Certificate in Creative Writing (CCW) – Bayimba Centre for Visual and Performing Arts

Enhancing Skills and Enabling Financial Inclusion for Young Women in the Creative Economy

Emboozi Teba Nkadde Literature Scholarship

Public Call for Applications

Bayimba Foundation is inviting 50 participants for the first cohort to join a comprehensive scholarship program delivered by African Writers Trust and Steadman Global.

The program is designed to bridge the existing gaps in creative writing training. It is dedicated to professionalizing creative writing by equipping young creatives with the technical skills needed to transform their talent into a viable and sustainable career.

Target Group

Participants for the first cohort will be drawn from Kampala District in the following categories:

Ugandan Youths living in Kampala
Tertiary and High school students
Residents of a refugee settlement
Young persons living with a disability (PWD)

About the Program:
From Inspiration to Income

The CCW is a 3-month (12-week) accredited course. It will begin on 28^th March and conclude in May 2026. Participants will progress through five intensive modules:

Module 1: Creative Writing (CW 101)
An introduction to creative writing, maintaining a consistent writing routine, refining your craft, and revising your work.
Module 2: Editing (CE 101)
Editing and proofreading techniques to improve clarity, coherence, and quality of written work.
Module 3: Publishing (CP 101)
An overview of what publishers do, different publishing pathways, the business of publishing, and digital publishing.
Module 4: Marketing (CM 101)
Working with bookshops, understanding cost implications, book reviews, and organizing book launches.
Module 5: Financial Literacy Training (FL 101)
Financial literacy training for creatives

Accreditation

Participants will receive an accredited certificate carrying 20 Credit Units (CU) upon successful completion of the program.

The Prospect

Each participant will apply the skills gained through the program to pursue opportunities within the book sector, including roles as writers, columnists, beta readers, scriptwriters, copyeditors, proofreaders, and booksellers, among others.

The Final Project

A camera-ready manuscript consisting stories written by participants in the course of the training.

Entry Requirements

We are seeking writers who are already actively engaged in creative writing. To apply, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Submit a 500-word writing sample.
Participation is open to applicants without prior formal training in creative writing.
Demonstrate a clear passion for creative writing.
Age range: 18 – 35 years
Be a resident of Kampala District

If you fall in the categories described above, your creative writing skill is a national treasure. We want to work with you to develop and refine it.

Inclusive Scholarship Details

Total Slots: 50 participants drawn from diverse communities in Kampala District, including workspaces, youth-led communities, high schools, tertiary institutions, refugee settlements, and PWD communities.

Why This Matters

This short course in creative writing is a pioneering initiative in Uganda, designed to bridge critical gaps in the creative writing ecosystem by providing:

Creative Techniques: Training in writing, critique, editing, and publishing practices.
Industry Tools: Practical knowledge on managing ISBNs and copyright.
Market Readiness: Participants will not only write a book but also develop a book marketing plan and strategies to generate sales.
Safe Spaces: An inclusive learning environment that empowers young women and marginalized voices to thrive creatively and professionally.