1. It’s an extraordinary learning experience.
The Innovation Fellowship is an integral learning experience that brings together a perfect balance between theory and practice. You will learn about human-centered design, prototyping, change management, presentation skills, among others. During the iFellowship, you will be trained on very diverse concepts and skills that will help you turn innovation into reality.
2. It brings you closer to refugees.
The cornerstone of Innovation is this: ALWAYS place the people you serve at the center of your initiatives. Through the iFellowship you will reflect on the ways you engage and work together with refugees. It will help you understand how you can involve refugees through every single step of a project, from the identification of a challenge to iteration, and creation of a solution.
3. You have the chance to meet amazing people and learn from them.
The iFellowship is a unique experience to connect with like-minded people who also desire to try new things in new ways. The fellow iFellows, the Innovation team, the mentors from the iCircle, ALL of them are extraordinary people from whom you can learn many things.
4. It opens up your mind
Some key phrases of the iFellowship are “there are no silly ideas”, “every voice counts”, “test your assumptions” “get your ideas out of your head into the physical world”… the truth is that through this experience you will have the chance to reflect about things you haven’t thought before, you will be reminded about the importance of listening and observing, and you will definitely will go through very diverse feelings (excitement or even frustration), which are also part of this learning experience.
5. It reminds you the importance of teamwork
One of the first comments I heard in the inaugural innovation workshop was “you can’t do it alone”, and this is absolutely true. Innovation is about collaboration, synergies, working together, and sharing. Therefore through the iFellowship you will probably work with new people, organizations, and partners.
6. It represents a motivation to continue doing the best you can as a humanitarian worker.
Even though sometimes you will need to work extra hours, the iFellowship represents a motivation rather than an additional burden. The Innovation Fellowship encourages you to continue giving your best for the people you serve, and to try new things to solve the challenges they face.
7. You understand not only what innovation is but also what innovation does.
You will understand what innovation is about in theory and what innovation is in reality. It’s very exciting to see how the new ideas and approaches transform into something tangible you can test and scale-up.
8. You feel supported and heard.
UNHCR Innovation is a group of amazing colleagues who will listen, inspire, and guide you throughout the year. They are extraordinary trainers and facilitators, always willing to help you out whenever you need.
9. You do things you never thought you would do (amazing things!)
The innovation workshops are hilarious. You will find yourself doing amazing things, from playing around with a marshmallow, to shooting pictures with strangers somewhere in the middle of Bangkok. Get ready, because the innovation trainings are unforgettable experiences!
10. And finally…the Innovation Fellowship is SUPER FUN
Last but not least, you can be sure of one thing: you will have LOTS of fun with the fellow iFellows and UNHCR Innovation. This Fellowship shows you the importance of having a good time when it comes to innovation.
Read more about Valentina and her project here.
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