The Indigenous Youth Fellowship
On the back of what was a hugely successful Fellowship in 2017, TIP continued with the Indigenous Youth Fellowship Programme in 2019. As it was during the first fellowship, the program had four fellows out of which three belonged to matriarchal communities – Merrysha Nongrum (Khasi), Chenxiang Rimchi N Marak (Garo), both from India, and Nofri Yani (Minangkabau, Indonesia) – and the other fellow was Edgar Osvaldo Monte Borges from the Mayan Community (Mexico). This time, NESFAS joined as one of the partners of the Fellowship hosting the fellows for their first field exchange from 20th May till 17th June. During their time in Meghalaya, the fellows interacted directly with communities and mentors helping them gauge a better understanding of their own indigenous food systems. The fellows then proceeded to present their case studies to the FAO and UN experts during their month-long stay in Rome from June 18-17 July 2019.