Call for Applications: 2025 Be the Change Champions Program for Young Changemakers
Are you a young changemaker between the ages of 18 and 35 who is passionate about sustainable development and eager to make a lasting impact in your community? The 2025 edition of the Be the Change Champions program, facilitated by iLEAD AFRICA, is now open for applications.
This transformative initiative seeks dynamic, motivated, and visionary youth who are committed to addressing local challenges and contributing to the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The 2025 program promises to be the most impactful yet—bigger in scope, stronger in capacity development, and broader in reach. It offers an exceptional opportunity for young individuals to grow as leaders and changemakers while actively engaging in community transformation.
About the Program
The Be the Change Champions initiative is designed to empower youth by equipping them with the tools, knowledge, and networks needed to lead meaningful community-driven initiatives. Selected Champions will receive comprehensive virtual training, ongoing mentorship, and access to a dynamic alumni network of past participants and fellow change agents from across Africa and beyond.
Working in collaboration with iLEAD AFRICA, Champions will engage in addressing critical social, environmental, and economic issues. Through inclusive and innovative approaches, they will mobilize local solutions to pressing challenges while inspiring civic responsibility and leadership in others.
Key Responsibilities of a Champion
Participants in the Be the Change Champions program are expected to embrace an active role within their communities. Their responsibilities include:
Community Engagement: Mobilizing and working alongside like-minded peers to plan and implement meaningful community initiatives.
Advocacy and Awareness: Supporting local campaigns that align with specific SDGs, raising awareness on key social, environmental, and economic issues.
Collaborative Projects: Partnering with fellow changemakers to design and execute voluntary community projects aimed at creating sustainable change.
Training Participation: Actively participating in weekly online training sessions and mentorship engagements led by experienced facilitators and thought leaders.
Monitoring and Reporting: Providing regular updates on project milestones and sharing success stories with the program network.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the 2025 cohort, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Age: Be between 18 and 35 years old at the time of application.
Residency: Reside in the country where they are submitting their application.
Experience: Prior involvement in community-based initiatives, advocacy efforts, or project management is an added advantage but is not mandatory.
Commitment: Demonstrate a willingness and ability to commit to the full duration of the program.
Skillset: Possess strong interpersonal skills, including communication, teamwork, and leadership capabilities.
What Participants Gain
The Be the Change Champions program offers numerous benefits designed to support participants’ personal and professional development:
Mentorship:
One-on-one and group mentorship from experienced community leaders and professionals in development.
Capacity Building:
Access to curated training modules designed to enhance skills in leadership, project design, fundraising, advocacy, and monitoring & evaluation.
Leadership Development:
A structured program that builds confidence and cultivates effective, ethical, and visionary leadership qualities.
Global Recognition:
Recognition as a Be the Change Champion with the opportunity to showcase local impact on regional and international platforms.
SDG-Aligned Projects:
Opportunities to conceptualize and implement local initiatives that contribute to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Seed Grant Opportunities:
Select Champions will have the opportunity to apply for small grants to fund eligible community projects.
Networking:
Connection to a vibrant network of youth leaders, experts, and development practitioners across various sectors and geographies.
Additional Information
This is a volunteer position and does not include financial remuneration.- iLEAD AFRICA emphasizes inclusivity and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and individuals from underrepresented communities.
Application Deadline
All applications must be submitted by 4th May 2025. Early applications are strongly encouraged due to the competitive nature of the program.This is more than just a training opportunity it is a call to action for passionate young people to become local catalysts for global change.
The Be the Change Champions program is the platform where dreams of creating a better world take root and blossom into tangible community impact.
For more information and to apply, interested individuals are encouraged to visit the official iLEAD AFRICA website or contact the organizing team directly.
