Applications open for the Ashoka Young African Climate Changemakers Challenge.

May 16, 2024 oppor4u 0 Comments

The 2024 Ashoka Young African Climate Changemakers Challenge is now accepting applications. In partnership with the Anglo American Foundation, Ashoka is inviting young individuals aged 16-25 from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Botswana to showcase their agency and innovation in addressing climate change through their ideas and existing initiatives. Together, let us shape a more sustainable world and create a lasting impact on the future of our planet.

To be eligible for the Ashoka Young African Climate Changemakers Challenge, participants must meet the following criteria:

1. Age: Applicants must be between 16 and 25 years old at the time of application, and not exceed the age of 25 by the end of the entry period on July 30, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. SAST.

2. Residency: Applicants must be residents of one of the four Southern African countries: South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana, or Namibia.

3. Language: Entries will only be accepted in English, as all challenge communication and content will be delivered in English.

4. General: Each person or team is limited to one entry. The primary country of impact for the initiative must be one or more of the following countries: Zimbabwe, South Africa, Namibia, or Botswana. Additionally, applicants must be the founder or co-founder of the initiative they are applying for.

Applications can fall into two categories:

1. Idea-stage initiative: Participants have an idea on how to solve a problem they have identified and have a plan of action.

2. Existing initiative: Participants have proof of concept by piloting and conducting initial activities, establishing activities, or scaling their initiative.

If a winner is under 18 years old, they must be accompanied by an adult chaperone to the in-person event, and their participation must be approved by their parent or legal guardian.

Awards and Recognition: Ashoka Young African Climate Changemakers Challenge

All eligible applicants will receive the following benefits:

1. Feedback from Ashoka & Anglo American Foundation networks on their entries.
2. Optional peer feedback via the Challenge online platform, including the opportunity to view, review, and connect with other YACC Challenge applicants.
3. Access to information and learning sessions.
4. Networking opportunities to connect with like-minded peers and experts in the field.
5. Access to online resources on changemaking and social entrepreneurship.

Early Entry Standout

Applicants who submit their applications by the Early Entry Deadline will receive feedback to enhance their application before the final deadline of July 30, 2024. Additionally, if your application is submitted by May 30, 2024, you will have the chance to be one of the three selected winners who will receive $100 each.

Semi-finalists

Semi-finalists will have the opportunity to refine their applications based on feedback from reviewers. They will also gain access to roundtable offerings with like-minded peers and be featured on Ashoka’s communication and social media platforms.

Finalists

Finalists will have access to roundtable offerings with like-minded peers and be featured on Ashoka’s communication and social media platforms.

Winners

The ten selected winners will each receive $1000. They will also be invited and hosted at the in-person celebratory event in Johannesburg, South Africa. Winners will have access to storytelling and networking opportunities, as well as the opportunity for mentoring from seasoned social entrepreneurs.

Timeline: Ashoka Young African Climate Changemakers Challenge

– May 30, 2024: Early Entry Deadline
– July 30, 2024: Final Entry Deadline
– September 9, 2024: Semi-finalists Announcement
– November 7, 2024: Winners announcement
– Early December 2024: Winners attend the in-person event in Johannesburg, South Africa.