The LEAP Academy—funded by the Elton John AIDS Foundation and co-implemented by Y+ Global and Frontline AIDS—is inviting experienced leaders, advocates, and practitioners to apply for the 2026 Mentorship Program.
The Academy builds leadership, advocacy, and movement-building capacity among LGBTQIA+ young people (18–30) across Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, and Senegal. As part of this initiative, the LEAP Mentorship Program supports graduates in translating their learning into concrete action in West and Central Africa’s increasingly restrictive contexts.
About the Mentorship Program
The LEAP Academy Mentorship Program is a structured, youth-centred initiative designed to help graduates:
- Apply leadership and advocacy skills in real contexts
- Navigate risks and political constraints
- Strengthen sustainable leadership pathways
- Foster solidarity across LGBTQIA+ movements in WCA
Mentors provide safe, ethical, and context-aware support through one-on-one guidance, peer learning, and thematic group sessions.
Role of Mentors
Mentors will accompany LEAP Academy graduates through:
Core Responsibilities
- Conduct monthly one-on-one virtual mentorship sessions
- Support mentees to develop realistic leadership or advocacy action plans
- Provide strategic guidance, reflective space, and problem-solving support
- Assist with navigating challenges related to safety, wellbeing, and activism
- Uphold confidentiality, safeguarding principles, and do-no-harm practices
- Join light check-ins and post-cycle reflection activities
Mentorship Modalities
- One-on-One Mentorship (required)
- Peer Learning Circles (quarterly, optional)
- Thematic Clinics on topics like advocacy safety or burnout prevention (optional)
Who Should Apply?
Ideal mentors are individuals with:
- Experience in LGBTIQ+ advocacy, human rights, social justice, health, or civil society leadership
- Expertise in at least one mentorship track:
- Advocacy & Policy Engagement
- Community Mobilisation & Movement Building
- Organisational Leadership & Sustainability
- Personal Leadership, Wellbeing & Safety
- Research, Documentation & Strategic Communications
- Deep understanding of WCA regional contexts
- Strong commitment to youth-centred, non-hierarchical mentorship
- Experience in coaching or mentoring (preferred but not required)
Mentors may be based anywhere globally.
Time Commitment
- Mentor 2–3 mentees
- Minimum one session per mentee per month
- Participate from March 2026 to October 2026
- Light additional engagement as needed
Safeguarding & Ethical Practice
Mentors must adhere to strict boundaries, including:
- No supervisory or evaluative authority
- No financial dependency relationships
- Prioritising the mentee’s safety and consent
- Escalating concerns appropriately
Support & Compensation
Mentors will receive:
- Orientation and ongoing program support
- Formal recognition (where safe)
- A modest financial stipend aligned with program policies
Reporting & Learning
Mentors will maintain light mentorship logs and join an end-of-cycle reflection session.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should complete the application form by:
Deadline: 15 February 2026
Application Form (PDF): Download via call announcement
Questions? Contact: Enoc Siméon Kra – ekra@yplusglobal.org
