#EducateMyVillage: A New Model for African Development

One of Africa’s greatest challenges is the lack of access to quality education. Despite numerous efforts from governments, multilateral institutions, and philanthropists, access to education remains a dream for over 98 million children in Africa and 800,000+ in Zimbabwe alone. Africa’s premier institution, the African Union, has prioritized education by officially declaring 2024 the “Year of Education,” calling on all governments to accelerate progress towards achieving quality education for all. The call for universal access to education demands collective action and cannot be left to governments alone. This is why I am excited to note the new model for intervention in education introduced by Annot Inc., harnessing the African diaspora contingent.

To solve our long-standing challenges in Africa, we need fresh approaches and new models for sustainable development that can move the needle. Annot’s model for sustainable development and intervention in education harnesses the spirit of ubuntu, leveraging one’s family to help a brother or sister access education. With the North being home to over 220 million diasporans, only 40% of them are enough to eradicate the lack of access to education in Africa. This new model for development is rooted in the African virtues of caring for one another and being there for one another, embodying the principle “I am because we are.” It can be a panacea to Africa’s greatest challenges. By challenging every diasporan to identify a family or community member they can help educate, the model naturally embeds sustainability through the family connection.

Growing up, I experienced firsthand the profound impact of community support on education. When my father passed away when I was 14, my family faced significant financial challenges. Despite these hardships, I persevered and was awarded the Higherlife Foundation Joshua Nkomo merit-based scholarship. This incredible opportunity allowed me to attend Africa University, where I graduated with distinctions and established a scholarship program for rural students who couldn’t afford an education. By skipping a lunch meal, we saved $10, which was enough to send a child in the rural areas to school.

Later, I pursued a Master in Public Administration at Harvard Kennedy School through a Public Service Scholarship. Raised by the community and institutions that supported my education, I am deeply committed to paying it forward and opening doors for others.

Today, I am humbled by the overwhelming support for the #EducateMyVillage initiative. This support demonstrates our collective power to address our greatest challenges. Many Zimbabweans, both locally and in the diaspora, have pledged to help educate their family and community members. They are renovating their former schools through alumni associations, donating school books, teaching, and mentoring students. We call these heroes “Village Beacons,” as they, like a city on a hill, shine a light on educational needs in their communities.

I challenge us all to reflect on what we can do for our village, community, and nation for the greater good. I invite you to join the #EducateMyVillage challenge by sharing your story and committing to support education in your village, former school, or community. Post your video on social media with #EducateMyVillage and tag Annot Inc.

Additionally, with a $10 monthly donation to Annot Inc., we can ensure more children beyond your village get back to school through Annot’s scholarship program. Join us in this vital mission to educate and empower our villages, contributing to inclusive and equitable quality education for all (SDG 4)..

For more information on how to participate and donate, please visit: https://www.educateyourvillage.com/ 

Author: Chiedza Juru