COVID-19 UPDATES

Updated PiAf COVID-19 Reverse Tripwires & Travel Restriction Policy (3/9/2022):

Please note that as of April 1, 2022, a portion of Princeton in Africa fellowships will be transitioning onsite to the African continent. All Fellows and candidates have been emailed PiAf’s updated COVID-19 Reverse Tripwires and Travel Restriction Policies, both of which have been approved by our Board of Directors. Please consult these documents, as well as our COVID-19 placement FAQs before reaching out to PiAf Staff with any additional questions

OFFICE OPEN: HYBRID IN-PERSON & REMOTE

The Princeton in Africa office is now open with a hybrid remote and in-person model. Applicants, if you have questions, please send an email to piafapp@princetoninafrica.org. We ask that applicants not call the office at this time. Anyone else wishing to speak with a staff member, please send them an email to set up a time. All staff emails can be found here.

2022-23 FELLOWSHIPS

PiAf staff continue to actively monitor ongoing developments in the COVID-19 pandemic. We are continuing to move forward with plans for 2022-23 fellowships but at this time we do not have an update on whether fellowships will be remote or if they can take place on-site. There are a number of factors, such as sustained open borders, recommendations from the CDC and State Department and visa issuance, and the willingness of host organizations to have Fellows come onsite, that remain outside of our control. Applicants should be prepared for the possibility that PiAf fellowships may be modified due to health, safety, and security concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic in 2022-23 as they were in 2021-22. This means it is possible for part or all of the upcoming fellowship year to take place remotely, with a transition to on-site posts happening only if deemed safe for Fellows. If fellowships are remote in late April 2022, the PiAf staff and board will make an initial recommendation as to whether 2022-23 fellowship can begin onsite or if they will begin remotely,  after which we will continue to monitor the situation on an ongoing basis.

2021-22 FELLOWSHIPS

PiAf staff continue to actively monitor ongoing developments in the COVID-19 pandemic. We are continuing to move forward with plans for 2021-22 fellowships but at this time we do not have an update on whether fellowships will be remote or if they can take place on site. There are a number of factors, such as sustained open borders, recommendations from the CDC and State Department and visa issuance, that remain outside of our control. Applicants should be prepared for the possibility that PiAf fellowships may be modified due to health, safety, and security concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021-22 as they were in 2020-21. This means it is possible for part or all of the upcoming fellowship year to take place remotely, with a transition to on site posts happening only if deemed safe for Fellows. In late April 2021, the PiAf staff and board will make an initial recommendation as to whether 2021-22 fellowship can begin onsite or if they will begin remotely,  after which we will continue to monitor the situation on an ongoing basis.

2020-21 FELLOWSHIP DECISION

After a thorough evaluation of the program options, Princeton in Africa made the decision to proceed with the 2020-21 fellowship class through remote fellowships. The Fellows are working from their homes and virtually coordinate with a limited number of host organizations that have identified appropriate remote roles. The 2020-21 fellowship will still be 12-month fellowships, and we expect to have a limited cohort of 16.

Princeton in Africa has developed specific global health, safety and security standards to guide the decision on when, and if, these remote fellowships could transition to become in-country fellowships. We are very grateful to our donors and host organizations, whose support has enabled us to supplement some stipend amounts for remote fellowships, so as to help partially compensate for the difference in the cost of living wherever our Fellows will be based, compared with the locations of our host organizations on the African continent. We continue to seek donations to provide additional financial aid for our Fellows in order to assist with the unexpected adjustments caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

2019-20 FELLOWSHIP STATEMENT

Due to the concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, Princeton in Africa made the difficult decision to suspend the 2019-20 fellowship year on March 23rd. We are disappointed that this incredible class of Fellows was unable to finish the work that they had set out to do last summer, but grateful that many have found ways to continue supporting their host organizations remotely. While it is still uncertain as to how this will impact the 2020-21 cohort, the Princeton in Africa staff and Board of Directors are actively monitoring the situation on the African continent and worldwide, and seeking creative solutions for the next class of Fellows.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to our host organizations for the patience and support they have offered to our 2019-20 Fellows as they transitioned out of the fellowship posts. We are also very thankful to our Fellows, alumni, board of directors, host organizations, donors and all the members of the PiAf community who have continued to support us through this uncertain time. To continue with our important mission and work, and respond to urgent needs as they arise, we request your continued support and donations that can be made here. Thank you!

We wish you and your families good health throughout the coming months.