AFS Intercultural Programs is proud to announce the selection of 3 outstanding young leaders for the Soundboard Impact Foundation Scholarships for the AFS Youth Assembly.
Through these scholarships, the Soundboard Impact Foundation supports emerging “Forces of Nature” who are authentically leveraging their unique personal and professional experiences to achieve a vision of positive social impact. This partnership with the AFS Youth Assembly represents a shared commitment to developing active global citizens and providing young leaders with the resources, mentorship, and global platform they need to solve pressing challenges.
From a highly competitive global pool of applicants, these three exceptional changemakers were chosen for their systemic, community-driven approaches to critical local and global issues. Their work spans healthcare innovation, education access, and mental health advocacy, demonstrating how grassroots leadership drives real-world change.
Meet the Winners
Abdulfatah Ramadhan Khamis, Tanzania – A counseling psychologist and researcher, currently pursuing a PhD in Turkey, who has pioneered a multidisciplinary support center serving 35,000 vulnerable women and children in Zanzibar.
“Receiving this scholarship is an incredible milestone that validates the urgency of integrating mental health into public health and development systems. Attending the AFS Youth Assembly at the World Health Organization in Geneva gives me a profound global platform to collaborate with fellow changemakers. This opportunity means I can bring localized grassroots insights from East Africa to an international stage and return with scalable, innovative frameworks to further elevate youth resilience, mental health research and educational equity in my community.”
Jennifer Eloundou, Cameroon – A Paris-based international auditor specializing in NGOs and co-founder of akuma, a nonprofit utilizing books and reading to promote quality education, empower youth, and foster long-term social change in Africa.
“This scholarship represents both recognition and responsibility: recognition of my journey so far, and responsibility to continue creating opportunities for others through education. It is also a precious and meaningful resource to connect with inspiring changemakers, learn from diverse perspectives and strengthen my work with akuma.”
King Mwila, Zambia – A medical doctor and founder of Tamanga Health Services, a Zambian social enterprise dedicated to eliminating health inequities by connecting underserved communities directly with trusted healthcare professionals and primary care.
“This Scholarship fuels my commitment to personal and professional development, equipping me to become an effective leader who inspires hope, advocates for underserved communities and creates meaningful opportunities for others.”
A Global Platform for Youth
The selected delegates will travel to Geneva, Switzerland in August 2026, to join the 31st Session of the AFS Youth Assembly. The AFS Youth Assembly is a global platform that brings together delegates from over 100 countries under this year’s theme: “Rise. Reimagine. Rebuild: A World for All.” The 2026 AFS Youth Assembly is organized in partnership with the UN Institute of Training and Research (UNITAR), and Delegates will to advance youth leadership in areas of:
- Reclaiming Development as a Human Right for All
- Policy, Justice and Adaptation: Real-World Solutions for Climate Resilience
- Rethinking Education: Youth Innovation for Future-Ready Skills
- Bridging Divides: The Power of Connection in a Polarized World
AFS Intercultural Programs, the organizers of the AFS Youth Assembly, is proud of this new partnership with the Soundboard Impact Foundation. Alongside other dedicated partners — such as bp, AstraZeneca, The Cyril Taylor Charitable Foundation, DHL, Schwarzman Scholars, and more — AFS continues to work to make the Youth Assembly as accessible, inclusive, and equitable as possible. Find out more about possibilities to partner with the AFS Youth Assembly.
Congratulations to the scholarship winners!