Over 70 entries, spanning Asia and Africa, poured into this year’s Average Foundation and Solve Education! Grant program, each showcasing the power of grassroots innovation. At Solve Education!, our mission is to amplify local leadership and maximize impact by supporting initiatives that make learning accessible, engaging, and relevant.
These 10 youth-led finalist teams share a common vision: creating real, sustainable change in their communities. Their initiatives span entrepreneurship and employment, AI and digital literacy, English and math education, financial literacy, and climate action.
While this year’s three winners have been announced separately, we believe every finalist’s story deserves to be heard. This article honors these 10 inspiring changemakers, each carefully chosen for their dedication, creativity, and potential to drive meaningful change. They reflect the spirit of the grant: projects that are feasible, aligned with AF and SE!’s mission, and focused on improving the lives of underserved children, youth, women, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
1. Talk Sustainable – Bekari (Benih Aksi Lestari), Indonesia
Bekari addresses the gap between theoretical environmental knowledge and practical action in Balinese schools. Using the 5E model, they integrate localized waste management and environmental stewardship into classrooms, cultivating future environmental leaders from a young age.
See what they do on Instagram: @talk.sustainable
2. Bumitara.id – Bumi Preuner, Indonesia
BumiPreuner empowers youth to turn household waste into sustainable businesses. By combining environmental action with entrepreneurship, they’re laying the foundation for a grassroots green economy in Indonesia.
Follow their journey: @bumitara.id
3. Edusquad – Edusquad Thailand, Thailand
Formed by students from Youngrise Thailand, Edusquad mentors children in Ratchathewi district with literacy and life skills. Their “Youth Mentors” model offers a safe space for self-expression and learning, fostering resilience and curiosity.
Learn more on Instagram: @edusquad_th
4. Garis Literasi USU – Digital Media Literacy Themed Community Service, Indonesia
Based in Medan, Garis Literasi USU hosts community workshops that tackle digital misinformation head-on. They promote critical thinking and ethical technology use, shaping a healthier digital culture in North Sumatra.
Check out their updates: @garisliterasi.usu
5. Green Career Gate – Green Collar Talkshow and Green Career Prep, Indonesia
A network of 25+ young professionals, Green Career Gate connects over 1,500 youths with green job opportunities—merging sustainability and employability through Solve Education!’s Edbot.ai.
Explore their impact: @green.cgate
6. Imagine Thailand Foundation – SYNG x edbot.ai: Expanding English Access Through Incentivized Learning, Thailand
This initiative brings Edbot.ai to under-resourced communities in Bangkok and Takua Pa, integrating it into learning and rewards systems to boost English learning beyond the classroom.
Follow their work: @samyannewgen and @imaginethailand
7. Plan to End Violence – My Voice, My Power (Indonesia)
In coastal communities, this project uses environmental sustainability as an entry point to address period poverty and gender-based violence. Their work includes providing reusable menstrual products and comprehensive sexuality education.
See their updates: @plantoendviolence
8. The Solution Cuts – SkillUp Cuts, Nigeria
This mobile barbing initiative trains 50 Nigerian students in haircutting skills, turning this craft into a tool for financial independence and community empowerment.
Follow along: @the_solution_cuts
9. SOYGOO by GOSOYA – SOY Empowerment Lab: Learning, Leading, and Living Sustainably, Indonesia
SOY Empowerment Lab transforms tempeh waste into eco-products through digital learning and eco-enterprise workshops. Their work empowers women and youth while championing circular economy solutions.
Connect with them: @soygoo.gosoya
10. EasyTech – Inspirational Spring EasyTech, Nigeria
Led by Yusuf Amos Enyojo, EasyTech provides computer literacy skills to students in Kogi State, breaking barriers to digital opportunity and fostering pathways to professional growth.
See their progress: Yusuf.amoseyo
At Solve Education!, our commitment is to continue supporting these youth-led initiatives, empowering them to innovate within their communities and beyond. Through our GAIN framework, Gamification, AI coaching, Incentives, and Network-building, we create an environment where learning becomes engaging and fun, coaching helps each individual grow, incentives motivate consistent effort, and networks of collaboration strengthen collective impact. This integrated approach nurtures an ecosystem where young changemakers develop the skills, connections, and confidence they need to tackle local challenges with creativity and purpose.
Together, Let’s Empower the Next Generation of Changemakers
Want to support the next cohort of youth changemakers?
Your collaboration makes it possible for us to support the next cohort of youth-led changemakers. By working together, we can build new opportunities for these inspiring leaders, nurture their growth, and ensure they have the resources they need to bring their visions to life.
Are you a changemaker?
Stay tuned for next year’s call for applications and discover how you can be part of a collective journey toward hope and action.
Let’s amplify these voices together, share this story with your networks, and let’s create a future where every young innovator has the tools and support they need to succeed.
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