Deadline: 13-May-2026
The Education Changemakers Program (ECM) is a leadership development initiative for young education professionals in East and Central Africa. It combines four weeks of in-person training in Nairobi with six months of mentorship and implementation support, including small grants to drive education improvements in schools and communities. The program targets participants aged 18–35 working in the education sector across 13 eligible African countries.
Overview of the Education Changemakers Program (ECM)
The Education Changemakers Program is a regional leadership initiative designed to empower young professionals working in education systems across East and Central Africa.
It supports individuals who are actively working to improve education outcomes through leadership development, mentorship, and practical innovation support.
Key Focus Areas of the Program
The ECM programme focuses on strengthening education systems through:
- Youth pathway development and access to opportunities
- Teacher support and professional development
- Improvement of school infrastructure
- Locally led education innovation
- Leadership training and capacity building
- Mentorship and coaching support
- Small grants for education initiatives
Program Structure
Phase 1: Leadership Training (4 Weeks)
- Conducted in Nairobi, Kenya
- Intensive in-person leadership development
- Case studies and practical learning sessions
- Exposure to education systems and public/private sector tools
- Site visits and real-world learning experiences
Phase 2: Implementation & Support (6 Months)
- Continued mentorship and coaching
- Access to small grants for project implementation
- Support for community-based education initiatives
- Ongoing leadership and network development
Eligible Countries
Applicants must be from one of the following countries:
- Burundi
- Central African Republic
- Republic of the Congo
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Djibouti
- Eritrea
- Ethiopia
- Kenya
- Rwanda
- Somalia
- South Sudan
- Sudan
- Tanzania
- Uganda
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be aged 18–35 years
- Work in the primary or secondary education sector
- Demonstrate commitment to improving education outcomes
- Be proficient in English
- Not have previously participated in:
- YALI Regional Leadership Center programs
- Mandela Washington Fellowship
- Be available for full participation in both phases
Program Partners and Governance
The program is delivered by:
- Regional Leadership Center East Africa (Kenyatta University, Nairobi)
- Trevor Noah Foundation
- Supported by the Oak Foundation
It builds on the legacy of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) and expands leadership development opportunities in education.
Expected Outcomes
The program aims to:
- Develop strong education leaders across East and Central Africa
- Strengthen locally led education solutions
- Improve school systems and learning environments
- Expand professional networks for educators
- Enable real-world implementation of education innovations
- Support scalable impact in education sectors
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not meeting age or country eligibility requirements
- Lack of active involvement in education work
- Weak explanation of community impact goals
- Inability to commit to full training and follow-up phases
- Lack of clarity in proposed education improvement ideas
Tips for a Strong Application
- Clearly describe your role in education systems
- Show measurable impact in your current work
- Demonstrate leadership potential and initiative
- Align ideas with local education challenges
- Highlight readiness for full program engagement
- Emphasize sustainability of proposed solutions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Education Changemakers Program?
A leadership and innovation program for young education professionals in East and Central Africa.
Who can apply?
Education professionals aged 18–35 from 14 eligible African countries.
What does the program offer?
Training, mentorship, leadership development, and small grants for education projects.
Where is the training held?
In Nairobi, Kenya.
How long does the program last?
Approximately 6 months after the initial 4-week training.
Is funding provided?
Yes, small grants are available during the implementation phase.
Conclusion
The Education Changemakers Program strengthens the next generation of education leaders in East and Central Africa by combining structured leadership training with practical implementation support. It enables participants to design and implement locally driven solutions that improve education systems and expand opportunities for young learners across the region.
For more information, visit Trevor Noah Foundation.