. It shaped my project, helped me to overcome crises, expanded new networks, and enabled me to develop fundraising and management strategies. Overall, kanthari helped my personal and professional growth, always directing me to the right path and making me stronger every day.
Sristi K.C.
founder Blind Rocks! - Nepal
“kanthari is one of the top NGOs working in this part of the world, they have been impacting people around the world and have an international program that they run out of their Campus by the side of Lake Vellayani in Trivandrum.”
G Vijaya Raghavan
Vijayaraghavan - Hon Director at Center for Autism and other Disabilities Rehabilitation Research and Education (CADRRE)
"Coming to kanthari was one of the best decisions that I have ever made.
I feel like I am at the right place at the right time. - I feel like for the last two years I have been running aimlessly. Now I know what I am doing and why I am doing it. I clearly understand the problem I am trying to solve "
Mary Mutua
Founder Twajali - Kenya
IMPORTANT: FIRST READ THIS
We have developed a brand new kanthari intake system. Even when we have done a lot of tests, with anything new, of course, there could be still some issues/problems. In case you come across an error or problem, please do not despair. Do take a detailed note of what is not working (Especially in which stage of the application you were facing the issue) and if possible take a screenshot and send all this to it@kanthari.org. We will check and get back to you as soon as we can.
– Please check what document formats are asked for to be uploaded as well as the maximum size.
– The system will not accept files that exceed the limited size.
– YOU WILL NEED TO FILL THE FORM USING A laptop or PC (Do NOT USE a phone or tablet)
– As the course is in English, you will need to answer the questions in the form in ENGLISH.
– The initial step is to register your name and email address. Once done, an automated email will be sent to you for verification. In case you don’t receive that e-mail, please check your spam box.
– Once registered, there are three pages to fill out: Make sure you fill out all and then click the SUBMIT button. Once you have submitted the form, an automated e-mail will be sent to you confirming that your application was received. In case you do not get this e-mail, please check your spam inbox. In case the e-mail is not there, send an e-mail to it[at]kanthari[dot]org. Include the following details: your name, date, and time you submitted the form as well as which operating system and internet browser you used. We will then check and get back to you as soon as possible.
– USE OF AI: (ChatGPT or others); Please note that we wish to hear your story in your own authentic words, so do not use any AI-generated texts. We don’t mind if your English is not perfect.
(Applications with AI-generated texts will be rejected)
FOR BLIND / PARTIALLY SIGHTED APPLICANTS:
We have been working hard to make the intake system accessible. Yet, there might still be some errors/issues. Whenever you come across one, please send an e-mail to it@kanthari.org. In this e-mail, please describe the issue and include which operating system and which speech software you are using. We will then try to solve the issue as soon as possible. Thank you for your understanding and support.
FOR DEAF/HEARING IMPAIRED APPLICANTS:
The interactive and strongly verbally nature of our four times 90-minute sessions on 4 days each week, as well as debates, group work outside of sessions, would require at least three to four sign language interpreters to ensure effective communication for all participants.
We currently do not have the resources to accommodate this specific need for individual Deaf/hearing impaired participants. We understand that this may be disappointing, and we genuinely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
In recognizing the importance of inclusivity, we are committed to making our programs accessible to everyone. Therefore, should a sufficient number of deaf / hearing impaired applicants express interest in our course, we are considering dedicating an entire year exclusively for such a group.