About the network
Inspired by Malala and Ziauddin Yousafzai’s roots as local activists in Pakistan, we established the Malala Fund Education Champion Network to identify, invest in and scale the work of promising local advocates and educators.
Over the course of a three-year grant, Education Champions implement ambitious and targeted projects and participate in advocacy campaigns to change local and national policies that hinder girls' access to education.
Malala Fund supports Education Champions in Afghanistan, Brazil, Ethiopia, India, Lebanon, Nigeria, Pakistan and Turkey.
Advance
Champions receive tailored support that enhances their skills and abilities to lead change in the communities and organisations they work in.
Amplify
Through media and strategic public engagements, Champions gain direct access to decision-makers.
Connect
Champions connect at national, regional and global convenings to identify opportunities for collaboration.
Invest
Over the next two years, Malala Fund will invest $7.8 million in Champions’ programmes and advocacy campaigns.
Today, Malala Fund supports 56 Education Champions in 10 countries with the greatest need.
How we identify Education Champions
Malala Fund Education Champions are individuals who have a successful track record of addressing barriers to girls’ education in countries with the most girls out of school.
Every year, Malala Fund receives Education Champion nominations from a wide network of organisations and individuals. Our recruitment process is led by in-country experts who provide national input and insight. Through rigorous analysis, we identify individuals who are able to deliver, through their organisations, high-impact projects that advance girls’ education and create lasting change for girls.
Where we work
Malala Fund works in regions where the most girls miss out on secondary education.
42%
Most girls in rural Bangladesh dropout of school after primary school, with dropout rates at nearly 42 percent. (UNICEF)
60%
There are 3.7 million out-of-school children in Afghanistan — 60% are girls. (UNICEF)
