Application Deadline: 13 May 2026
Applications are now open for the 2026 Trevor Noah Foundation Education Changemakers Program. 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.
Program Details
The program consists of two phases:
Phase 1:
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.
Phase 2:
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.
Requirements
The Trevor Noah Foundation Education Changemakers 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:
- Be actively working in or with the primary or secondary education sector
- Demonstrate commitment to improving education outcomes
- Be proficient in English
- Be first-time applicants (not alumni of YALI RLC or Mandela Washington Fellowship)
- Commit to the full in-person training and post-program engagement
Application Timeline:
- Applications Open: 28 April 2026
- Applications Close: 13 May 2026
- Training Dates: 20 July – 14 August 2026
Applications are reviewed through a merit-based selection process, including interviews for shortlisted candidates.
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the Trevor Noah Foundation Education Changemakers Program
