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Preguntas frecuentes
Applications for Changemakers applying for the Global Youth Summit 2025 will run from 1st to 25th April for international applicants and from 1st to 25th May for South African applicants.
Application Video
Q- What should the video cover?
In their video, applicants should very briefly introduce themselves and then address the following questions:
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What is the issue that you are dedicated to solving, and why does it matter to you personally? (you can share a story or example of a moment that made you realize the importance of your activism, advocacy, entrepreneurship, or community work)
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What actions have you taken to address this issue?
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How is your work creating real impact? Describe a specific change you have already achieved or are working towards.
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What is your vision for the next year? What steps are you planning to take to scale or deepen your impact?
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What drives you to be a Global Changemaker, and how would being part of this community help you amplify your work and enrich our community?
Q- How long should the video be?
The video should not be longer than two minutes. We will not consider applicants whose videos are longer than those two minutes (+/- five seconds). Therefore, it is important that the answers to the questions above are to the point.
Due to the high number of applications, we receive each year, we only use the application videos during the first round of selection, the written answers in the application form will be used for the second and the final selection rounds.
One thing to keep in mind: the larger your video file is, the longer it will take to upload and the more data it will use. Therefore, we would suggest that you create it in a resolution no higher than 640x480; high-res results in very big file sizes. Most video editors allow you to choose a resolution for the video you’re creating.
Q- Does the video have to be well produced and edited?
If applicants wish to edit their videos from more than one take, or if they want to add captions, photos or other materials, they are welcome to do so. However, a well delivered, single-take video of the applicant speaking directly to the camera is just as likely to impress. Applicants should remember that they are not addressing a camera, though, but a team of real people who are looking for potential Changemakers.
However, do note that the sound on the video needs to be clear and audible – if applicants wish to record their videos outside, they may want to use a microphone or at least make sure that there isn’t too much noise that makes it difficult to understand them.
The quality of your video editing or design matters much less than what you have to say, as that is what we are interested in.
Q- Any tips on how to ‘perform’ in front of the camera?
Rather than stopping the recording every time something goes wrong, applicants should keep going and perhaps answer the questions two or three times in a row; they can then choose the best version. (Most computers nowadays have simple video editing software installed, e.g. Windows Movie Maker or iMovie. These makes it easy to choose the best take.)
Q- How can I upload my video?
1. Upload your video to YouTube. Please click here for guidance on how to do so.
When you upload your video, please make it Public (which means that anyone can see it and search YouTube for it), or Unlisted (only people given the link can view it).
We will not be able to view videos set to Private!
When you fill in your application form, you will be asked to provide your video’s direct link.
2. Upload your video on Google Drive. Please click here for guidance on how to do so.
When you upload your video to drive, right click and select "Get shareable link", turn link sharing on, make sure you set the sharing settings to 'anyone with the link can view',
We will not be able to view videos that are not set to 'anyone with the link can view'!
When you fill in your application form, you will be asked to provide your video’s share link.
3. If Google and YouTube are not accessible from your country, try a service such as www.vimeo.com. For guidance uploading to vimeo, click here . When using vimeo ensure to set the privacy setting to 'Anyone' so that our team may view the video.
When you fill in your application form, you will be asked to provide your video’s vimeo link.
4. As a last resort, send your video to us at info@global-changemakers.net using a file-sharing service such as those listed below. Please use your name as the file name.
You cannot send the video as an e-mail attachment – our mail server will reject any emails with large attachments.
Q- I am having technical problems uploading the video. What can I do?
Before you do anything else, please check the YouTube, Google, Vimeo etc help resources. If they are of no help, please get in touch with us, we’ll help you resolve the problem or find an alternative way of submitting your application video.
As there is always a risk of technical problems, please make sure not to leave recording and uploading the application video until the deadline, as this gives us very little time to solve the problem and as a result, your application may not be considered. (Note that we can only provide technical support on business days.)
Q- How do I share my video with the Global Changemakers team?
When you upload your video, you can make it Public (which means that anyone can see it and search YouTube for it), Unlisted (the video doesn’t show up in a search, but anyone who is given the link can view it) or Private (only YouTube users specified by you can view the video). It is up to you whether you want to make your video public so that anyone can see it; we would recommend that you make it unlisted. Do not set it to private as we will not be able to view it!
When you fill in your application form, you will be asked to provide your video’s direct link. This link will look as follows: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxxxxxxxxxx (the eleven digits at the end are different for every video.)
Q- I cannot post my application video on YouTube. How can I make sure that the Global Changemakers team still gets it?
If YouTube isn’t accessible from your country, you could try a different service, e.g. Vimeo (www.vimeo.com). Alternatively, you should be able to send your video using a file-sharing service. We would recommend that you create an account on google and send it through google drive and use that link in your form.
Q- Can my video be in a language different from English?
No, all videos submitted should be in English.
Fees and Funding
Q- If I am selected, what expenses will Global Changemakers cover?
Global Changemakers and ATKV will cover the flight, food and accommodation for participants selected to take part in the Global Youth Summit October 2025.
Q- If I am selected, what expenses are NOT covered by Global Changemakers?
Participants who require a visa to enter South Africa will need to arrange and pay for their visa at their own expense. Also, if you need to travel within your country of departure to the main airport, you will need to cover those expenses.
Q- Why do you charge an application fee?
The application fee helps to cover part of the expenses of running such a large-scale event, which includes flying in all participants, as well as providing food and accommodation. Additionally, the fee grants you access to a full Project Management Course at a third of its retail price, regardless of whether you are selected or not, completing the course also makes you eligible to apply for funding for a project.
By asking for a small fee—which represents less than 2% of the actual cost of bringing each participant to the Summit—we aim to ensure that those applying are truly eligible and committed to being part of the Global Changemakers network.
Q- If I am not selected will I get my application fee back?
No, the application fee is nonrefundable.
Q- Paypal is not accessible in my country, how can I make the payment for the application fee?
If PayPal is not accessible from your country, or you do not have a credit/debit card we recommend you to ask a friend or family member to make the transaction for you. We do not accept bank transfers as they often charge more in commission than the actual application fee.
Eligibility
Q: When are the application dates for international and South African applicants?
All applicants residing outside of South Africa must apply as international applicants between 1st April and 25th April 2025.
Applicants living in South Africa will have a separate application period from 1st May to 25th May 2025.
Make sure to apply during the correct window based on your country of residence!
Q- I don't speak English, can I still apply?
All of the sessions at the summit will be conducted in English and so a working understanding of the language is key. We will assess this through your application video and through an interview for those who make it to the third round of selection.
Q- I am 20 years old and will turn 21 after the Summit, may I still apply?
No, unfortunately we will not consider applications from people who don’t comply with the given age criteria. We encourage you to try for a future opportunity.
Q- I am 28 years old but will turn 29 in 2025, may I still apply?
Yes, you can apply, so long as you are still 28 years old during the Summit. If you were born after 24 October 1997, you can apply.
Q- Further questions or comments?
Please check out the FAQ on our website. You may send us a message to our Facebook fanpage or to info@global-changemakers.net, but mind we receive a large number of communications and we might not be able to respond promptly.
Good luck with your application!
