The Amani Institute recognises a gap between the knowledge a student gains at university and the skills needed to be a successful change agent in the 21st century. Their Post Graduate Certificate in Social Innovation Management aims to fill that gap and prepare graduates to be effective leaders of social change.
The program introduces a new model of higher education where participants learn through practical apprenticeship experiences in Kenya. During the 5 month program, participants are constantly pushed to learn, they receive coaching and mentoring, have opportunities to meet role models and reflect on their experiences.
As part of its mission to promote global citizenship, the program draws candidates from around the world. The Amani Institute it is not just about training a highly skilled workforce to tackle global challenges, but also about helping organizations work more effectively in pursuing social change. Amani Institute graduates students will contribute to the growth of the organizations they are placed in, both during their apprenticeships as well as when they are employed full-time. They are also better equipped to start their own ventures. Finally, our end goal is not to create a large new training institution but to change the higher education system. We want to inspire universities to adopt the Amani Institute Methodology to train the new professionals and leaders the world needs in the 21st century. Whilst a fee is charged for the course, scholarships and financial aid are available. In the first program in 2013, 50% of students received some form of financial aid.
Social Innovation Management Postgraduate Certificate Programme
Social Innovation Management Postgraduate Certificate Programme brings together a group of competitively selected, highly talented individuals from around the world who all share a passion for social change and want to build a career of meaning and impact. This 10 months learning experience has the depth and pace necessary to train for effective change making – the intensity is equivalent to a 2-year traditional master’s degree.
Amani Institute’s cutting-edge Social Innovation Management Programme consists of 4 months field immersion in Kenya or Brazil, 10 skill-building courses taught by global experts, a customized apprenticeship, 3 inspiring field trips, 20+ like-minded classmates from around the world, a personal mentor, and much more.
The Post Graduate Certificate in Social Innovation Management contains 3 interlocking strands:
Apprenticeships: The Amani Institute creates partnerships with leading Nairobi-based organizations to place participants in projects where they contribute to the daily functions of the organization, enabling participants to experience first-hand the immense challenges and complexities in a particular field.
Workshops: During the 5 month program 11 courses and workshops are offered designed to develop professional skills that are demanded by leading employers in the field. E.g. social entrepreneurship, empathy, system change. The courses are run by local and international expert instructors.
Leadership: A bespoke leadership path is created for each participant using structured individual mentoring, interactions with role models and peer feedback and coaching. The personal leadership development process is a core aspect of the program and a unique component relative to other educational institutions.
The Amani Institute's Certificate in Social Innovation Management is approved and endorsed by a network of employer partners willing to hire Amani Institute graduates. In the future, there will be accreditation transferrable to existing higher education programs.
