On the second day of the transformative Train-the-Trainer workshop, hosted by EDHE and Ashoka Africa, the focus shifted to practical engagement and the power of togetherness. The day kicked off with dynamic activities centered around the “Togetherness Practice,” setting the stage for deep discussions on the Changemaker education framework.
Mr Vipin Thekk (right), Senior Director at Ashoka, emphasised that fostering a changemaker requires an entire ecosystem. “Adults often underestimate children, delaying the discovery of their changemaking potential,” he asserted, challenging conventional educational paradigms.
Ms Angelou Ezeilo (left), Co-President of Ashoka Africa, reinforced Mr Thekk’s perspective while discussing the Changemaker Teacher Each (CTEACH) Programme. This innovative initiative, a collaboration with Ashoka, unites teacher unions, government bodies, and media to cultivate a world where every child can become a changemaker. Focusing on under-resourced schools, the programme designs comprehensive learning journeys, equips teachers with essential changemaking skills, and enriches resources, all while integrating cultural tools by involving families, communities, administrators, and educators. “The goal is to change teachers’ mindsets and give young people the agency to be leaders by collaborating and working as a team,” Ms Ezeilo explained, she underscored the importance of collaboration in garnering support, highlighting the inclusion of school principals and deans in the training process.
Highlighting the significance of teamwork, Ms Ezeilo detailed the comprehensive approach of the CTEACH Programme. By involving school principals and deans in the training, the initiative ensures a broad understanding and support of its goals. The three-day residential training includes two teachers from each participating school, providing a platform for them to connect to their core motivations and develop actionable changes for their classrooms.
The CTEACH Programme includes tangible activities such as school site visits, a three-day digital literacy and career readiness bootcamp featuring psychologists, and idea pitching sessions judged by Ashoka Young Changemakers. Winners of these sessions gain recognition and further opportunities to connect with young changemakers from other regions through the Young Changemakers Festival.
Ms Ezeilo also announced an ambitious expansion of the programme, aiming to grow from 26 to 100 schools next year. This expansion seeks to amplify impact through strategic partnerships, ensuring that the spirit of changemaking reaches even more students and educators.
Mr Thekk, reiterating the importance of collaboration, encouraged delegates to initiate changemaking activities within their own spheres of influence with the support of like-minded partners. “Find your crazy partners and crazy friends who will join you on this journey,” he advised. “If educators sing together, imagine the music they can create together.”
The second day of the workshop not only provided practical tools and strategies for educators but also fostered a sense of community and shared purpose. As the event drew to a close, the delegates were invigorated, ready to return to their schools, universities, and organisations with a renewed commitment to nurturing the changemakers of tomorrow.
Co-written by Written by: Mamodiehi Gwala and Khutso Moleko