SIPU International invites scholarship applications for the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) programme Democratic Institutions and Participatory Democracy, to be held in Stockholm, Sweden, from November 2-27 2009 with a regional phase in May 2010. The following countries are entitled to apply: China, Botswana, India, Indonesia, Namibia, South Africa, and Vietnam. The intention of this programme is to strengthen the participants’ capacity, through interactive methodology, in activities related to the themes of democratic institutions and participatory democracy.

The main objectives of the programme are to ensure that the participants:
1. Acquire an understanding and knowledge of the general preconditions for democracy in Sweden and the participating countries.
2. Are able to implement a project for change to improve the democratic conditions in participants’ respective countries and institutions.
3. Acquire a network among the participants for interchange of experiences and support.

This opportunity provides a full scholarship for programme expenses, i.e. a four-week programme in Sweden, including meals, flight, and lodging.

Click here and choose "Training" from the menu for more information.

Click here to access the application in PDF format.

Press release from Mathilda Schönbeck to the Vnnews listserv on May 28 2009.