ADDIS ABABA-
The spirit of youth innovation and community-driven learning took center stage in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on November 5, 2025, as the Community-Based Education (CBE) Movement™ hosted the inaugural Community-Based Education Forum during the Africa Celebrates 2025 showcase. The landmark event convened students, educators, civil society partners, and global development leaders to spotlight the growing impact of youth-led research and action-oriented learning across Africa.
Spearheaded by Dr. Ife Akinsheye Damon, the Forum demonstrated how Community-Based Education transforms traditional learning models by empowering students to investigate real societal issues, engage directly with stakeholders, and develop sustainable solutions that uplift their communities.
A Research Expo Showcasing Youth Brilliance
The Forum opened with an energetic Research Expo, where students presented more than a dozen projects addressing pressing community challenges. Their research spanned critical themes, including:
Reducing microplastic pollution
Strengthening support for student life
Bridging the digital divide in schools
Transforming global media culture for educational impact
Reducing substance abuse and risky behavior among students
Increasing women’s access to sanitary and hygiene products
Attendees commended both the academic rigor and social relevance of the projects. One student researcher reflected, “Community-based education helped me use the skills I learn in school to solve real problems that matter. Every school needs community-based education because it helps students understand their purpose and make a real impact.”
Dr. Ife Akinsheye Damon, the organiser of the youth forum making a presentation at the event during Africa Celebrate at the UNECA, Addis Ababa
Student Leadership Meets Cross-Sector Collaboration
Following the Expo, the Forum hosted two dynamic panel sessions.
The CBE Student Ambassador Panel provided a platform for young researchers to reflect on their work, discuss their methodologies, and share how community-based education is shaping them into responsible global citizens.
This flowed into the CBE Collaborative Panel, bringing together students, educators, and community partners. The discussion underscored the importance of partnerships in achieving sustainable impact, shared best practices, and highlighted how the CBE Community Advocacy Project© creates a full-circle system linking research, civic engagement, and community transformation.
Together, the panels illustrated the complete ecosystem that makes Community-Based Education a powerful model—from inquiry and research to collaboration and community-led action.
Honoring Excellence & Unveiling a Global Vision
The Forum concluded with a Certificate Ceremony, celebrating the contributions of student researchers, educators, and community partners. Their collective dedication underscored the movement’s commitment to uplifting communities through education.
In a defining moment, Dr. Ife unveiled the visionary blueprint for global CBE Centers—innovative educational institutions designed to anchor learning in community impact. The first of these groundbreaking centers is planned for the African continent, marking a transformative step in reimagining education for a new generation.
“Our students have shown that when education is rooted in purpose, collaboration, and real-world application, it becomes a force for transformation,” Dr. Ife said. “The CBE Centers represent the next evolution of this work.”
A Movement on the Rise
The 2025 Community-Based Education Forum reaffirmed the momentum of a global movement dedicated to empowering youth, strengthening communities, and cultivating Africa’s next generation of leaders through purpose-driven, community-centered learning.
Learn more at CBEmovement.com.
