AbleBooks Fellowship Program
A one-year cohort-based program engaging young people as facilitators, leaders, and advocates for inclusive storytelling and Deaf literacy.
Why This Fellowship Matters
AbleBooks Initiative is a nonprofit organization working to transform education and storytelling spaces where deaf children and youth are systemically excluded and underrepresented. AbleBooks is redefining how deaf children access and experience stories through inclusive storybook creation, animated stories in sign language, and community-based literacy programs.
In Nigeria and Africa by extension, deaf children and youth face significant barriers to accessing inclusive and representative learning materials. Representation in children's literature remains limited, and where it exists, it is often inaccurate or stereotypical. Accessible formats such as Nigerian sign language storytelling are still scarce. As a result, many children grow up without seeing themselves reflected in the stories they read, which affects not only their learning outcomes but also their sense of identity and belonging.
Background & Rationale
AbleBooks Initiative addresses this gap by creating inclusive storybooks that feature characters with disabilities, producing animated stories in Nigerian sign language, and facilitating storytelling book clubs in deaf schools. These programs are designed to build early literacy skills, foster a culture of reading, and create safe spaces where children can engage with stories that reflect their lived experiences. Through school and community engagement, AbleBooks also works with educators, parents, and caregivers to strengthen inclusive literacy ecosystems.
As part of this work, AbleBooks Initiative has implemented storytelling sessions in deaf schools, supported by volunteers known as “Book Buddies,” who facilitate reading sessions and storytelling activities. While this model has demonstrated a strong impact, there is an opportunity to deepen its effectiveness, expand its reach, and create more structured pathways for youth engagement and leadership development.
To address this, AbleBooks is launching the AbleBooks Fellowship Program, a structured, cohort-based initiative that transforms this volunteer model into a high-impact leadership and capacity-building program. The fellowship will equip young people with the skills, tools, and support needed to grow in their careers and professional development while contributing to inclusive storytelling and deaf literacy initiatives, and strengthening AbleBooks' community engagement and long-term impact.
About the Fellowship
The AbleBooks Fellowship Program is a one-year cohort-based program designed to engage young people as facilitators, leaders, and advocates for inclusive storytelling and deaf literacy.
Inclusive Storytelling
Training in inclusive storytelling and accessibility
Mentorship
Mentorship and leadership development
Community Engagement
Hands-on community engagement through deaf school book clubs
Career Growth
Opportunities for professional and career growth
Fellows will serve as AbleBooks facilitators in their respective locations, leading monthly book club sessions in deaf schools while also participating in structured learning and career development activities.
Fellowship Structure
Duration
12 Months
Cohort Size
20–30 Fellows
Assignment
2–3 Fellows per School
Fellowship Activities & Programming
Fellows will participate in the following core activities:
1. Monthly Community Engagement
- Facilitate monthly visits to deaf schools' book clubs
- Lead reading sessions using AbleBooks' inclusive storybooks
- Support students in engaging with animated Nigerian sign language stories
2. Capacity Building & Training
Monthly virtual training sessions (1–2 hours). Topics may include:
- Inclusive storytelling and representation
- Deaf culture and communication
- Leadership and facilitation skills
- Community engagement strategies
- Career and professional development
3. Mentorship & Professional Development
- Access to mentors and learning opportunities
- Participation in relevant workshops, programs, and events
4. Content & Creative Contribution
- Opportunities to contribute to storytelling, writing, or program development
- Selected fellows may have their work reviewed and published
Requirements & Eligibility
The fellowship is open to young people who meet the following criteria:
Young person
Very proficient in sign language and able to communicate effectively with deaf learners
Passionate about education, inclusive literacy, storytelling, leadership, and social impact
Willing to commit to the full duration of the fellowship, including monthly training sessions and community engagement activities (monthly visit to deaf schools)
Students in tertiary institutions and recent graduates are strongly encouraged to apply
Benefits for Fellows
Leadership and career training/mentorship
Transport reimbursement for book club visits
Opportunity to get written work illustrated, reviewed, and published
Support to attend local trainings, programs, workshops, and professional or leadership development opportunities
Attendance at AbleBooks Initiative's physical events for select fellows
Networking opportunities within a growing community of changemakers
Recommendation letters for future opportunities
Receive a certificate at the end of the program
Top 3 outstanding fellows to receive excellence rewards
Expected Outcomes
The AbleBooks Fellowship Program is expected to:
Equip fellows with the necessary training for career growth and global opportunities
Strengthen the capacity of young leaders in inclusive storytelling and Deaf literacy
Improve the quality and consistency of engagement in deaf school book clubs
Expand access to inclusive storytelling experiences for deaf children
Build a network of advocates committed to accessibility and representation in deaf education
Contribute to the long-term goal of creating more inclusive and accessible learning ecosystems
Timeline
April 13 – April 28, 2026
Application Period
Submit your application within this 2-week window.
April 28, 2026 — 11:59 PM WAT
Application Deadline
All applications must be submitted before the deadline.
May 2026
Announcement & Onboarding
Selected fellows will be announced and onboarded.
May 2026 – May 2027
Fellowship Period
12 months of learning, leading, and creating impact.
Ready to Make an Impact?
Join the AbleBooks Fellowship and become a leader in inclusive storytelling and Deaf literacy. Applications close Tuesday, April 28, 2026.