Meet a Changemaker
Connecting Classrooms Through Culture and Collaboration
Meet a Changemaker is a virtual program that connects classrooms across the country or around the world with youth changemakers from countries including Bangladesh, Cameroon, Mali, Pakistan, Suriname, the U.S. and other iEARN partners. These inspiring young leaders share with the students how they are addressing real-world issues such as environmental conservation, access to quality education, good health and well-being and youth empowerment. Students gain real-world inspiration and global awareness by engaging directly with youth changemakers, fostering empathy and empowering them to take action in their own communities.
Participating teachers receive:
- a curated set of iEARN lesson plans to help students prepare for cross-cultural communication
Our Meet a Changemaker Exchange Format
Format: Live Zoom webinar with Q&A (45 minutes)
Facilitated by: iEARN-USA staff and trained facilitators
Why Participate in a Meet a Changemaker Exchange?
- Development of global competencies like:
- Understanding and appreciating diverse perspectives
- Effective communication and collaboration
- Examining and communicating local, global, and intercultural issues
- Real-world connections to curriculum
- Equity in international learning experiences
Student Testimonials
I learned how important it is to share experiences with people from different countries, like America, and realized we have a lot in common despite the distance. It was great to discover new ideas about making the world better and feel supported by other participants.
10th/11th grade student, Moldova
I learned that real change starts with ordinary people who dare to act. Meeting people from different countries showed me that our challenges may be different but our dreams for a better world are the same. It inspired me to think bigger act bolder and believe in the power of unity.
10th/11th grade student, Pakistan
It was so rewarding to hear that someone in high school was able to start a non-profit business. It really motivated me to continue volunteering. Her story shows that any of us students is capable of giving back to the community. But it was even better being able to learn alongside students in Pakistan and Moldova…I’m thankful my teacher took advantage of this. It is cool to be able to see students who are in school just like me, but they learn in a completely different place and culture. I quickly fell in love with the diverse accents and culture while the students were introducing themselves.
12th grade student, North Carolina, USA
Changemaker Speakers
Mohamed Kamate
Country Location: Mali
Date: April 22, 2026
Time: 11:00 – 11:45 am EST
Topic: Environment
Mohamed is a YES program alumnus and environmental advocate from Mali. His journey began during his exchange year in the United States, where he volunteered in community services and discovered a passion for protecting the environment. Since returning home, Mohamed has led street and household clean-up initiatives and launched programs that inspire communities to adopt good environmental habits. Through his work, he empowers people to build stronger environmental awareness and contribute to a cleaner, healthier environment.
Muhammad Sufiyan
As a YES program alumnus, Muhammad has demonstrated a strong commitment to education, youth empowerment, and social impact. His work includes organizing projects, mainly focused on Health, Climate Change and education across Pakistan. He has organised workshops on project Management, leadership and AI and has contributed to research on Women’s Financial Inclusivity, commissioned by UNDP in Collaboration with KSBL. He aims to bring innovation to Pakistan’s Education system and build resilient and equitable communities at both local and global levels.
Ainsley Burkes
Country Location: USA
Date: May 1, 2026
Time: 4:00 – 4:45 pm EST
Topic: Reduced Inequalities
For Ainsley, a NSLI-Y program alumna, volunteering has always been a constant in her life. During high school, she helped start a non-profit to help immigrants, refugees, and the elderly develop technology skills and bridge the digital divide. Since attending college, she has volunteered extensively in various programs focused on international exchange, disaster response, and emergency relief. Her volunteer work has strongly demonstrated her commitment to local and global communities who are in need.
Joseph Lambe
Country Location: Cameroon
Date: May 8, 2026
Time: 1:00 – 1:45 pm EST
Topic: Environment
As a YES program alumnus, Joseph has actively contributed to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through youth-focused initiatives in Cameroon. Some examples include impactful projects focused on engaging young people in environmental protection and community clean-up activities, empowering young women with leadership and public speaking skills, and equipping youth with conflict resolution and peacebuilding skills.
Simone Punchak
Topic: Good Health & Well-being
Raisona Alam
Country Location: Bangladesh
Date: May 15, 2026
Time: 1:00 – 1:45 pm EST
Topic: Environment and Youth Empowerment
During her YES program exchange year, Raisona took part in several community service activities, including volunteering at a local library, doing fundraisers at her church and volunteering at the “Battle of the flowers parade”. Since then, she has volunteered in various environmental conservation projects in her home country of Bangladesh, focusing on lake and coastal clean-ups. She has also organized projects to care for underprivileged communities and to advocate for and support girl’s and women’s good health and well-being.
Charessa Mirhasan
