22 September 2009 / 13:39
The Fellowship Programme
The John Smith Fellowship Programme is an intensive, five-week programme on good governance, democracy and social justice
What it is
The John Smith Fellowship Programme is an intensive, five-week programme on good governance, democracy and social justice. It is aimed at the next generation of leaders in independent republics that were formerly part of the former Soviet Union - young people working in politics, local government or civil society with an established interest in promoting democratic reform and proven ability. Those who complete the Programme are known as 'Fellows'.
The Fellowship Programme is not a short-term scholarship, but a life-changing experience which brings new perspectives, long-term friendships, and a lifetime commitment to good governance.
The Programme lasts for five weeks in the UK and is made up as follows:
An introductory session in Edinburgh, Scotland.
An intensive, two-week Seminar Series on the political process in a mature democracy: A series of discussions and meetings with senior academics and practitioners combined with visits to illustrate how public policy is made and developed. More details about the Seminar Series.
Planning and preparation of "individual action plans" setting out how insights gained in the UK can be turned into concrete developments applied at home.
A weekend conference on the role of the media in a democracy; providing an opportunity to explore issues of mutual interest and concern with invited guests from the UK. More details about the Weekend Retreat.
Two weeks of individual attachments to suitable organisations - for example, working with an NGO, "shadowing" a politician, a placement in central government, local administration or the media. More details about Individual Attachments.
A final week in London with visits to Parliament and other institutions, and opportunities to analyse collective experience.
A concluding seminar during which Fellows present their projects to representatives of the Department for Constitutional Affairs, the John Smith Memorial Trust and the British Council.
In the following year, a Follow-Up Conference in one of the Fellowship countries brings all Fellows together to report on their activities and compare progress.
Its Aims
The Programme is designed to show that democracy of the kind that has evolved in the United Kingdom has become a successful tool for securing good governance, for making the Rule of Law effective, for advancing the citizens' human and legal rights, for empowering disadvantaged groups and for giving a voice to those who currently lack political influence. We do not suggest that it is perfect, merely that it works well in our country.
Its Methods
The Fellows are invited to consider how the institutions and practices that they study in the United Kingdom might be adapted for use in their own communities where the traditions and the problems are different.. Above all, the Programme seeks to show that in a true democracy the spirit in which institutions are operated is vitally important.
Source - www.johnsmithmemorialtrust.org
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