The Education Changemakers Program 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 offers intensive in-person training, mentorship, and small grants to drive lasting impact across the region.
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, with support from the Oak Foundation. Together, the partners continue to strengthen a growing network of education leaders committed to improving learning outcomes across the region.
Education Changemakers Program Benefits
- Four weeks of immersive, in-person leadership training in Nairobi, Kenya
- Six months of post-training support including coaching, mentoring, and access to small grants to implement school-based initiatives
- Join a growing pan-African alumni network committed to transforming education across the continent
- No fees required to apply or participate
Education Changemakers Program Eligibility Criteria
- Aged 18–35
- From Burundi, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, or Uganda
- Actively working in or with the primary or secondary education sector
- Demonstrate commitment to improving education outcomes
- Proficient in English
- First-time applicants (not alumni of YALI RLC or Mandela Washington Fellowship)
- Commit to the full in-person training and post-program engagement
How to Apply for Education Changemakers Program?
- Visit the official application link at https://mis.rlceastafrica.org/
- Submit your application before the deadline of 13 May 2026
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Education Changemakers Program. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.
What is the Education Changemakers Program?
The Education Changemakers Program is a leadership development initiative for young educators and education innovators in East and Central Africa. It includes four weeks of in-person training in Nairobi, followed by six months of coaching, mentoring, and small grants to implement school-based projects.
Who can apply for the Education Changemakers Program?
Young leaders aged 18–35 from Burundi, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda who are actively working in primary or secondary education and are proficient in English.
Is the Education Changemakers Program fully funded?
Yes, the program is fully funded. No fees are required to apply or participate. The program covers the cost of training, materials, and provides small grants for post-training initiatives.
What is the deadline to apply for the 3rd cohort?
Applications close on 13 May 2026. The training will take place from 20 July to 14 August 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya.
What are the phases of the Education Changemakers Program?
Phase 1 is four weeks of immersive in-person leadership training in Nairobi. Phase 2 is six months of post-training support including coaching, mentoring, and access to small grants to implement school-based initiatives.
Can alumni of YALI RLC or Mandela Washington Fellowship apply?
No, the program is for first-time applicants only. Alumni of YALI RLC or the Mandela Washington Fellowship are not eligible to apply.
What countries are eligible for the Education Changemakers Program?
Eligible countries are Burundi, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.
What kind of support do participants receive after training?
Participants receive six months of coaching and mentoring, plus access to small grants to implement school-based initiatives. They also join a pan-African alumni network.
How do I apply for the Education Changemakers Program?
Applications are submitted online through the official portal at https://mis.rlceastafrica.org/. The deadline is 13 May 2026.
Who implements the Education Changemakers Program?
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, with support from the Oak Foundation.
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