Every year, across the southern countries of Africa, hundreds of aspiring entrepreneurs complete a rigorous 12-week training program in partnership with the Shark Pond team and local Rotary clubs. These students gain the foundational knowledge to build a business, but as Rotarian Phillip Kapalu in Zambia, recently noted, the biggest challenge isn’t the classroom—it’s the gap between theory and execution. To bridge this divide, we are launching the Virtual Rotary Global Fellowship, a mentoring initiative that pairs the professional wisdom of District 5400 Rotarians with an African entrepreneur who has finished their coursework but needs a one-on-one partner to refine their business plan and prepare for their high-stakes Shark Pond pitch.
This Fellowship is designed to be one of the most flexible and rewarding service opportunities in the Rotary world. As a Fellow, you will act as a mentor via WhatsApp and video conferencing, providing the “scaffolding” a student needs to implement their training in the real world. There is no travel required, and the hours are entirely up to you and your assigned entrepreneur. Whether you are a retired executive or a young professional, your ability to ask the right questions and offer encouragement can be the difference between a struggling startup and a life-changing enterprise.
You don’t need to be an expert in African markets to make a massive impact; the Shark Pond team provides all the training and tools you need to be an effective mentor. It is a profound experience to witness firsthand how your time can help a student transform their family’s legacy. If you are ready to use your professional skills for international service from the comfort of your home, please contact Ben Davidson (davibenji@gmail.com) to join the first cohort of District 5400 Virtual Fellows. Together, we can ensure that no entrepreneur’s potential is limited by a lack of mentorship.
PHOTO: Ben Davidson with a Rotarian named Faithful from Zimbabwe and another named Chrissy from Malawi (far right). They are Rotarians with whom the Global Service Rotary eClub is partnering with on projects in Africa.
