The Trevor Noah Foundation Education Changemakers
The Education Changemakers Program (ECM) is now accepting applications for its third cohort in East and Central Africa, inviting passionate young leaders working in education to apply for a transformative leadership development experience.
The program is spearheaded by the Regional Leadership Center East Africa at Kenyatta University in Nairobi and implemented in partnership with the Trevor Noah Foundation (TNF), with support from the Oak Foundation.
Originally launched as part of the broader Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), the Education Changemakers Program has evolved into a flagship initiative sustained by the Trevor Noah Foundation and the Regional Leadership Center East Africa. The program continues to build on this legacy by empowering young education leaders with the tools, networks, and support needed to transform their schools and communities.
The program consists of two phases:
Four weeks of immersive, in-person leadership training in Nairobi, Kenya. Participants gain foundational leadership skills, explore how business and public-sector tools can strengthen education systems, and participate in case studies and site visits.
Six months of post-training support, including coaching, mentoring, and access to small grants to implement school-based initiatives.
Participants join a growing pan-African alumni network committed to transforming education across the continent.
The program is looking for young leaders aged 18–35 from the following 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:
Applications are reviewed through a merit-based selection process, including interviews for shortlisted candidates.
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