Successful societies need educated citizens.
That’s why the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Trevor Noah Foundation teamed up to fund Education Changemakers. The program is implemented by the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Regional Leadership Center Southern Africa.
Meet four Changemakers alumni. Each in their own way seeks to improve education in communities across the African continent. Their creative approaches include apps, animation, mobile technology and other innovative tools.
Vera Chipatso Mlia, Malawi
As part of the 2020 Education Changemakers cohort, Vera received a grant and business coaching from the Trevor Noah Foundation to develop her Toon Notebook project. Inspired by 3D games and cartoons, the innovative backpack-notebook combination includes activities to teach children to become independent learners. Through this work, she addresses the shortage of quality pre-primary school learning materials.
Kabelo Mahlobogwane and Bonang Motsapi, South Africa
This reduces the time teachers usually spend on administrative and grading tasks, allowing them more time to create lesson plans and help students.
Jocelyne Marie, Seychelles
With the app, students can find tips on how to deal with bullying. They can take a survey to help determine if they are being bullied or if they are a bully themselves. Students also have access to counseling resources and can anonymously chat with their school counselor.
“Without organizations like USAID, Trevor Noah Foundation, YALI and other local partners, this project would not have materialized,” Jocelyne said.