The aid programme focuses on the fight against poverty and hunger in some of the world’s least developed countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. It provides assistance to over 90 countries worldwide, including nine programme countries, where there is a commitment to long term strategic assistance. The programme works in partnership with governments and communities in the developing world in their attempts to alleviate poverty through helping them meet basic needs and through strengthening their capacity to help themselves.
 
IRISH AID FELLOWSHIP TRAINING PROGRAMME

The Fellowship Training Programme is part of Irish Aid’s broad programme of support to capacity building in developing countries. The Programme aims to address capacity deficits that hinder the attainment of long-term development goals in Irish Aid partner countries through the training and development of key individuals, generally drawn from the public services and NGO sectors.           
 
The programme offers a number of study fellowship awards annually to candidates from the partner countries to further their education in Ireland or within their own region in areas relevant to Irish Aid programme objectives. Fellowships are offered at Master’s or post-graduate Diploma level and there is a particular emphasis on linking fellowship awards to the priorities of Irish Aid country strategies in the partner countries.
Fellowship recipients are committed, on completion of their training, to return home to resume work and put their acquired skills into practice for the benefit of the wider community.