CTEACH Celebrates its First Cohort Graduation, Launches Changemaking Documentary and Storybook, Inducts 100 New Teachers.

Lagos, Nigeria – 27th September 2024 – CTEACH - the Changemaker Teacher Activation program proudly celebrates a significant milestone with the graduation of its first cohort of 52 teachers from local government areas across Lagos State. This event marks the completion of a year-long journey to integrate changemaking education in government owned schools across Lagos State, while also welcoming 100 new teachers into the second cohort. Additionally, the event sees the launch of the CTEACH Documentary and the Changemaking Storybook, highlighting the inspiring stories of youth-led changemaking. 

Since its inception in September 2023, CTEACH has transformed classrooms into hubs of social change, enabling teachers to inspire their students to tackle pressing societal challenges. The 52 graduating teachers have formed Changemaking Squads in their schools, guiding students through the development and implementation of innovative solutions to real-world problems. 

“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’s a movement!” - Angelou Ezeilo, Co-President, Ashoka Africa. 

The ceremony celebrates the success of the previous year while inducting 100 new Teachers into the second cohort, expanding the reach of CTEACH across Lagos State. With these new teachers, the program continues its mission to drive meaningful revitalization of the educational system in Nigeria. 

The event also features the premiere of the CTEACH Documentary, a compelling short film that follows the transformative journey of teachers and students. The documentary captures the impact of changemaking education, highlighting how teachers have empowered students to lead social innovation projects addressing key issues like environmental sustainability and economic empowerment, and showcases the possibilities that exists when young people are given the agency to lead. 

“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.” - Josephine Nzerem, Regional Director, Ashoka Anglophone West Africa. 

Today’s celebration also includes the launch of the Changemaking Storybook, which showcases the stories of two remarkable Ashoka Young Changemakers—Ayomide Akran, founder of Pink Diva Organization, and David Onilude, founder of TechNow Global. Ayomide’s work with Pink Diva advocates for menstrual hygiene and women’s health, while David’s TechNow Global equips young people with digital and technological skills training. 

“What started as a dream is now a global solution for the next generation. Through my initiative, we're eradicating marginalization in underserved communities and building a foundation for future leaders, innovators, and change-makers to thrive.” - David Onilude, Ashoka Young Changemaker. 

Ashoka Africa through CTEACH is setting the stage for a future where education across Nigeria fosters active, engaged changemakers. As the program expands with its second cohort of teachers, CTEACH remains dedicated to driving system-wide change, ensuring that every classroom can be a hub for social innovation and every student a potential changemaker.