Let's Talk Education Africa

S03E77 Right to Play: Child-Centered Learning as a Pathway to Quality Education 20.05.2026 33мин

In this episode, Aml speaks with Evans Sinkari, Country Director of Right to Play Ghana, an international NGO dedicated to educating, protecting, and empowering children through the power of play. This conversation addresses the key barriers to children's access to quality education in Ghana, the importance of child-centered learning, and how collaboration among educators, families, and community stakeholders can create lasting change. Evans also shares inspiring stories from the field and gives a glimpse into Right to Play's exciting plans to scale early childhood education training across communities.

S03E76 Addressing Efficiency and Equity Gaps in Education Financing 03.05.2026 45мин

In this episode, Senyo speaks with education economist and researcher Dr. Peter Anti-Partey on the realities of education financing in Ghana and across Africa. Far from a simple case of "no money," Dr. Anti-Partey reveals how political interests, inefficient spending, and a disregard for data-driven equity are stalling educational progress. The episode further examines the role of citizens and civil society in demanding long-term reforms and why sustainable educational development requires leaders willing to think beyond election cycles. Drawing on his extensive field experience with organizations like UNESCO and UNICEF, Dr. Anti-Partey demonstrates that the true crisis isn't just about how much we spend, but how wisely and equitably we invest in the next generation.

S03E75 Google DeepMind on Equipping African AI Researchers of the Future with Technical Skills 15.04.2026 30мин

In this episode, Kwame speaks with Prof. Ulrich Paquet, Research Scientist at Google DeepMind and Director of AI at the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS), and Sepehr Hejazi Moghadam, Senior Programme Manager at Google.org and lead of the Science Ecosystem portfolio, to unpack the launch of a freely accessible AI curriculum. Developed from the ground up with African educators to include culturally relevant cases, the programme is specifically designed to close the technical skills gap facing African universities and students.With Nobel Prize-winning AI tools like AlphaFold already impacting the work of 25,000 African researchers, and the Ubuntu philosophy "I am because we are" shaping the heart of responsible innovation, this conversation highlights why equipping African AI talent is not just a regional priority, but a global one. Because, as Sepehr puts it: "AI systems reflect those who build them."Google is betting on African brilliance to close the digital gap and reshape the global tech landscape. Tune in to learn how you can get started on the curriculum today at skills.google.

S03E74 BYU Pathway: Expanding Access to Higher Education Across Africa 30.03.2026 36мин

In this episode, Aml speaks with Jane Clayson Johnson and Brian Ashton, president of BYU Pathway Worldwide, together with a Ghanaian student, Benjamin Kwesi Ahialorxo, whose life has been directly transformed by the program. BYU Pathway's efforts have provided thousands of students in Africa with greater access to higher education, making it more affordable and closely linked to real opportunities for growth and employment.The conversation weaves through the vision behind the program, how it sustains its low-cost model, its growing footprint across Africa, and the global connection between education and employment. This episode reflects how meaningful access to education can reshape futures, expand possibilities, and create lasting impact across communities.

S03E73 Barriers Facing Children in Accessing Quality Education 16.03.2026 36мин

In this episode, Senyo speaks with Evelyne Keomian-Wood, founder of the Karat School Project. Evelyne’s early experiences with hunger, poverty, and limited access to learning shaped her belief that education can break cycles of poverty, a belief that has led her to establish the Karat School Project.The conversation highlights the key barriers many children still face in accessing education, particularly in communities where deeply rooted beliefs often see girls being prepared for marriage and motherhood rather than the classroom. Evelyne breaks down the Karat School Project’s mission to change that narrative, running a full-time education center for several years that equips students with the supplies, support, and nurturing environment they need to learn and thrive.From children living in extreme poverty to those working on the streets or at risk of early marriage, the program focuses on those most often left out of the education system. At its core, the work goes beyond simply getting children into school but aims to instill a lifelong love for learning.

S03E72 Addressing the Gaps in Learning Differences Support and Advocacy in Africa 02.03.2026 22мин

Imagine a child in a classroom, bright, curious, and full of ideas. But every time words dance on the page, they twist into shapes that don’t make sense. The teacher thinks the child isn’t trying hard enough, and report cards carry painful labels that stick for years. Yet beneath all that, the child isn’t slow. The child isn’t incapable. The child simply learns differently.In this episode, Aml speaks with Rosaline Abigail Kyere-Nartey, founder and executive director of the Africa Dyslexia Organization, about how her late discovery of dyslexia propelled her into building one of Africa’s leading movements for learning-difference awareness and support.Rosaline shares how her frustration as a misunderstood learner became the seed for an organization now driving awareness, teacher training, policy advocacy, and research around learning differences, particularly dyslexia, dyscalculia, ADHD, and dyspraxia. She also reflects on the Africa Dyslexia Conference and why so many learners with extraordinary abilities continue to be overlooked.Africa is losing countless brilliant minds, not to lack of ability, but to lack of understanding. And changing that begins with awareness, compassion, and systems that recognize every learner’s potential. This conversation is a reminder that talent is everywhere, but understanding and support are what allow it to thrive.

S03E71 Teacher motivation for Lasting Education Reform 17.11.2025 35мин

In this episode, Senyo speaks with Mr. Modern Karema, the Uganda Country Director for STiR Education, about the organization’s mission to help teachers thrive and transform learning outcomes. The conversation explores STiR Education’s efforts in strengthening education systems by building the capacity of government structures rather than creating parallel ones and helping school leaders, district offices, and national agencies work together more effectively.A central focus of the conversation is on teacher motivation, which STiR approaches through intrinsic drivers: autonomy, mastery, and purpose. Mr. Modern reflects on what it takes for teachers to genuinely enjoy teaching, what “love for teaching” looks like in practice, and how non-financial motivation strategies can lead to more empowered, learner-centred classrooms.

S03E70 Edutab Africa: Bringing Digital Learning to Offline Communities 27.10.2025 36мин

In this episode, Senyo speaks with Lazarus Muthenya, Programmes Manager at Edutab Africa, a Kenyan EdTech organization making digital learning accessible to offline communities across Kenya and beyond.Lazarus takes us inside Edutab’s mission and the pillars that drive their work: Digital Learning Solutions, Teacher Professional Development, STEAM education, and the African Children’s Stories podcast which promotes literacy and fosters a culture of learning across Africa. He discusses the critical need for reaching offline learners, how Edutab aligns its content with national standards, and the innovative ways they track learning outcomes even in low-connectivity environments.The conversation also explores the lessons learned, challenges faced, and innovations shaping Edutab’s journey to deliver quality, inclusive learning experiences.

S03E69 Deployment of Technology in African Schools 06.10.2025 36мин

Education technology (EdTech) is widely recognized for its potential to strengthen access, improve quality, and bridge gaps in Africa’s education systems. Yet, the expectations of EdTech have not always matched the reality on the ground. Uncertainties linger around access, sustainability, equity, and whether technology is truly transforming learning outcomes for African students.In this episode, Senyo speaks with John Kimotho, Head of Office for Africa at the Spix Foundation, EdTech consultant with the World Bank Group and AUDA-NEPAD, and former Director of Educational Media at Kenya’s Ministry of Education. With over 42 years of experience in education technology, John has led landmark initiatives, including the deployment of technology in more than 23,000 schools across Kenya, and has worked with the UN and other partners to pioneer EdTech solutions across the continent.The conversation answers key questions: How can we ensure the quality of digital learning content matches the scale of access? What financing models can sustain EdTech deployment without burdening families or governments? And importantly, how do we prevent technology from widening existing inequalities in education?John also shares reflections on the opportunities, challenges, and future of EdTech in Africa.

S03E68 African Education Program (AEP): 20 Years of Community Impact and Leadership 25.08.2025 36мин

What began as a simple high school project has, over the past two decades, grown into a transformative force for education, health, and community development. Julie-Anne and three friends launched the African Education Program (AEP) with nothing more than books, computers, and a desire to make a meaningful connection with disadvantaged youth in Kafue, Zambia. Over the years, their work has been shaped by the voices and challenges of young people and the community, gradually evolving into an organization that now unlocks potential of African youth and adults by building community-led organizations focused on quality education, health, and community development.In this episode, Aml speaks with Julie-Ann Savarit-Cosenza, Co-Founder and Executive Director of AEP, about the organization’s transformation over the years, including the creation of their flagship Learning and Leadership Center, which provides a safe space for young people to learn, lead, and thrive. The conversation dives into AEP’s mission to nurture changemakers, the partnerships that have strengthened their impact, and the ways they measure social transformation of the program, from education and reproductive health outcomes to economic empowerment for women and inclusion for children with disabilities.

S03E67 The AfricanISE Virtual Conference: Centering African Voices in Education 10.08.2025 48мин

In this episode, we shine a spotlight on an upcoming event transforming how African educators connect, collaborate, and champion education rooted in African realities- The AfricanISE Virtual Conference. Created to fill the gap for a dedicated space centering African voices and issues in education, this gathering aims to inspire a renewed sense of urgency and purpose among educators across the continent.Senyo speaks with Kwame Sarfo-Mensah, founder of Identity Talk Consulting, whose work rests on three pillars: culturally responsive teaching, identity-affirming education, and anti-bias, anti-racist practices to develop K-12 teachers into identity-affirming educators. Kwame shares his journey from classroom teacher to global consultant, and the ideas behind his newest book, Learn to Relearn: Supporting Identity in Culturally Affirming Classroom", which challenges educators to dismantle systemic biases and embrace inclusive, decolonized teaching practices. He also offers insights into the five strands shaping the conference’s agenda, promising conversations that will equip educators to reimagine learning for African contexts. Date 📅: Saturday, 6th September, 2025Register here: https://lnkd.in/dFkW4Tff

S03E66 Igniting Future-Ready Education through Community Ownership: The EduSpots Model 30.07.2025 35мин

In this episode, Senyo speaks with Lawrence Boakye Dankwah, Head of Education Programs at EduSpots, an organization reshaping education through a community-led model that centers local leadership and ownership. EduSpots began with the simple idea of “reading spots” and has since evolved into a dynamic network of over 50 community owned learning spaces, known as “Spots,” spread across Ghana and beyond. At the heart of EduSpots’ approach is a belief in the power of communities to drive their own change when equipped with the right tools and trust.Lawrence unpacks how EduSpots decentralizes education from the traditional classroom model, creating spaces where learning is co-created by the community. He shares insights into flagship initiatives like the Ignite Programme, and the Catalyse Leadership Programme- all designed to cultivate local agency and innovation. He also reflects on the organization’s growing impact and the challenges and opportunities involved in scaling a truly community-owned model.

S03E65 Girls Education Initiative Ghana: Championing Inclusive Girls' Education 13.07.2025 36мин

“If you educate a woman, you educate a whole nation.” - Dr. James Kwegyir AggreyGirls’ education remains one of the most powerful tools for transforming societies across Africa. Educated girls are more likely to become empowered women who uplift their families, communities, and nations. Yet, barriers such as poverty, gender norms, and disability continue to limit access for many girls across the continent. From rural villages to urban centers, grassroots organizations and advocates are working tirelessly to break these barriers and ensure that no girl is left behind.In this episode, Aml speaks with Elizabeth Patterson, a social entrepreneur and educator who founded the Girls Education Initiative of Ghana (GEIG). With a mission rooted in equity and empowerment, GEIG has spent over a decade providing academic and financial support to girls, especially those with special needs or disabilities in the Greater Accra and Ashanti regions. Elizabeth and her team share GEIG’s inspiring founding story, the evolution of their community-centered approach, and heartwarming impact stories that showcase the power of inclusive education.

S03E64 Beyond the Books, Are We Truly Preparing Africa's Learners for the Future? 29.06.2025 56мин

While many African classrooms continue to center instruction around textbooks and rigid curriculums, we continue to ask: Are we truly equipping our learners with the skills, mindset, and adaptability needed to thrive in a rapidly changing, tech-driven world? As the demands of the 21st century evolve, so too must our approach to learning. This episode explores the urgent need to move beyond rote learning and reimagine education through the lenses of context, identity, and innovation.In this episode, Kwame speaks with Eugenia Tachie-Menson, a literacy trailblazer and Country Director at the Young Educators Foundation (YEF), whose mission is to nurture Ghanaian learners through literacy, critical thinking, and 21st-century skills. Drawing from nearly two decades of experience, Eugenia offers profound insights on the disconnect between traditional schooling and real-world preparation. She discusses the limitations of book-based learning, the importance of context-specific knowledge, and how everyday experiences contribute to a broader definition of education. The conversation also dives into how technology can serve as a bridge to inclusion and relevance, and what it truly means to be a future-ready learner in Africa today.

S03E61 Gender Inequality in STEM 18.06.2025 50мин

In this episode, Kwame speaks with Dr. Vida Awinime Bugri, a dedicated researcher and passionate advocate for gender equity in STEM education. With teaching experience in France and a strong commitment to social justice, she has seen firsthand the systemic challenges women face in STEM fields. This insight inspired her to establish Eduvision, an NGO focused on empowering, mentoring, and training women in STEM across Ghana.In this conversation, Vida discusses her research on ‘The Impact of STEM Higher Education in the Economic Development of Ghana,’ revealing key findings that shed light on the critical role of STEM education in Ghana’s economic growth. Furthermore, she offers insights into the current state of STEM inclusivity in Africa, highlighting challenges and opportunities for improvement, and shares her compelling vision for transforming STEM education, emphasizing the importance of accessibility, diversity, and innovation.

S03E63 Data Must Speak (DMS): A UNICEF Education Research 16.06.2025 33мин

Could the solutions to learning crisis already exist within education systems?In this episode, Aml speaks with Jessica Bergmann, an Education Research Specialist at UNICEF Innocenti, on the Data Must Speak positive deviance research. For the past 3 years, Jessica has been supporting this initiative, which empowers school actors as change agents and aims to harness existing data and local solutions to improve learning outcomes.The DMS positive deviance research is being implemented in 15 countries thanks to a coalition of donors: the Global Partnership for Education Knowledge and Innovation Exchange (GPE KIX), a joint endeavour with the International Development Research Centre, Canada, Hewlett Foundation, Jacobs Foundation, Norad, Schools2030 Initiative (Aga Khan Foundation) and UNICEF internal resources.This episode highlights the key elements of the DMS research, the outcomes, and how co-creation is implemented across diverse countries and classrooms.

S03E62 Enhancing Education Research in Africa 11.05.2025 39мин

Education research in Africa has long been a crucial aspect of shaping the continent’s future. However, the dominance of Western-led research initiatives has often led to a lack of locally relevant evidence to inform policies and practices. In this episode, Senyo speaks with Dr. Lucy Wakiaga, Associate Research Scientist at African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC). Dr. Wakiaga shares her insights on the importance of locally led research in enhancing education outcomes in Africa, emphasizing the need for African researchers to drive change. She discusses the Enhancing Education Research in Africa (EERA) project, an innovative initiative that takes an 8-part intervention approach to strengthen education research systems in Africa. By identifying and addressing the specific needs of African researchers, EERA project aims to create a robust ecosystem that supports locally led research, increases funding, and fosters intra-African collaborations. The conversation highlights the ultimate goal of improving learning outcomes for African children by generating robust evidence that informs policies and practices.

S03E60 Building Resilience in Africa’s Education Data Systems 15.04.2025 38мин

Data is the backbone of informed decision-making in education; and in today's data-driven world, it is more crucial than ever for educators to stay ahead of the curve and leverage data to drive student success. Building on this imperative, the Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA) launched the Tackling Education and Skills Data Challenge in Africa project, a 5-year initiative aimed at supporting 30 African countries to produce and use quality data on education and skills for informed decision-making. Through this project, the Association seeks to strengthen capacity within the education system, enhancing the production and utilization of quality data across policy, planning, program implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. In this episode, Senyo speaks with Inyan Udo-Umoren, Project Manager for the Tackling Education and Skills Data Challenge Project in Africa, as they delve into the significance of data-driven decision-making in education, particularly in response to crises and informing policy and planning. Inyan shares insights in education systems and expertise in education data systems, highlighting challenges, opportunities and best practices in harnessing data to improve education outcomes in Africa.

S03E59 Transformative Applications of AI and Data Science in African Education Systems, with Emmanuel Mawuli Kanati 30.03.2025 1ч 6мин

The strategic integration of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education have shown promising results globally. But what are the implications, opportunities, and challenges of these emerging fields in African educational contexts, and how can AI be harnessed in the continent’s education system?In this episode, Kwame explores these questions with Emmanuel Mawuli Kanati, a renowned Data Specialist and Researcher. Emmanuel shares his insights on the pioneering research applications driving change in African education. The conversation delves into the opportunities and challenges of harnessing AI and Data Science to enhance learning outcomes, personalized education, and strengthen administrative systems across the continent.

S03E58 The Kids Club Kampala Story 16.03.2025 39мин

Kids Club Kampala is a children's charity organization founded in 2009 by three friends, Olivia, Sam, and Corrie. The organization improves livelihoods of children and families in Kampala's slum areas through three main programs: education, child protection, and family strengthening.In this episode, Aml speaks Olivia Barker White, Co-Founder and CEO, who shares the inspiring story behind Kids Club Kampala and provides insight into the organization's programs. Tune in to learn about the life-changing impact Kids Club Kampala has on children and families in Uganda.