On the subject of education transformation, Odunayo Aliu stands as a beacon of change, making waves in rural and marginalised communities across Nigeria. As an Education Specialist and Development Practitioner, she shares her remarkable journey through a podcast conversation with Tim, shedding light on the innovative strides she’s taken to democratise access to learning and reshape education for millions of young minds in Africa.
For Odunayo and her dedicated team at Bramble Network, the mission is clear—it’s not just about enabling access to education; it’s about ensuring it’s transformative. The goal is to deliver a transformative education experience, transcending mere accessibility for children and youths in underserved communities.
In her engaging conversation with Tim, Odunayo prompts thought-provoking questions that lie at the core of her mission:
- How do we mobilise resources within communities to solve community problems?
- How can we design learning spaces that ignite intrinsic motivation in children?
- How do we reshape parental perceptions of education?
- How can policymakers and legislators be allies on this transformative journey?
Odunayo paints a vivid picture of her encounter with Dada, a pivotal moment that unveiled the inadequacies of simply sponsoring children through school. The realisation struck during an interactive session where a child struggled to write his own name. This epiphany led Odunayo to adopt a holistic approach to education, recognizing that the issue was multifaceted and required a nuanced solution.
The crux of Odunayo’s strategy lies in the creation of transformative learning centres. Here, children undergo a mindset reformation, shedding limiting cultural beliefs, followed by a transformative education that addresses holistic development. Her approach seeks to nurture intrinsic motivation and unlock the full potential of each child.
Odunayo’s journey took her to Kenya particularly to an institute of social change, where she delved into alternative education methods. Drawing inspiration from learning centres in India, she integrated hands-on, experiential learning approaches into Bramble Network’s initiatives. Her design of learning communities in rural areas ensures children discover their intrinsic motivation, fostering a love for learning and personal growth.
Implementing transformative education in Nigeria posed challenges, as the approach wasn’t widely accepted. Odunayo, undeterred, shares her strategies for engaging entire communities in building an education system that authentically serves them. Her insights and remarkable testimonies underscore the tangible impact of her initiatives.
Odunayo Aliu’s podcast conversation provides a comprehensive insight into systems innovation in education. The journey she narrates is not just a personal one—it’s a proof of the transformative power of education, poised to leave an indelible mark on the lives of countless young individuals in Africa. Odunayo in this podcast also shares her goals for transformation on a national level involving government and other key stakeholders to influence policies, advocate and share insights from her journey as a development practitioner.
Listen to the full podcast to grasp the depth of Odunayo’s commitment to reshaping the educational landscape in Africa here https://lnkd.in/efRgErq9