In this episode of the Education Exchange, David Marriott speaks with Fidelis Nthenge, the first woman of colour to lead the Aga Khan Academy in Nairobi, and later to contribute to global education through senior roles at the International Baccalaureate (IB). Fidelis shares her leadership journey, the IB’s mission to expand access to quality education in underserved regions, and the power of community, inclusivity, and Ubuntu-inspired learning to shape a future where education nurtures well-being, collaboration, and shared humanity.

In this episode Hakeem Subair and Rizma Butt, co-founders of 1 Million Teachers, share their personal journeys, the bold mission behind 1 Million Teachers, and the transformative Black Belt Teacher program, designed to empower educators worldwide. From overcoming challenges to building a global movement, Rizma and Hakeem reveal how dedication, innovation, and human impact are reshaping teacher development and creating a future where every teacher can thrive.

Kossy Anyanwu, an ECD classroom teacher from Johannesburg, South Africa, shares her 15-year journey in the ECD sector, emphasizing her ethos of play-based learning for holistic child development. She details her approach to setting up sustainable learning environments using natural and recycled materials, involving the community in resource creation, and highlights the crucial role of adults in deepening learning through open-ended questions during play. Kossy advises ECD practitioners to start small, pursue continuous learning, and expresses hope for greater investment in play-based learning in African ECD centers, concluding with a powerful message about nurturing children as the future of Africa.