At the heart of Spark Microgrants' mission lies the Facilitated Collective Action Process (FCAP), a model that empowers communities to organize, plan, and lead their own development.
Yet, as the realities and priorities of these communities evolve, the methods that support them must also adapt.
Recognizing this, Spark launched the Design Fellowship Program, an initiative that transforms experienced Community-Based Facilitators (CBFs) into strategic designers and innovators of process.
For Fellows like Fyson, Mustapher Saidi from Malawi, Sam Namusi (Uganda), Alexis Mbarushimana (Rwanda), and Innocent Nditurende (Rwanda), the fellowship represents a transformative step forward.
'As a CBF, I facilitated weekly sessions. As a Design Fellow, I now help refine the FCAP process and test tools like chatbots,' says Fyson.
Saidi echoes this sentiment, adding, 'The fellowship opened my mind. I now work across communities and learn from different realities.'
The fellowship is not merely a title; it's a platform for practical growth and hands-on learning. Through it, Fellows gain valuable skills in digital literacy, research, facilitation, and community design.
Fyson Ekani from Lilongwe, Malawi, now confidently uses digital tools like Google Meet, Excel, and Sheets while leading focus group discussions and mentoring peers. Saidi and Sam have strengthened their research and coordination skills, and Mbarushimana has refined his abilities in planning, reporting, and analysis.
These newfound competencies are not confined to theory. Fellows apply them daily as they test prototypes, advise on design improvements, and generate insights that guide Spark's national strategies.
'It taught me how to be independent and set smart goals,' says Saidi.
'I've learned to manage conflict and support others,' adds Fyson.
The impact of the Design Fellows extends far beyond their personal growth. Across Spark-supported communities, their influence is tangible.
Fyson helped initiate manure production and tree-planting projects, while Saidi revived a long-stalled maize mill initiative and spearheaded reforestation efforts.
Sam has supported agricultural programs across fifteen sub-counties while piloting new feedback tools. Mbarushimana and Nditurende have guided livestock projects and promoted vital health initiatives, such as insurance enrollment and household improvements.
These stories reveal how the Design Fellows are not just guiding communities but are also testing, adapting, and scaling locally led projects that deliver real results.
'Whenever I was stuck, I got help from my trainers or fellow Design Fellows,' recalls Sam. 'The fellowship made me feel part of something bigger,' adds Fyson.
Beyond immediate community change, the Design Fellowship is nurturing the next generation of local leaders. Fyson aspires to become a Trainer, while Saidi and Sam are eager to pursue further opportunities in research and facilitation.
Alexis dreams of enhancing his digital design skills, and Innocent, now a Trainer himself, reflects on his transformation: 'The program gave me the confidence and skills I needed to grow.'
Through ongoing mentorship, peer learning, and feedback, the Fellows continue to evolve, charting new paths in leadership while inspiring others to do the same.
What makes the Design Fellowship truly remarkable is its belief that innovation begins within communities themselves.
By blending field experience with creative design thinking, Spark Microgrants is building a network of leaders who are redefining the meaning of sustainable development.
The Design Fellows are not only facilitators of progress; they are co-creators of a movement where communities take the lead in designing their own future.
IGIHE
