The Education Exchange, Africa

In this episode of the Education Exchange, David Marriott speaks with Fidelis Nthenge, the first woman of colour to lead the Aga Khan Academy in Nairobi, and later to contribute to global education through senior roles at the International Baccalaureate (IB). Fidelis shares her leadership journey, the IB’s mission to expand access to quality education in underserved regions, and the power of community, inclusivity, and Ubuntu-inspired learning to shape a future where education nurtures well-being, collaboration, and shared humanity.

In this episode Hakeem Subair and Rizma Butt, co-founders of 1 Million Teachers, share their personal journeys, the bold mission behind 1 Million Teachers, and the transformative Black Belt Teacher program, designed to empower educators worldwide. From overcoming challenges to building a global movement, Rizma and Hakeem reveal how dedication, innovation, and human impact are reshaping teacher development and creating a future where every teacher can thrive.

Kossy Anyanwu, an ECD classroom teacher from Johannesburg, South Africa, shares her 15-year journey in the ECD sector, emphasizing her ethos of play-based learning for holistic child development. She details her approach to setting up sustainable learning environments using natural and recycled materials, involving the community in resource creation, and highlights the crucial role of adults in deepening learning through open-ended questions during play. Kossy advises ECD practitioners to start small, pursue continuous learning, and expresses hope for greater investment in play-based learning in African ECD centers, concluding with a powerful message about nurturing children as the future of Africa.

In this roundtable, Dr. Kaylianne Aploon-Zokufa, and ECD leaders Karrimah Jacobs and Melissa Jacobs shine a light on the realities of Early Childhood Development in the Western Cape, South Africa. From the financial balancing act ECD Leaders have to manage for their centres, and training that lacks a practical, accessible learning pathway, to the urgent need for political will and systemic support, the conversation highlights why practitioners’ voices must not only be heard but actively listened to, to enable the professionalisation of the sector. With insights on the migration of ECD to the Department of Basic Education and a vision for professionalising the sector, this episode makes clear that those working on the ground can, and should, guide the changes needed for children, families, and communities to thrive.

In this episode, we hear from Miriam Achiso, a passionate English and Literature educator who inspires her students through creative teaching methods and a commitment to building a strong reading culture. Miriam shares her journey of making literature engaging for both junior and senior secondary learners, and the innovative strategies she uses to spark participation in her classrooms. As the original inspiration behind the Ubuntu Hub Book Club, she also reflects on the power of reading communities for educators, and gives us a glimpse into what’s coming next in the series.

Lincey shares her 37-year journey in education, emphasising the importance of play-based learning, effective classroom management, and the vital role of mentorship in transforming early childhood development centers. From her early aspirations to open a preschool to her impactful work supporting educators and owners, Lincey's story as preschool founder and vital member of the Grow ECD team, highlights the power of dreams, perseverance, and a passion for giving every child the best start in life.

Join us for an inspiring podcast featuring Kaylianne Aploon-Zokufa, an expert in Early Childhood Development (ECD) in South Africa. Discover the powerful stories of women who have come to the ECD sector later in life, and despite facing marginalization, are transforming communities by leading vital ECD centers. This episode illuminates the historical journey of ECD in South Africa, emphasizing the critical need for training and resources, and celebrating the extraordinary resilience and community spirit that fosters nurturing learning environments for young children.

Join us for a compelling conversation with Professor Eric Addae-Kyeremeh as he reflects on his educational journey from Ghana to becoming a leading voice in inclusive and sustainable education. Grounded in his African identity, Professor Addae-Kyeremeh shares how culturally relevant leadership, indigenous knowledge systems, and relational practice are central to reimagining education. This episode offers a preview of his Afrocentric Pedagogical Leadership Toolkit, soon to be launched at the Ubuntu Education Conference, and explores his bold vision for transforming education in low-resource contexts by celebrating community resilience and challenging dominant narratives.

In this episode, Michele, a scientist and thought-provoking leader, shares what he’s learned from running SeedScience, an education NGO working across Africa. Drawing from his experiences on the ground, he talks about the real needs of children in African classrooms and how hands-on, practical learning can spark curiosity and inspire a whole new approach to education, one he hopes will keep spreading.

In this episode, Tom takes us through his personal journey in education and explores the role external organisations play in supporting the system. He shares insights from his time with Instill Education and reflects on what he's learned about leading meaningful change in African education from that unique vantage point.