About MKFF and The Kectil Program

The Kectil Program was created to identify and nurture highly talented youth in developing countries who have the potential to make a positive difference in their communities and countries.

We accomplish our Mission Statement by (i) facilitating innovative leadership training and (ii) providing a means to allow these highly talented youth become part of a guided network with other similarly talented and passionate youth in developing countries who will support, nurture, teach and learn from each other as they mature.

The Kectil Framework embodies both of the goals of the famous African proverb:

“If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.”

The Kectil Code is the framework of the Kectil Program. Each participant is required to comply with the Kectil Code.

1. 1Each participant shall be referred to as a Kectil Colleague and shall treat others as Colleagues.
2. 2Each Kectil Colleague will give equal respect to every other Kectil Colleague regardless of nationality, religion, culture or gender.
3. 3Each Kectil Colleague will discuss ideas and contributions of other Kectil Colleagues with positive, collaborative and respectful comments.
4. 4Each Kectil Colleague will honor the Developing Country Youth Leadership Network by creating positive, lasting bonds with other Kectil Colleagues with the intent to stay connected and positively support each other toward future leadership that adds value to the local and national community.
5. 5Each Kectil Colleague will carry out all the assignments of the program.
6. 6Each Kectil Colleague will use best effort to attend each webcast of the program.
7. 7Kectil Colleagues uphold the honor of the Kectil Program by treating others in his/her community with respect and compassion.
8. 8Kectil Colleagues will not take non-prescribed drugs or misuse alcohol.
9. 9If selected to attend the Developing Country Youth Leadership Conference in Atlanta, the Kectil Colleague will conduct himself/herself in a manner that is a role model for others and will be an excellent representative of his/her community.

“KECTIL” is an acronym that refers to the Knowles Educational and Charitable Trust for International Leadership.

The Kectil Program is based of the following principals:

1. 1Creating an authentic, collaborative network of high potential youth from developing and least developed countries can break down prejudices, lead to cultural, religious and gender understanding and give youth the comfort that they are more than just themselves– they are part of a mutual youth-based support system with the goal to make a positive difference in their lives, their Colleagues’ lives and the lives of those in their communities.
2. 2Identifying, embracing and mentoring high potential youth (17-26) from developing and least developed countries can have a dramatic effect on the youths’ dreams, service to others and life accomplishments.
3. 3Nothing comes easy and there is “no free lunch.” The results will not be achieved without hard work, dedication and an open mindedness to cultural understanding and compassion.

The Program works to achieve these goals in three parts: a one-year Web-based Program, the Developing Youth Leadership Conference in Atlanta, United States, and the Alumni Network.

Due to logistics and cost, more applicants can be accepted for the Web-based Program than the Developing Youth Leadership Conference in Atlanta. If an applicant is accepted for the Web-based Program but not the Developing Youth Leadership Conference, the applicant can apply the next year to attend the Conference. All applicants accepted for either (i) the Web-based Program or (ii) the Web-based Program and the Leadership Conference are encouraged to join and actively participate in the Alumni Network at the end of the Program.

High potential youth (aged 17-26) in least developed and developing countries who have demonstrated a talent and passion for leadership, scholarship or innovation, are proficient in English and have access to a computer and the internet.

The application portal is usually open from September 15th to October 15th.