Funded Youth Exchange Program 2027 with the Opportunity to Travel to East Africa

ChangemakerXchange, with support from the Julius Baer Foundation, is accepting applications for the Changemakers for Equality 2027 program, offering young people, social entrepreneurs, and community initiative leaders the opportunity to join an international program focused on leadership development and cross-regional collaboration between participants from East Africa and the Gulf region.

The program aims to support young leaders who are running social or environmental projects and initiatives that help reduce inequality, improve access to education, employment, and essential services, and promote greater social and economic justice within their communities.

The program combines online training and mentoring with participation in a five-day in-person summit in March 2027, alongside opportunities to build partnerships and connect with experts and social entrepreneurs from different countries.

• Coverage of accommodation costs throughout the five-day in-person summit.

• Meals provided during the official summit days.

• Coverage of local transportation during the summit.

• Coverage of venue, materials, and training activity costs.

• Access to training sessions and workshops focused on developing leadership and management skills and strengthening the impact of participants’ projects.

• Participation in tailored support programs based on participants’ needs, both in person and online.

• Possibility of receiving partial or full financial support for travel costs, depending on individual circumstances and available funding.

• Possible coverage of visa fees, mandatory travel insurance, and necessary accommodation during flight layovers, under the approved travel support.

• Participation in an international summit bringing together leaders of social and environmental initiatives.

• Access to mentoring and networking opportunities with experts, supporting organizations, and funders.

• Opportunity to receive seed funding for collaborative projects developed jointly by participants.

• Build relationships and partnerships with social entrepreneurs from different countries.

• Join the global ChangemakerXchange network and benefit from ongoing learning and collaboration opportunities after the program ends.

• Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old.

• Applicants must be from one of the eligible countries, currently reside there, or create social impact there, according to the program’s eligibility criteria.

• Applicants must hold a leadership role or decision-making responsibility within an active social or environmental project or organization.

• The initiative should focus on addressing inequality and improving opportunities for disadvantaged or underserved groups.

• The initiative must already be operational, preferably with demonstrated results or a completed pilot project.

• The project should have the potential to grow, scale, or create sustainable impact.

• Applicants must have a good command of English that allows them to participate effectively in sessions, activities, and discussions.

• Applicants must commit to all stages of the program, including online sessions and the full in-person summit.

• Applicants should demonstrate a willingness to collaborate, exchange experiences, and develop joint projects.