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Choose Africa's Next Changemakers!

Travel
by Julie Schwietert Aug 12, 2009
Matador is always interested in the work Ashoka is supporting around the world.

Ashoka International bills itself as a “global association of the world’s leading social entrepreneurs—men and women with system changing solutions for the world’s most urgent social problems.” Ashoka’s members focus their efforts on six broad areas– civic engagement, economic development, the environment, health, human rights, and education–and the organization is always looking for entrepreneurs to support with funds and technical assistance.

Champions of Education in Africa is one of Ashoka’s most recent projects. Focused on generating sustainable, effective education projects in Africa and led by Africans, Ashoka partnered with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation to provide funding for three outstanding projects.

After having received and reviewed more than 300 proposals from entrants living in 35 different countries, Ashoka narrowed the pool down to 14 finalists. They’re now asking the public to vote for the three finalists, each of which will receive $5,000 USD toward the realization of their goals. You can read the proposals and make your vote here.

Community Connection:

Learn more about Ashoka in this article from our archives: “Are You a Changemaker?”

Read more about positive projects in Africa in this article: “Good News Out of Africa.”

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