Education Changemakers – Trevor Noah Foundation

EDUCATION CHANGEMAKERS

THE CHALLENGE

Teachers are essential drivers of a high-quality education system. They play a vital role in educating, developing, protecting, and inspiring our youth. When the youth has access to high-quality education, society prospers. Therefore, investing in teachers is an investment in our future society.

Teaching is also a tough and complex job. Many are hungry for opportunities to develop in ways that encourage innovation and leadership. However, teachers often lack the resources and network needed to effect change in their classrooms and beyond.

THE APPROACH

We launched Education Changemakers in partnership with YALI-RCLSA (Young African Leaders Initiative) and the University of South Africa. The opportunity aims to capacitate young leaders in the education sector with leadership skills, tools, a network of support, and resources so they can transform their schools and communities. Education Changemakers consists of four weeks of in-person leadership training followed by coaching and mentoring, small grants to support school-based initiatives, and connection to an alumni network of like-minded young leaders across the African continent.

HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS

A PAN-AFRICAN OPPORTUNITY

In February 2020, we launched Education Changemakers with 50 young leaders representing 13 Sub-saharan African countries. Our leaders had diverse sets of experience and backgrounds. About 50% were Principals or teachers and 42% identified as living in a rural area.

LEADERSHIP TRAINING: 4 WEEKS

Over the next four weeks, our Education Changemakers completed four weeks of intensive and experiential leadership training. They compared best practices, discussed cutting-edge topics with world-class facilitators, embarked on site visits, and perfected how to pitch their innovative business idea. Pictured here, our leaders visit Streetlight Schools in Jeppestown, an innovative model for low-cost education in the inner-city.

PITCHING INNOVATIVE IDEAS

With their newly acquired knowledge, tools and skills, each Education Changemaker pitched their project designed to improve educational outcomes in their schools and communities. They were evaluated in four areas: Value Proposition, Financial Model, Beneficiary and Client Knowledge, and Presentation Skills. The top 10 presentations were eligible for a modest grant.

RETURN HOME, EMPOWERED

In the end, we honoured the education leaders at a certification ceremony. In addition to the implementation grant, finalists are also paired with a business coach for 6 months, while all Changemakers continue to receive mentorship.

Leaving was bittersweet. Although many were excited to reunite with their families, the camaraderie was undeniably strong.

MEET SOME OF OUR CHANGEMAKERS

Vera is a Malawian artist by trade, created the Toon Notebook. Inspired by 3D gaming and cartoons, the Toon Notebook is a captivating, fun and culturally relatable learning material for Early Child Development education.

Lungisa co-founded the Sikhulekile Reading Development and Life Skills, an academic and reading initiative in the Philippi community in Cape Town. Their goal is to inspire a culture of reading in township and rural areas by transforming avid readers into inspirational young authors.

Kabelo and Bonang, two teachers and social activists from South Africa, created The Marking App. This app allows teachers to spend less time on marking and administration and more time in front of the classroom. The app innovative features will allow for accurate corrections in a fraction of the time.

Jocelyn is a secondary School Head of Department from Seychelles. She developed the IAmSafe App, which services as a safe space for students to report bullying, seek advice, or be connected to a counsellor.

TESTIMONIALS

“I’m super grateful to the Trevor Noah Foundation and YALI RCL-SA for making this dream possible for us. As a long time activist, the Education Changemakers Program made me realise that I can be an entrepreneur too. While fighting for justice, one can also bring about much-needed solutions.” – Kabelo Mahlobogwane

“This was the biggest highlight of my life thus far, sharing the same vision with 44 Education activists did not only leave me empowered but obliged to submit to my calling!” – Lerato Esihle

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

To apply for upcoming Education Changemaker cohorts, follow us on social media or subscribe to our newsletter for updates on the recruitment period.

If you’re interested in partnering as a guest speaker, sponsor, or experiential site visit, please email info@trevornoahfoundation.org for consideration.

HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS

KEEP IN TOUCH

Subscribe to learn more about the Trevor Noah Foundation and never miss and update!

CONTACT