Beyond The Classroom: JuCE Africa Opens Applications For The 2026 “Lead With Story” Bootcamp
In a world where stories shape brands,
movements, businesses, and careers, Juvenile Career Education(JuCE)Africa is inviting secondary school students across
Nigeria to apply for the JuCE Africa Bootcamp 2026, themed “Beyond the Classroom: Lead with Story.”Scheduled to hold in August 2026 in Lagos, Nigeria, the Bootcamp will bring together a select group of students for a transformative learning experience designed to help young people understand the power of storytelling in leadership, entrepreneurship, personal branding, creativity, and communication.
Far beyond traditional classroom learning, participants will engage in hands-on sessions led by accomplished professionals and innovators from diverse fields. Through interactive workshops and collaborative activities, students will explore how stories influence the way people present themselves, build businesses, market ideas, create content, and inspire change.
This year’s Bootcamp features a rich lineup of sessions covering topics such as Storytelling for Personal Branding, Brand and Marketing, Business & Decision-making, Animation, Content Creation, etc.Participants will also have opportunities to interact with mentors and professionals whose experiences demonstrate the power of stories in shaping careers and creating impact.
According to JuCE Africa, the theme reflects a simple but powerful truth: every young person has a story,and learning to communicate that story effectively is a critical skill for success in the 21st century.
“Stories are at the heart of who we are They shape identities, build brands, inspire innovation, and drive social change. Through this Bootcamp, we want young people to recognize that their voices matter and that they can use their stories to influence, create, and lead,” said Adaeze
Okeke, Founder of JuCE Africa.
A major highlight of the Bootcamp is The Storyteller’s Stage, the culminating showcase and reflection session where the students will deploy the skills shared during the bootcamp in developing a fresh initiative or campaign; a new book idea, a new TV sitcom pitch, a marketing pitch for a company; real or imagined! The
The potential is endless. The event is designed to celebrate creativity, confidence, and the power of authentic storytelling.
The presentations will be reviewed by distinguished panel of judges drawn from
diverse sectors, including entrepreneurship,
film, branding, design, and communications.
The panel features entrepreneur and product leader Adedipo Adekanbi, whose experience building ventures such as Foot City and Get Care Africa offers valuable perspectives on translating ideas into real-world value; actress and storyteller
Uche Elumelu, whose work in film and stage brings insight into authentic storytelling and audience connection;brand and communications expert Bankole Banjo, with extensive experience in brand management and transmedia storytelling; award-winning creative entrepreneur and animation pioneer Damilola Solesi, whose work demonstrates the power of local
stories with global appeal; and brand and
design strategist Joseph Suleimann, whose expertise in product and service experience provides a unique lens on design,
innovation, and user-centered storytelling.
Together, these judges, spanning business ownership, entertainment, branding,
communications, and design, will challenge participants to think beyond creativity
to execution, audience engagement, market relevance, and impact.
Applications for the JuCE Africa Bootcamp 2026 are now open. Interested secondary school students can apply through:
(www.juceafrica.org/bootcamp-signup)
JuCE Africa also welcomes partnerships
and collaborations with organizations and
individuals passionate about youth development, education, creativity, and innovation.
