OPENING RETREAT

The Opening Retreat is the initial orientation for the Fellows in which they become grounded in the core modules and ideals of the program, engage with leadership development theory and practice, and gain exposure to health equity frameworks and values. The Retreat also aims to create a comfortable atmosphere in which Fellows start the bonding process that ultimately will determine the success of the induction year’s programming.

Fellow’s quote: “What I loved about this retreat, clearly the wonderful connections we made with one another fast-forward our friendship.”

GLOBAL LEARNING I

Global Learning I is the first half of a 2-week event that takes Fellows beyond Southeast Asia for international exposures to the context of health inequities. It introduces Fellows to global perspectives on social determinants of health and on-the-ground health equity actions and social movements.

Fellow’s quote: “I had the chance to experience real life stories of health equity from different countries.”

GLOBAL LEARNING II

Global Learning II, the second-half of the Global Learning event, connects Fellows with world-class scholars and inspirational leaders and deepens their understanding of the ways in which social and economic determinants affect the health of communities. In addition to academic sessions at Harvard University, the learning event includes field visits that enable Fellows to learn about the U.S health care system and innovations that are being pursued in healthcare delivery.

Fellow’s quote: “It’s so refreshing to see leadership in academia transcending to actual, real work. It’s like the knowledge never stopped here.”

Together the Global Learning experiences provide an opportunity for Fellows to become exposed to diverse perspectives and participate in exchange across disciplines, cultures and geographies.

ASIA TREK

The goal of Asia Trek is to provide Fellows with a local lens into transnational health equity issues to spark dialogue, critical thinking and problem analysis. This is a 1-week experiential immersion in the region with exposure to key health actors, action and engagement with policymakers through field visits, panel discussions and debates, and dialogue with community leaders. Asia Trek focuses on the themes of vulnerable population, including urban poor, ethnic minorities, domestic and international migrants, displaced people and informal dwellers, and children and youth with disabilities.

Fellow’s quote: “To be with like-minded people is the most enjoyable part of the gatherings with the Fellows, guest speakers and mentors. Another unique experience is to be in the communities with serious equity challenges.”

PROJECT ACCELERATOR

The primary goal of Project Accelerator is for Fellows to bring their proposals for equity projects to near-final form. Designing a health equity project gives Fellows the opportunity to combine peer and experiential learning and to make an impact in promoting health equity in the region. These projects, carried out in the Fellows’ second year, enable Fellows to put into practice the core values of health equity, which they have studied over the program year, and exercise newly acquired leadership skills. During a 5-day event, Fellows work in their project groups with guidance and support from experts. The Project Accelerator learning event also aims to continue building leadership and management competencies via action-oriented training workshops and open discussions to allow Fellows to exercise creativity, spontaneity, communication, leadership, and purposeful teamwork.

Fellow’s quote: “It made me recognize how professional our Fellows were in providing training on program management and communication skills.”

ANNUAL FORUM

The Annual Forum is the culminating event of the fellowship year and a signature event of the Equity Initiative in building a sustained equity community. The Forum marks the start of the Fellows’ second year projects to advance health equity in the region, and it formally introduces and inducts the graduated Fellows into the life-long community of the Atlantic Fellows Programs. The Forum also plays an important role in promoting inter-cohort relationships with Fellow alumni, incoming Fellows, and allies as a bridge to building a regional equity community.

Fellow’s quote: “I’m much more appreciative now of the need for such programs as the EI and bringing like-minded champions together for intellectual and moral support. Advocacy and direct service can be very lonely, disheartening work and a burden shared is a burden halved.”

The Annual Forum is held in Thailand each year to coincide with the annual Prince Mahidol Award Conference (PMAC), a large-scale high-level global health conference that covers a wide range of pressing issues and brings together public health leaders and key stakeholders from around the world. PMAC creates a great opportunity to link Fellows to the wider regional and global networks.

LOCATIONS AND SCHEDULES OF CURRENT AND PAST LEARNING EVENTS