In an era where digital literacy is crucial for education, We have emerged as a trailblazer in equipping teachers with essential digital skills. As part of a global initiative by the ProFuturo Foundation and Teach For All, Teach For Kenya played a pivotal role in bridging the digital divide by training educators across Kenya in digital skills and leadership—this initiative aimed to foster a generation of teachers capable of transforming classrooms through technology and innovation.
A Global Effort: Participating Countries and Impact
The ProFuturo partnership was implemented across five countries: Kenya, Cambodia,
Chile, Colombia, and Zimbabwe. Each country played a key role in reducing the digital divide by training teachers in essential digital competencies:
- Teach For Cambodia – Trained 1,583 teachers (53 fellows and 1,530 system teachers).
- Enseña Chile – Trained 1,069 teachers (243 fellows and 826 system teachers).
- Enseña por Colombia – Trained 1,718 teachers (142 fellows and 1,576 system teachers).
- Teach For Kenya – Trained 2,040 teachers (67 fellows and 1,973 system teachers).
- Teach For Zimbabwe – Trained 2,157 teachers (211 fellows and 1,946 system teachers).
The project exceeded its initial goal of 8,000 trained teachers by reaching 8,567 teachers worldwide.
Surpassing Expectations: A Remarkable Achievement
From the outset, Teach For Kenya set ambitious targets. The goal was to train 1,102 (62 fellows and 1,040 system teachers) in digital literacy and leadership. However, through strategic planning, effective management, and leveraging prior experience, we surpassed this goal, successfully training 2,040 (67 fellows and 1,973 system teachers) teachers—a remarkable 185% of the initial target.
Several factors contributed to this success:
- A Strong Team of Coaches – Over 20 coaches were trained and actively contributed to the program’s success that training sessions were effectively implemented.
- Exchange Rate Gains – Additional funds were reinvested into training an extra 920 system teachers.
- Proven Training Methodologies – The cascade training model allowed knowledge to spread efficiently among educators.
Transforming Classrooms Through Digital Literacy
The training focused on enhancing educators’ digital skills while integrating Teach For All’s Teaching as Collective Leadership (TACL) framework. This dual approach empowered teachers to not only use technology effectively but also foster student leadership and collaboration.
Teachers who participated in the training reported significant improvements in classroom engagement and student outcomes. By incorporating digital tools, educators witnessed increased curiosity, collaboration, and active learning among students. Some of the highlights included:
- Teachers using online platforms to create more interactive lessons.
- Students developing digital identities by creating email accounts for communication and learning.
- Educators gaining confidence in integrating technology into lesson planning.
Supporting Kenya’s Educational Reforms
One of the program’s standout achievements was its alignment with Kenya’s Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). The training provided teachers with the necessary digital skills to support CBC’s emphasis on practical, technology-driven learning. This initiative reinforced the national vision of preparing students for a tech-driven future.
A Well-Received Initiative
The response from teachers was overwhelmingly positive.
- 96% of participants recommended the training to their peers.
- Many educators expressed enthusiasm about integrating digital tools into their teaching.
- The training helped teachers become more confident in using digital platforms to enhance learning.
Challenges and Future Opportunities
Despite its success, the program highlighted several challenges:
- Limited access to devices and internet connectivity – Many educators faced difficulties in accessing the necessary technology.
- The need for continuous professional development – Teachers expressed interest in ongoing digital training to keep up with technological advancements.
Moving forward, we aim to build on this foundation by advocating for greater access to digital resources in schools and expanding professional development opportunities for educators.
Closing Out the ProFuturo Project
As the ProFuturo project comes to a close, We reflect on the incredible impact it has had on Kenya’s education sector. This initiative has empowered thousands of teachers, transforming classrooms and enriching student learning experiences. The project’s success underscoresthe importance of continued investment in digital education to ensure sustainability and lasting change.
While this chapter concludes, the lessons learned, and progress made will continue to shape the future of education. We remain committed to advancing digital literacy and leadership training, forging new partnerships, and expanding its reach to create even greater opportunities for educators and students.
Looking Ahead
The end of the ProFuturo project marks the beginning of new opportunities. We will leverage the momentum gained to explore future initiatives, ensuring that digital education remains a priority. We extend our deepest gratitude to ProFuturo Foundation, Teach For All, and all educators and stakeholders who contributed to this journey. Together, We have laid the foundation for a brighter, digitally empowered future for learners worldwide.
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