SETU FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Goonj Setu Fellowship
Do you aspire to be a changemaker, turning ideas into impactful actions? The Fellowship is an opportunity for young, passionate individuals to engage with real-world challenges and drive meaningful change. This immersive experience allows fellows to explore Goonj’s core values, initiatives, and grassroots innovations while fostering both personal and professional growth.
As a fellow, you'll gain hands-on exposure to the social sector, learning how small actions can create significant transformations. With a supportive team that treats everyone as equals, Goonj provides a nurturing space to develop leadership, empathy, and problem-solving skills. If you’re ready to move from thought to action, this is your chance to be part of something bigger. Join us in making a difference!
Q. Who can apply for the Goonj Setu Fellowship?
A: The Fellowship is open to individuals from all walks of life, regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other background. We believe in inclusivity and welcome diverse perspectives.
Q.What is the applicant selection process?
Q. What should I expect from the interview process?
A. The interview will be interactive and reflective, focusing on your experiences, motivations, adaptability, and problem-solving mindset. Be prepared to discuss your thoughts on social issues, your ability to work in challenging environments, and how you handle uncertainty and teamwork.
Q. How will the fellowship function?
Q. What are the locations where I can be placed for this fellowship?
A. Goonj works in parts of the 31 states and UTs in deeper rural pockets and has city offices
in Delhi, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Rishikesh, Chennai, Kochi, Patna, and Mumbai.
Based on the need, you will be placed in any of these locations.
Q. Will I have a choice in my placement location ?
A. No, unfortunately not. During the induction the fellowship team monitors you closely to understand you better and on the basis of requirements you will be placed in a chapter.
Q. What if I don’t know Hindi? Will it affect my experience?
A. While basic Hindi is helpful, it is not mandatory.
Q. Moving to a new city and language can act as a barrier, does Goonj provide any classes for the same ?
A. Majority of the time shifting to a new place will be challenging, but you have to learn to adapt to the situation in terms of language as well as culture on your own. No classes in terms of language would be provided from our side but our team is always there to help and guide
you.
Q. What are my responsibilities during the fellowship?
A .As a fellow, you will have monthly tasks assigned to you that need to be completed. In addition to these, you will also be involved in chapter-specific work and initiative-specific projects, depending on your area of focus and the needs of the fellowship.
Q. What kind of environment can I expect in the Fellowship?
A. The Fellowship brings together individuals from across India with diverse experiences. We expect all Fellows to approach each other with humility, empathy, and respect—embracing differences with an open mind.We encourage a culture of acceptance, where every Fellow is valued and supported throughout their journey.
Q. Will I have someone to guide me during the fellowship?
A. Yes! Every fellow will have a Point of Contact (POC) in their urban chapter for day-to-day concerns, along with the Fellowship Team available for overall support and assistance. Additionally, each fellow will be assigned a mentor who will provide personalized guidance, feedback, and help in navigating challenges and professional growth throughout the fellowship.
Q. Will there be any fieldwork or grassroots engagement?
A. Yes, Fellows will have an immersive phase where they will work directly with Goonj’s rural programs and operations, gaining hands-on experience with grassroots knowledge and traditional wisdom.
Q. How will rural exposure work? Are we expected to go and work on our own in villages? What about our safety?
A.Your rural visits will be well-coordinated to be in the areas where Goonj is directly or indirectly working through its pan India network of grassroots organizations. At no point will you be left on your own. The safety of our fellows and team members is our priority. Our teams will be taking care, but if you still have any specific concerns, you can let us know at the interview level.
Q. Will Fellows get to work on their own projects?
A. Absolutely! Fellows will have the opportunity to plan and execute time-bound projects addressing urban or rural challenges within Goonj’s key focus areas. They will receive guidance and support from experienced team members throughout the process.
Q. Will this fellowship contribute to my personal growth?
A. Throughout this Journey you will meet many experienced individuals who will help you to expand your network, you will also work on diverse initiatives focused on rural development, disaster relief, education, menstrual health, etc. These experiences will enhance your knowledge, provide a new lens and help you to grow as a person.
Q. Will this fellowship lead to a job?
A. While the fellowship does not guarantee a job, it equips individuals with skills for careers in social work, rural upliftment, NGOs, CSR, and development sectors. Exceptional fellows may find opportunities within or beyond Goonj.
Q .What if I have to leave the program in the middle due to various reasons?
A.If you leave at any point before the completion of the fellowship, you will not be given a certificate. Additionally, there is a lock-in period of the first 6 months in which if you leave, you will not get a fellowship certificate, and a month’s stipend will be held back. This is only open to consideration in cases of health emergencies. And duly inform the POC and the fellowship team regarding your decision to withdraw from the fellowship program.
Q. Is this a residential program?
A. No, this is not a residential program.
Q. Can I apply again if I’m not selected this year?
A. Yes! If you aren’t selected this year, you can apply in future cohorts.
Q. Can a Goonj Fellow pursue any offline/online course during the Fellowship period?
A. No
Annually based
Delhi , India
Delhi , India
