Changemakers Program

Changemakers Summit in Kenya, January 2024
Changemakers Summit in Kenya, January 2024 / Author: James Ndirangu

Changemakers Program

  • Our Objective

    The Changemakers Program is a hands-on, six-month training program co-designed with and for youth from Kenya, Madagascar, Peru, and Switzerland. It equips them with transferable skills and knowledge to drive positive change in their communities. The program is closely aligned both thematically and geographically with the Regional Stewardship Hubs, complementing and contributing to local youth empowerment.

  • Figures

    The project was launched on June 1, 2023 and is currently in progress.

Summary

In 2023, the Wyss Academy launched its Changemakers Program: this training program empowers and equips young people from Kenya, Peru, Madagascar and Switzerland to play leading roles in fostering sustainable development. 

Participants develop and implement their own local community projects and learn what it takes to succeed in policy advocacy and entrepreneurship. Through this, they gain transferable skills and knowledge to drive positive change in human-nature relationships within their communities.  

Building networks is another important focus of the program. Several Changemakers have showcased their innovative projects, insights, and the program itself at national events in their respective countries. Since its launch in June 2023, the program has welcomed 60 participants from four countries.

External stakeholders: Emzingo Group–LLC, Goodwall SA, Aiducation International, Nature Explorers Peru, Youth First Madagascar & Impact Kenya.

Project Connections

Timeline

  • The 2025 Entrepreneurship Jumpstart Academy in Nairobi

    Project Update November 17, 2025

    Rooted in the belief that entrepreneurship can build both livelihoods and nations, the program offers youth access to the skills, mentorship, and networks they need to start their journey. This edition was particularly special: it marked the first collaboration between the Wyss Academy for Nature and Aiducation, uniting two networks of changemakers into one learning cohort and strengthening peer learning. In response to feedback from our Changemaker Program, the finance component was expanded to a full-day, hands-on session to deepen budgeting, key metrics, and investment readiness.  The focus aligns with our mission—enhancing youth entrepreneurship as part of building resilient livelihoods and scaling grounded insights across regions.  “The Academy was more than just a training; it was a chance to rediscover myself as an entrepreneur,” shared one participant. 

    People during a training

  • From strategy to storytelling

    Project Update October 6, 2025

    Elizabeth, Changemaker from Kenya, attending the 2025 Changemakers Program Welcome Day

  • From strategy to storytelling

    Project Update September 5, 2025

    Kenyan cohort, attending the Camel Caravan in Kenya

  • Building stronger foundations

    Project Update August 1, 2025

    Kheira, changemaker from Madagascar, holding a workshop

  • From insight to impact

    Project Update July 4, 2025

    Elizabeth, changemaker from Kenya, in the field

  • Learning to Lead Through Listening

    Project Update June 8, 2025

    Melarcia, changemaker from Madagascar, exploring surroundings

  • Empowering youth for Sustainable Impact

    Project Update May 9, 2025

    Fredrick, Changemaker from Kenya, attending the kickoff course of the Changemakers Program 2025

  • Changemakers summit: Public Event

    Project Update February 16, 2024

    At the program's closing public event, Changemakers presented their climate-positive business models to an audience of 70 prominent guests from academia, local governments, NGOs, and the private sector. This dynamic event celebrated youth-driven leadership, with each team’s solution judged on scalability, sustainability, and market potential. The event highlighted the Changemakers’ journey, their dedication, and the promising role of young leaders in environmental innovation and social change.

    Changemakers summit: Public Event

  • Changemakers summit: Hackathon

    Project Update February 15, 2024

    At the program’s summit in Kenya, participants took part in an intensive hackathon, where they formed teams to develop youth-led, climate-positive business models. During this high-energy event, the young Changemakers brainstormed innovative solutions for sustainable business ideas, aiming to align with the Wyss Academy East Africa Hub’s mission and envision eco-friendly businesses for national and international markets. This collaborative experience sparked creative thinking, teamwork, and groundbreaking solutions in climate action.

    Changemakers summit: Hackathon

  • Changemakers Summit, Naibunga Visit

    Project Update February 12, 2024

    At the program’s summit in Kenya, participants visited Naibunga Conservancy, where they experienced firsthand the power of community-led conservation and sustainable land management. The Naibunga visit offered a unique, on-the-ground look at how local initiatives can protect wildlife, restore ecosystems, and ensure sustainable livelihoods. This transformative experience showcased the impact these young leaders could bring to conservation efforts within their own communities.

    Changemakers Summit, Kenya

Team