AFS Intercultural Programs is proud to announce the selection of 10 outstanding young leaders for the Youth Assembly Impact Program for Africa – The Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program. With grant support from the Sir Cyril Taylor Charitable Foundation, this initiative is designed to empower young changemakers from Sub-Saharan Africa with the skills, resources, and funding needed to drive sustainable development in their communities.
With 70% of its population under 30, Africa holds immense potential to tackle pressing global challenges and unlock vast opportunities. The United Nations underscores the importance of investing in young African leaders to create meaningful impact. The Cyril Taylor Young African Leaders Program aligns with this vision by equipping 10 exceptional individuals, aged 18-35, with capacity-building opportunities, seed funding, and essential resources to amplify their initiatives for sustainable development.
We are thrilled to introduce our 10 winners, who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to sustainable development:
- Julia Muhumuza (Uganda): A Master of Public Policy candidate at Oxford and co-founder of TME, Julia is a youth leader dedicated to education access, policy influence, and community transformation.
- Ruth Nanjala (Kenya): A PhD candidate at Oxford, Ruth is a scientist and mentor empowering African researchers through education, capacity building, and global mentorship initiatives.
- Aliyu Sadiq (Nigeria): An environmental leader and co-founder of Ecocykle, Aliyu drives climate action, circular economy initiatives, and policy advocacy across Africa.
- Rokiatou Traoré (Mali): A green entrepreneur and co-founder of Herou Alliance, Rokiatou empowers rural African women and youth through agroforestry and sustainable economic initiatives.
- Odunayo Aliu (Nigeria): An educator and social entrepreneur, Odunayo founded Bramble Network to provide alternative learning spaces for marginalized children in Nigeria.
- Oluwadamilare Adisa (Nigeria): A linguist and education advocate, Oluwadamilare advances multicultural education and digital literacy through research and community-driven programs.
- Mustapha Hadi (Nigeria): A climate advocate and co-founder of Panacea Foundation, Mustapha leads afforestation, land restoration, and sustainable urban development projects.
- Achulo Prosper (Ghana): A social entrepreneur and business leader, Prosper supports smallholder farmers, mentors youth, and promotes climate-smart agriculture in Ghana.
- Karabo Ntjana (South Africa): A passionate writer and actuarial science student, Karabo aims to inspire youth through storytelling and embracing challenges as opportunities for growth.
- Paulema Garmai Gweama (Liberia): A geoscientist and founder of the Youth and Girls Educational Initiative, Paulema empowers Liberian girls through education, sustainability, and advocacy.
This year’s scholarship program received an overwhelming response, with 120 applications submitted. The most common Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) focus areas among applicants were: SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 13: Climate Action, SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being.
The 10 selected Sir Cyril Taylor Young African Changemakers will embark on a transformative journey that includes:
- Global Competence Certificate (GCC) Program: Virtual training to build intercultural competencies crucial for effective community impact.
- Leadership Development Workshops: Equipping participants with the skills and knowledge to maximize their experience at the AFS Youth Assembly.
- Participation in the AFS Youth Assembly (August 8-10, 2025, New York City): Networking with global leaders, innovators, and peers. Changemakers will receive special recognition at the Closing Ceremony.
- Effect+ in the Community Workshop (August 8, 2025, NYC): Intensive training in changemaking skills and community impact strategies.
- Post-Program Impact Projects with Seed Funding: Upon returning home, each Changemaker will lead a community workshop reaching at least 100 young people and initiate an impact project with seed funding, supported by the AFS Youth Assembly Impact Network.
Congratulations to the scholarship winners. The incredible impact they will create in their communities and beyond will be featured in further communications.
About Sir Cyril Taylor Charitable Foundation
The Sir Cyril Taylor Charitable Foundation supports educational initiatives and fosters intercultural understanding, carrying forward the legacy of Sir Cyril Taylor.
About AFS Intercultural Programs
AFS Intercultural Programs is a global network that provides intercultural learning opportunities to help people develop the knowledge, skills, and understanding needed to create a more just and peaceful world. The AFS Youth Assembly is a global platform that cultivates an international network of young leaders and changemakers through exchange, education, action and impact. The 30th Session of the AFS Youth Assembly, “Defying Adversity: Empowering Young Global Citizens to Lead” will convene in New York City on August 8-10, 2025.