2nd cohort of the education changemakers program in East and Central Africa. Photo from the Trevor Noah Foundation Education Changemakers Programme
The Education Changemakers Program (ECM) is back for its second cohort, inviting driven young leaders from East and Central Africa to participate in a transformative leadership development opportunity.
Spearheaded by the Regional Leadership Center East Africa (RLC EA) at Kenyatta University, Nairobi, the program builds on the legacy of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) RLC EA.
It is designed to empower educators, school leaders, innovators, and policy advocates with the skills, networks, and support needed to drive meaningful change in their schools and communities.
The Trevor Noah Foundation (TNF), with support from the Oak Foundation, seeks to equip underserved African youth with the necessary educational foundation and opportunities to become resilient future leaders.
“Our commitment to nurturing African-led education innovation has manifested through our first cohort in Central and Eastern Africa. Last year, we celebrated a cohort of 80 education leaders and awarded 10 grants to top participants from seven African countries. By fuelling local social entrepreneurs who intimately understand their communities’ challenges, we’re fostering sustainable solutions that will continue to grow and adapt long after our initial investment,” said Shalane Yuen, Trevor Noah Foundation Founding Managing Director.
TNF’s initiatives focus on learner skills development, teacher training, and infrastructure improvement, ensuring young people have viable learning options beyond matriculation.
Program Overview
ECM combines in-person training with ongoing support to equip participants with practical tools and networks:
- Phase 1: Four weeks of intensive, in-person leadership training in Nairobi. Participants gain foundational leadership skills, explore business and public institution tools applied in education, and take part in live case studies and site visits.
- Phase 2: Six months of post-training coaching, mentoring, and access to small grants to implement school-based initiatives.
Participants also join a growing alumni network of changemakers committed to transforming education across Africa.
Impact So Far
“It is inspiring to witness the impact that young changemakers in the education ecosystem across East and Central Africa are driving after receiving transformative training from the Regional Leadership Center. These investments will indeed pay off as education remains the most enduring gift African parents can give to their children,” said Prof. George K. Kosimbei, Director, Regional Leadership Center East Africa, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya.
Who Should Apply
The program seeks young leaders aged 18–35 from 14 East and Central African countries: Burundi, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Applicants must:
- Be actively working in or with the primary or secondary school education sector (teachers, school leaders, policy advocates, edtech innovators, researchers, or in education non-profits)
- Demonstrate commitment to improving education outcomes in their communities
- Be proficient in English
- Be first-time applicants (not alumni of YALI RLC or Mandela Washington Fellowship programs)
- Commit to the full 4-week in-person training and post-program engagements
Inclusivity and Accessibility
The program prioritizes inclusivity and encourages applications from:
- Rural-based and economically disadvantaged youth
- Young women
- Youth with disabilities
- Refugees and displaced persons
- Individuals working with learners with disabilities or adolescent girls and young women (AGYW)
- LGBTQI+ advocates and other minority group representatives
There are no fees to apply or participate.
Key Dates:
- Applications Open: 04 August 2025
- Applications Close: 15 August 2025
- Training Dates (Cohort 2): 21 September – 17 October 2025
Applications are reviewed through a merit-based process, including interviews for shortlisted candidates.
Apply now to join the next wave of Education Changemakers transforming schools and communities across Africa.
About the Trevor Noah Foundation:
The Trevor Noah Foundation is dedicated to equipping underserved African youth with access to quality education and mentorship opportunities.
Through initiatives in skills development, teacher support, and infrastructure enhancement, TNF aims to nurture resilient, future-ready leaders who can drive sustainable change in their communities.`
