The Changemaker Teacher Activation programme has graduated its first cohort of 52 teachers from local government areas across Lagos State to support students in developing innovative solutions to solve societal problems.
The organisation stated that the event marked the completion of a year-long effort to integrate change-making education in Lagos State schools.
During the graduation ceremony of the first cohort, held recently in Lagos, CTEACH also welcomed 100 new teachers into the second cohort.
It also launched the CTEACH Documentary and Changemaking Storybook, featuring youth-led initiatives.
The Co-President of Ashoka Africa, Angelou Ezeilo, said, “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, featuring two inspiring Ashoka Young Changemakers: Ayomide Akran, founder of Pink Diva Organisation, who advocates for menstrual hygiene, and David Onilude, founder of TechNow Global, who provides digital skills training to youth.
Onilude, said, “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 paving the way for a future where education in Nigeria nurtures changemakers, adding that with its second cohort of teachers, CTEACH is committed to transforming classrooms into hubs of social innovation.