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Learn together
A shared year of authentic leadership, good governance, and the practical skills a young leader needs.
The Kectil ProgramLeadership for the community you return to.
A one-year leadership journey for youth ages 17–26. Since 2015, colleagues have studied authentic leadership, good governance, and how to serve their communities.
- Ages
- 17–26
- Cohort
- 2027
- Program years
- 2015–2026
What is Kectil?
The name, the principles, and how a one-year program prepares youth leaders to serve their communities.
Mission, the Code, who can apply, and the year
Read the mission, the Code, who can apply, and the year.
Our Mission
Identify and nurture highly talented youth in developing countries who can make a positive difference.
Read the mission
Kectil Code
The framework every colleague agrees to — respect, collaboration, and service.
Read the Code
Who can apply
Ages 17–26, developing countries, English, and internet access. Apply for the 2027 Program on this site.
Who can apply
The year
Authentic Leadership, Good Governance, Mental Health, Personal Finance, Entrepreneurship, Peace, Program Reflection, and Certificates & Awards.
Read the yearPrepare young leaders to serve
The Malmar Knowles Family Foundation hosts Kectil so youth in developing countries can practice leadership, governance, and community impact together.
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Practice at home
Community projects turn the curriculum into work neighbors can see — classrooms, markets, gardens, and local hubs.
03
Stay in the network
After the program year, graduates continue on Kectil Alumni.
Authentic Leadership
Lead with character, courage, and a clear sense of service to your community.
Good Governance
Practice accountability, civic responsibility, and the habits of fair public life.
Mental Health
Build the personal stamina and care that a year of leadership work requires.
Personal Finance
Learn the practical money skills that keep a leader and a project standing.
Entrepreneurship
Turn ideas into local ventures, community projects, and durable institutions.
Peace
Work across difference so communities can solve problems without violence.
Program Reflection
Look back on the year: what you learned, who you became, and how you will serve at home.
Certificates & Awards
The year closes with certificates and awards that mark the work colleagues completed together.
KAI, AI for Good
KAI is the Kectil Assistant on this site: look for the Kai avatar to ask questions. Program, Contact, and Apply still hold the 2027 year details.
Leadership and the foundation
The Global Board and MKFF live on About. After the year, graduates continue on Kectil Alumni.
Apply for Kectil 2027
Youth leaders ages 17–26. Apply for the 2027 Program on this site.