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Two alliances founded by a high school student in Cameroon

Sapih Defo Fodjou Chris founded and leads the African Renaissance Education Alliance, which he says has connected over 1,000 African students to scholarships and mentorship, and a second alliance for young conservationists.

Sapih Defo Fodjou Chris, Bafoussam, Cameroon

Over 1,000 African students have been connected to scholarships, mentorship programs, leadership initiatives and international conferences through the African Renaissance Education Alliance, he says. He founded it and is its chief executive officer. He is still in high school, a student at Catholic Bilingual Grammar School Monseigneur André Wouking.

AREA, as he shortens it, is a youth-led initiative built around education, mentorship, leadership development, scholarship access and global opportunities for African students. The numbers are not his alone. He says he has "worked with an incredible team" to reach them.

“Your background doesn't determine your future self”

Sapih Defo Fodjou Chris

His second organisation is the African Youth Conservation Alliance, AYCA. He founded and runs that too. It is focused on environmental sustainability, conservation education and climate action. Through it, he says, "we have supported approximately 100 young African conservationists", helping them access funding opportunities, capacity-building programs, partnerships and resources to implement environmental projects.

He describes himself as a "youth leader, social entrepreneur, education advocate, and environmental sustainability champion from Cameroon."

Beyond the two alliances, he has served as a United Nations Youth Delegate, representing young people in discussions on education, sustainability and leadership. "This experience strengthened my commitment to ensuring that young people are actively involved in shaping solutions to local and global challenges," he says.

He also serves as an Ambassador for EduINFrance, where he helps students explore pathways to international education, "particularly opportunities to study in France."