Restless Development Uganda, in partnership with the African Leadership Academy (ALA), launched the Graduate Career Accelerator Program (GCAP). This initiative aims to enhance career readiness through structured career development interventions and create job and internship opportunities for young professionals, particularly Mastercard Foundation Scholars and alumni.
Program Background
The Graduate Career Accelerator Program builds upon ALA’s Africa Career Network (ACN) Affiliates Program, which seeks to expand ACN’s reach and impact by partnering with nonprofit organisations across Africa. Through this collaboration, Restless Development Uganda will recruit and support Mastercard Foundation Scholars and Alumni in developing their professional skills, exploring sector pathways, and connecting with employers for meaningful career opportunities.
Key Components of the Program
Career Impact Readiness Assessments:
- Evaluates participants’ leadership, communication, critical thinking, and adaptability skills.
- Assesses personal values and alignment with impactful career pathways.
- Measures access to professional networks, mentorship, and lifelong learning commitment.
Sector Challenges:
- Participants engage in immersive problem-solving exercises in education, healthcare, governance, and agribusiness sectors.
- Teams work on real-world challenges, applying design thinking and data analysis to propose solutions.
- Sector challenges are equivalent to internships, equipping participants with practical work experience.
Employer Engagement & Job Placement:
- Developing partnerships with leading companies to provide job and internship opportunities.
- Supporting at least 50 employers in listing career opportunities for young professionals.
- Ensuring a 50% internship placement rate and a 50% job placement rate for program participants.
Expected Impact
Career Readiness: The program will assess and support at least 100 young graduates annually to enhance their employability.
Internship & Job Placements: Ensuring at least 50% of assessed participants secure internships or full-time roles.
Diversity & Inclusion: Committed to reaching 70% women, 25% displaced persons (refugees, asylum seekers), and 10% youth with disabilities.
The Graduate Career Accelerator Program represents a transformative opportunity for Uganda’s Mastercard Foundation Scholars and Alumni. We aim to drive sustainable employment outcomes and long-term career success for Africa’s next generation of leaders by equipping them with essential skills, industry exposure, and direct employer connections.
