The Changemaker Teacher Activation program has graduated its maiden cohort of 52 teachers from several local government areas in Lagos State to assist students in developing innovative solutions to societal problems.
According to the organisation, the event marked the culmination of a year-long endeavour to integrate change-making education into Lagos State schools.
At the recent graduation ceremony in Lagos, CTEACH welcomed 100 new teachers into the second cohort.
It also launched the CTEACH Documentary and Changemaking Storybook, featuring youth-led initiatives.
Angelou Ezeilo, Co-President of Ashoka Africa, stated, “Here in Africa, we are fortunate to be the youngest continent, brimming with energy, creativity, and potential. By 2050, our young people will make up a significant portion of the global workforce.
“This demographic reality underscores the urgent need to invest in innovative education initiatives like CTEACH.
“We are not just preparing students for jobs; we are nurturing changemakers who will drive progress, challenge the status quo, and address the pressing issues of our time. CTEACH is not just an innovative education program, it is a movement.”
The Regional Director of Ashoka Anglophone West Africa, Josephine Nzerem, added, “A coming together of intelligent, analytical and empathetic teachers and educators who Ashoka Africa brought together through the CTEACH Program. These teachers have been activated to be Changemakers.
“They have found their power and with this, they are spreading Changemaker skills in their classrooms and community. A changed world is possible with CTEACH.”
The celebration also included the launch of the Changemaking Storybook, which featured two inspiring Ashoka Young Changemakers: Ayomide Akran, founder of Pink Diva Organisation, who promotes menstrual hygiene, and David Onilude, founder of TechNow Global, who provides digital skills training to youth.
Onilude stated, “What started as a dream is now a global solution for the next generation.” Through my initiative, we are eradicating marginalisation in underserved communities and building a foundation for future leaders, innovators, and change-makers to thrive.
According to the organisation, CTEACH is setting the way for a future in which Nigerian education cultivates changemakers, and with its second cohort of teachers, CTEACH is committed to transforming classrooms into hubs of social innovation.