Week 1 | Shaping the AfYWL Alumni Network: Your Vision, Your Platform

AfYWL Ladies,

Welcome, welcome to the discussion room for your Alumni platform consultation. As noted in the email I sent you, we will be using this platform to hear from you regarding what you would like to see on your AfYWL Alumni website. As such, grateful if you could please share your answers to the 6 questions above on this comment section, between today and Sunday. 

I remain available for any questions you might have. Good to have you all here 

Looking forward to hearing from you all.

Yours truly,

Kuda 

Good to see the AfYWL Alumni platform taking shape. Six years after the fellowship began, having a dedicated space for us alumni to reconnect, support each other, and grow together is valuable. Below are my responses to the guiding questions:

1. What are the top three features you’d expect or hope to see on the AfYWL Alumni Network platform?

• A searchable alumni directory by country, cohort, sector, and expertise
• A shared resource hub with toolkits, publications, and templates
• An opportunity board for jobs, consultancies, and collaborations

2. How would you envision this platform supporting you after the fellowship?
   I envision the platform as a dynamic space for learning, connection, and collaboration, where alumni can stay informed about opportunities, access useful resources, reconnect with peers, and co-create impactful initiatives across the continent and beyond.

3. What content would you most value (e.g., success stories, career advice, webinars, events, job opportunities)?
   I would most value a blend of career development content (such as webinars, job and funding opportunities, and mentorship), peer-led success stories that inspire action, and event updates where alumni can participate, speak, or lead.

4. What key functionalities would make this platform easy, enjoyable, and practical for regular use?

• A personalised dashboard that surfaces relevant content based on profile/interests
• A notification system for events, job posts, or messages.
• An intuitive mobile-friendly interface with easy navigation.
• Ability to post and respond to opportunities or discussion threads in real-time.

5. How can we best facilitate meaningful connections and interactions among fellows from different cohorts, countries, and professional backgrounds?

• Host quarterly virtual mixers or themed discussion groups by region or sector.
• Facilitate peer learning circles or challenge groups on various topics.
• Regularly showcase alumni stories, creating conversation points and recognition.

6. Would you value structured mentorship opportunities on this platform, and how should mentorship be organized?

Yes, structured mentorship would be incredibly valuable. It could be organised through a rotational, voluntary cohort-based model where mentors and mentees are matched for 6-month cycles based on interest areas and goals. A simple structure with suggested check-ins and reflection questions can help guide the mentorship while still allowing it to grow naturally.

All the best 

1/ It would be good to have peer-to-peer exchange among fellows from the same cohort to share lessons learnt.

2/ It would be good to have mentors-mentee mechanism. 

3/ It would be helpful to ask former fellows to share stories about "what they are doing now" to inspire new cohorts about the available opportunities

4/ It would be good to share and receive job opportunities 

5/ The platform could serve as a deep knowledge source regarding corporate instruments and mechanisms through regular "highlights" about UNDP. 

Answer to all the questions:

The graduates of previous cohorts should be on a roster and matched with suitable job opportunities. When possible, there should also be opportunities for cohorts to travel and attend opportunities such as the YouthConnekt and be considered as panelists, workshop conductors, etc. A platform where contributions are translated to action and opportunity is the most useful otherwise it is not helpful.

Hi Rawan,

Thank you for the wonderful suggestions. Truly appreciated.

Many thanks!

1. What are the top three features you’d expect or hope to see on the AfYWL Alumni Network platform?

I share the same views as my fellow alumni, whose comments precede mine. Though, I would like to add that it would be wonderful if this platform can have an impact tracker dashboard where alumni-led initiatives are highlighted. Also, a space for collaborative opportunities, where alumni, as well as partners and donors can pitch ideas would be great. 

2. How would you envision this platform supporting you after the fellowship?

I picture this platform as a tool, a resource, a website connecting me to the other fellow. I envision to find here not just job/career opportunities, but also personal development tool, and updates about the fellows. I want it to be a space to empower and be empowered. 

3. What content would you most value (e.g., success stories, career advice, webinars, events, job opportunities)?

Besides success stories, job opportunities and career advice, I would love to see webinars highlighting alumni alongside experts, demystifying public policies and propose answers to current development issues. 

4. What key functionalities would make this platform easy, enjoyable, and practical for regular use?

- Well, a one-click export of one's profile /portfolio for external engagements would be nice.

- A calendar reminder for events and opportunities would be great. 

- finally, a real time interaction threads/chatbot to guide users through the page. 

5. How can we best facilitate meaningful connections and interactions among fellows from different cohorts, countries, and professional backgrounds?

- Host semestrial online meeting for all the fellows

- A digital “spotlight wall” where fellows introduce themselves with short video/audio bios (this can rotate, showcasing a different fellow every month)

6. Would you value structured mentorship opportunities on this platform, and how should mentorship be organized?

Yes, I would love this. It could be organized through:

- The semestrial meet-and-greet I suggested in question 5

- Matching alumni with retired AU, UN organization or other international organization staff for mentorship, based on interest, career path and background.

Dear Francine,

Thank you so much for taking time to share your ideas. They are really great and innovative.

Thank you!

Thank you for hosting this space to gather inputs on what a potential AfYWL Alumni Network could look like. I’m excited to see how it shapes and looking forward to joining this community. Please see my responses below.

1. What are the top three features you’d expect or hope to see on the AfYWL Alumni Network platform?

• Virtual events and opportunities to connect with fellow alumni.
• A quarterly newsletter with updates from across the Network and newest cohort.
• Online discussion boards on relevant topics to sustain engagement. These could also serve as calls to action, encouraging members not just to join the Network but to contribute meaningfully.

2. How would you envision this platform supporting you after the fellowship?

• I envision the platform as a space for peer-to-peer support, bringing together alumni with a shared understanding and experience. It could serve as a valuable resource for navigating the complexities of the development landscape—especially in today’s uncertain global context and amidst growing challenges to multilateralism. Having a community to turn to would offer both practical guidance and solidarity.

3. What content would you most value (e.g., success stories, career advice, webinars, events, job opportunities)?

• Webinars, careers advice and job opportunities.

4. What key functionalities would make this platform easy, enjoyable, and practical for regular use?

• The platform should offer regular opportunities for engagement and keep members informed through consistent updates, encouraging active participation rather than passive membership. It should also have a simple, user-friendly design to ensure easy and enjoyable access.

5. How can we best facilitate meaningful connections and interactions among fellows from different cohorts, countries, and professional backgrounds?

• A monthly virtual coffee chat could be a great way to connect fellows across cohorts, countries, and professional backgrounds. Keeping it informal and consistent would help foster genuine connections and ongoing engagement.

6. Would you value structured mentorship opportunities on this platform, and how should mentorship be organized?

• A structured mentorship opportunity would be valuable. The Alumni Network could have a dedicated mentorship section or page that lists the profiles of those who have indicated interest in being a mentor. This section should feature the person’s photo and a short bio. Mentees would then be invited to explore the different profiles and reach out to the potential mentor directly.

Hi Ayak,

Lovely to hear from. 

Thank you for the inputs and suggestions on how we can shape the Alumni Website. We are super excited for an opportunity to develop these ideas into something beneficial for everyone.

Thanks!