OpenKids Africa Educator Program
Join the OpenKids Africa Educator Program and become a catalyst for change in primary and secondary education!
![Educator interacting with students](/_vercel/image?url=%2Fassets%2Fimages%2Fphotos%2Fphoto-1.jpeg&w=1536&q=100)
![Students using computers](/_vercel/image?url=%2Fassets%2Fimages%2Fphotos%2Fphoto-24.jpg&w=1536&q=100)
![Classroom technology session](/_vercel/image?url=%2Fassets%2Fimages%2Fphotos%2Fphoto-8.jpg&w=1536&q=100)
![Mentor teaching technology](/_vercel/image?url=%2Fassets%2Fimages%2Fphotos%2Fphoto-16.jpg&w=1536&q=100)
How The Program Works
The OpenKids Africa Educator Program is a transformative initiative that aims to attract, educate and empower educators across other countries in Africa on technology.
Through comprehensive digital exposure and awareness, we strive to bridge the knowledge gap and equip educators with the tools and expertise they need to prepare students for the digital age
![Educator interacting with students](/_vercel/image?url=%2Fassets%2Fimages%2Fphotos%2Fphoto-1.jpeg&w=1536&q=100)
![Students using computers](/_vercel/image?url=%2Fassets%2Fimages%2Fphotos%2Fphoto-24.jpg&w=1536&q=100)
Why Participate In the OpenKids Africa Educator Program?
Comprehensive Training
Gain valuable skills in integrating technology into your curriculum, encompassing aspects like digital literacy, introduction to technology, and online learning platforms.
Expert Mentorship
Receive personalized guidance and support from experts in technology and how it works in various fields, who will help you navigate your digital learning journey.
Collaborative Community
Connect with a network of passionate educators, share best practices, and foster a vibrant learning environment via Slack.
Career Advancement
Equip yourself with the skills and knowledge to stand out in the evolving educational space.
Who Can Apply?
Mentees
- Secondary and primary school teachers across Africa who are eager to integrate technology into their classrooms and empower their students
Mentors
- Experienced individuals with a strong background in technology integration and a passion for supporting quality education in Africa.
Eligibility Criteria
As a mentee
- Be proficient in written and spoken English.
- Be elementary school teachers and leaders passionate about integrating technology into their classrooms.
- Have a demonstrated track record of teaching or tutoring kids or teenagers
- Preferably, we are targeting candidates from schools in rural areas across Africa
- Access to a Smartphone or laptop device to participate
- Demonstrate a willingness to participate in the educator program
- This is a self-paced learning program that requires the availability of 10 hours a month for eight weeks.
As a mentor
- Be proficient in written and spoken English.
- Possess skills and experiences with a strong background in technology
- Be familiar with emerging technologies and their potential application in education.
- Be passionate about educating others on technological concepts through discussions and one-on-one sessions.
- Possess excellent interpersonal skills and be able to work well with people from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and personality types.
- Be able to listen, communicate, and teach with empathy; we ask that you make an effort to understand your mentee's perspective and position
- Have the ability to foster a growth mindset in mentees and encourage them to experiment with new technologies.
- Able to devote 2 hours weekly of their time to personalized one-on-one learning.
Program Benefits
Participants will acquire digital literacy skills related to technology
Participants will learn foundational tech skills.
Participants will gain open-source training on Git & GitHub
Participants will develop the skills to educate children in the non-coding aspects of technology.
Be recognized as an OpenKids Africa Ambassador.
Ambassadors will receive training resources to help them educate students.
Receive a certification for the experience.
Program Timeline
June 15 - July 7, 2024: Application Period
- Applicants will fill out our application form
July 12 - 14, 2024: Accepted applicants are notified
- Accepted applicants will be notified after the final decision, and we'll introduce their mentor/mentee for the duration of the program.
- Otherwise, we'll let you know that we were unable to match you this year.
July 20th - August 24th, 2024: Mentorship Period
- Invitation to the general program onboarding
- Continuous learning based on mentor/mentee schedule
- Weekly progress report
August 7, 2024: Graduation
- Successful participants will be selected as OpenKids Tech Ambassadors
- Participants are to submit the final project, an evaluation report, and fill out the feedback form
Selection Process
A committee will review all applications and select participants based on their qualifications, experience, and commitment to the program's goals. Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for an interview.
Application Deadline: July 7th, 2024
Join Us
The OpenKids Africa Educators program empowers teachers with the necessary skills to adapt to the changing digital economy, making a positive impact on the lives of future leaders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sponsor this program?
OpenKids Africa has pledged to support our mentees and mentors with all the resources needed to make this learning experience informative and with their time. As a non-profit organization, we rely on individual and company donations to fund programs like this Educators Program. With your sponsorship, we can offer program participants resources like e-learning courses, books, software, and swags to aid in their mentorship journey. If you represent a company or entity that is interested in supporting this initiative, apply on our partnership page. We'd love to feature you as a sponsor on this page and elsewhere in our community!
I am an aspiring educator but have not taught in school, can I apply?
Yes, aspiring educators are encouraged to apply and gain experience through our program.