Stories from Sub-Saharan Africa

Changemaker Journey Magnus' story is a testament to the power of resilience, particularly in the face of tragedy and heart-rending personal loss. Following the passing of his father, Magnus had to contend with a number of significant challenges — all while reckoning with the traumatic experience of...

Changemaker Journey Abeedah's changemaking journey has largely been driven by her personal experiences, with the challenges she contended with as a child having an indelible impact on her sustainable outlook and activist mindset. Her secondary school years were marked by devastating natural...

Changemaker Journey Amara is one of countless activists who have been compelled by challenging circumstances to rise to the task of effecting positive change in disadvantaged communities, supporting people in need to lead the lives they deserve. What sets her apart, however, is her unwavering...

Changemaker Journey Like many young Nigerians, Victor understands just how hard it is to strive for success when faced with economic and structural disadvantages. He grew up without the means, opportunities or access to pursue his passions, with these considerable barriers almost proving...

Changemaker Journey An avid IT enthusiast, Joshua has always been passionate about technology. Immersing himself in all things tech-related and honing his digital skills at an exceptionally young age, Joshua whet his appetite for IT at any and every opportunity he could get. However, over time, he...

Changemaker Journey Currently enrolled at the University of Calabar — undertaking an Economics and Education Bachelor's degree — Ruth prides herself on effecting lasting change as a girl child advocate. Having personally contended with the challenges of period poverty growing up, raising greater...

Changemaker Journey Almajirai are children — typically between the ages of 5 and 14 — enrolled in non-formal institutions referred to as “Tsangaya”: Qur’anic schools that teach an Islamic system of education. These children are often from the most underserved rural areas in northern Nigeria, and...

Splendour Kalu is a young changemaker dedicated to empowering students in rural areas of Nigeria, especially young girls, with digital skills. Through his initiative, Communities Will Connect, Splendour is bridging the digital literacy gap by providing underserved children the opportunity to learn...

Godwin Kevin is a young changemaker working to ensure access to opportunities for young people. As a passionate advocate for youth leadership and empowerment, he is committed to connecting young people to resources, training and engagements that help them become changemakers. He believes that with...

David Onilude is a young changemaker empowering and improving the livelihoods of children in underserved communities in Nigeria through technology. His work is ensuring that young people in rural communities have the digital skills, resources, and support to thrive in today’s rapidly changing world...

Ayomide Akran is a 13-year-old changemaker dedicated to sustainable environment and gender equality in Nigeria. She is committed to combatting ‘period poverty’ and improving the recycling system in Nigeria by providing sustainable reusable pads for young girls. Ayomide believes that with the right...

Jonathan Godwin is a technology savvy young changemaker who is helping ensure that young people with few financial or educational resources are building the skills most needed for today's rapidly changing world. He is unleashing their power as changemakers through alternative models that champion...

“I want to leave everyone that I have met better than how I met them. I want them to begin to see possibilities in themselves, and begin to think of growth.”

This is the story of how Memory and her peers in Zambia are advocating for people with albinism and activating others to create a safer and more inclusive society.

Marcus, a 13-year-old changemaker from Kenya, launched an online e-learning platform to inspire kids like him to spend more time developing their unique skills and talents.

As a university student in South Africa working on youth development, Thabiso actively sees the potential for excellence in all students. When she is not in class, she is rallying her peers to equip younger students to be engaged learners, active civic leaders, and ambitious changemakers.

Daniel is on a journey to enable young people in Lagos, Nigeria to determine their own future through education, employment, and agency.

Bukola's journey to launching Nigeria’s first online and voluntary blood donor register started in her teens. Since learning she had sickle cell as a young girl, Bukola has been on a mission to increase the quality of life for millions living with the disease.

From a young age, Daniel has been committed to feeding his community. Today, he is reconceiving the food production system across Côte d'Ivoire.

Uche discovered his love for innovation and entrepreneurship at a young age, which prepared him to transform infant and maternal health practices across Nigeria.