01
Tell your story
Create an account and describe your contribution, your journey, and the people your work reaches.
8TH ANNUAL ACOTYA · 2026
Help a child say “I CAN”.
Celebrate children across Africa who are making a difference. Nominate a child or group for the 2026 AfrICAN Children of the Year Awards.
Big dreams. Brave voices.
A generation of possibility.
ACOTYA ’26
01 / 03
WHO CAN ENTERAges 7–13 · Across AfricaSpecial Mention: under 7 or aged 14
NOMINATIONS CLOSE31 October 2026Share their story. Celebrate their impact.
THE CELEBRATION20 November · JohannesburgThe 8th annual awards ceremony
APPLICATIONS OPEN
Nominate by 31 October 2026. Winners announced at the 20 November ceremony.
Find out more ↗THE PURPOSE
Growing up, growing minds.
Founded by child author and activist Stacey Fru, the Stacey Fru Foundation celebrates young leaders, innovators and change-makers. ACOTYA gives children a platform to represent their peers, showcase creativity and empower others through action. Children too CAN!
About Us →THE RECOGNITION JOURNEY
View the requirements ↗From your story to recognition.
02
Share your impact
Add evidence and supporting documents. Save a draft and return when you are ready.
03
Follow your application
Our team reviews your submission. Track its progress and respond to questions in your portal.
THE JOURNAL
All stories ↗Stories worth sharing.
ACOTYA 2026: Help a child say “I CAN”
The 8th Annual AfrICAN Children of the Year Awards celebrates young people making a difference across Africa. Here is how to put a child or group forward.
Read story ↗How to prepare your ACOTYA nomination
A clear story, useful evidence and signed guardian consent form the foundation of a complete entry. Follow these steps before submitting.
Read story ↗Find the right category for a young change-maker
From creativity and community service to science and sport, explore the eleven ACOTYA categories and choose the one that best fits a child’s contribution.
Read story ↗NOMINATIONS & ENQUIRIES
Know a child who CAN?
Nominate online, or send an entry by email or WhatsApp. Include full name and age, reasons for nomination, signed guardian consent and evidence.
Dorcas Gwenhure
Children of the Year Awards Coordinator
+27 11 440 7501
awards@staceyfru.co.za
Follow the Foundation: @staceyfru
Media partner: CTVSA