AFRICAFacebook announced the winners of the 2021 Facebook Community Accelerator Program, highlighting the 13 Facebook community leaders from Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya out of over 13,000 applicants who entered the competition.

The winners will receive training, mentorship and up to US$50,000 in funds to invest in an initiative that extends their community’s positive impact.

The Community Accelerator is part of Facebook’s Community Leadership Program, a program to help leaders harness the power of their community to turn impactful ideas into action. Leaders will learn how to harness the power of their community to turn impactful ideas into action.

This year’s cohort features a diverse spectrum of communities engaged in interesting social impact activities ranging from combating child sexual abuse to helping moms and sharing stories of ordinary and extraordinary Nigerians from around the world.

“We are excited to announce the 13 Facebook community leaders in Africa who have been helping to resolve social challenges, empowering their audiences with knowledge while connecting with others that share their interests or passion for a cause,” Kiran Yoliswa, Partner Management Lead, Middle East and Africa Community Partnerships at Facebook said.

“At Facebook, we are committed to helping people realise their full potential through initiatives like this. We want these community leaders to use the Facebook platform to drive change and provide support and encouragement for thousands of people.

“We are impressed with the outcome of this year’s Community Accelerator and we look forward to helping our 2021 community Accelerator winners amplify their influence for greater work.”

The community leaders from Nigeria include Achimugu Elizabeth, Protect The Child Foundation; Godwin Juliet, Naija Graphic Designers; Izevbokun Osamakue, Mothers, Kids And More; Michael Louisa, Natural Hair Babes; Nworah Martin, Tales of Nigerians; Ogudoro Peter, Nigerian Teachers; Olisa Enoch, Prepare for JAMB UTME; Philip Udeochu, Portfolio 9 (Community) and Urhefe Ofejiro, Naija Nurses Forum.

From South Africa they include, Ramuada Tshililo, South African Arts & Culture Youth Forum and Splinters Lucretia, The Official Ocean View/Slangkop Group.

The Kenyans that secured the include Mwaniki Sam, Teachers’ Notice Board Kenya and Wala Amakove, Wanderlust Diaries Ltd.

To develop their community, all of the selected leaders spent five months learning from experts, coaches, and a customized curriculum.

They learned community identity foundations, leading action-oriented programmes and sustainability. They also had early access to new Facebook products aimed at helping communities better manage and activate their members.