In South Africa, our collaboration with a dedicated implementation partner, 2enable, and support from GIZ has reshaped the career prospects of 171 teachers through the online DSF platform. However, the ripple effect extends far beyond these teachers — the program directly impacted the futures of 385 young, unemployed individuals, offering them a new pathway to personal and professional growth. This initiative exemplifies how targeted partnerships can drive broad social change, uplifting both educators and learners.

In Zambia, we worked closely with Smart Zambia, the Ministry of Education, and GIZ to build the capacity of 40 Master Trainers and 1,925 teachers in 21st-century teaching methodologies and digital literacy. Recognising the importance of directly empowering students, we also introduced a student digital literacy program, providing 1,500 students with an opportunity to gain essential skills and international certification for a digital future. This multi-layered approach ensures that both educators and students are prepared to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.

As part of the larger GIZ lead Eco-Emploi program that ran from 2020 to 2022 in Rwanda to curb high unemployment rates, DSF were tasked with providing digital and 21st century skills training to 2,500 TVET teachers across 30 districts in Rwanda. 

In partnership with GIZ and RTB, the capacity-building programme was aimed at educators in the TVET sector who have received a laptop but lack the digital literacy to take advantage of it entirely. 30 Master trainers and 2500 teachers were involved in the program. The training of Master Trainers enhanced Rwanda’s local capacity-building potential as they are now available to provide the support required for expanding the initiative in the country.

Licences to participate in the program were given to 2500 TVET teachers. They had full access to the platform, allowing them to go through the courses asynchronously. Allowing them to design their learning journey according to their primary needs and interests. Having received a one-day induction from a Master Trainer, licence holders could then access the platform on their devices at work and at home. The program ran from January to September 2022. During the 8 months 2,250 TVET teachers participated in the learning and more than 1,300 of them achieved international certification. More than 45,000 hours of learning was delivered.

At the University of Rwanda’s School of Education, we are proud to partner with the Mastercard Foundation to build the capacity of more than 9,000 pre-service teachers, equipping them with the skills they need to become transformative educators. This collaboration aims to empower future teachers through comprehensive training in Digital Literacy, Well-being, 21st-century teaching skills, Financial Literacy, and Career Building. By investing in pre-service teachers at this critical stage, we not only strengthen the future workforce but also ensure that these educators can inspire and guide their students toward success in an increasingly dynamic and interconnected world.