Applications are now open for the 2024 Ashoka Young African Climate Changemakers Challenge.
This challenge, organized by Ashoka and the Anglo American Foundation, invites young people aged 16 – 25 from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Botswana to share their innovative ideas and initiatives to combat climate change.
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Eligibility Criteria
To participate, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Age
– Must be 16 – 25 years old at the time of application and not older than 25 by the end of the entry period on July 30, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. SAST.
Residency
– Must be a resident of South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, or Botswana.
Language
– Entries must be in English (Challenge communication and content will be in English).
General
– Only one entry per person or team.
– The primary impact of the initiative must be in one or more of the four countries: Zimbabwe, South Africa, Namibia, or Botswana.
– Applicants must be the founder or co-founder of the initiative represented in the application.
– The application can be for an idea-stage initiative (a plan to solve a problem) or an existing initiative at any development stage (proof of concept, established activities, or scaling).
Additional
– Winners under 18 must be accompanied by an adult chaperone to the in-person event, with approval from a parent or legal guardian.
Awards and Recognition
All eligible applicants will receive:
– Feedback from Ashoka & Anglo American Foundation networks on their entries.
– Optional peer feedback via the Challenge online platform, with opportunities to connect with other applicants.
– Access to information and learning sessions.
– Networking opportunities with peers and experts.
– Online resources on changemaking and social entrepreneurship.
Early Entry Standout
– Applicants who apply by the Early Entry Deadline will receive feedback to improve their application before the final deadline on July 30, 2024.
– $100 awarded to each of 3 selected winners if applications are submitted by May 30, 2024.
Semi-finalists
– Opportunity to refine applications based on feedback from reviewers.
– Access to roundtable discussions with peers.
– Feature on Ashoka’s communication and social media platforms.
Finalists
– Access to roundtable discussions with peers.
– Feature on Ashoka’s communication and social media platforms.
Winners
– $1000 for each of the 10 selected winners.
– Invitation and hosting at the in-person celebratory event in Johannesburg, South Africa.
– Access to storytelling and networking opportunities.
– Opportunity for mentoring from experienced social entrepreneurs.
Timeline:
– 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
Application Deadline: July 30, 2024.
