Aid for Rural Education Access Initiative (AREAi)

Tada! 🎉😊🎊 Meet Daniel, our Programme Associate for FastTrack. This 16th episode of “The Impact Banter” was such an interesting, delightful and insightful session as we discussed with DANIEL OGUNTONA. “The Impact Banter” is all about witty, fun, and insightful conversations with guests and those incredible humans at AREAi, who continue to drive positive change for educational impact and development. Click the Link in Bio to subscribe and watch full video: https://lnkd.in/dctY-6e8 Enjoy! 😍 #AREAi #AREAi4Africa #HumansOfAREAi #LearningWithoutBarriers #Education #TheImpactBanter #FastTrack #FoundationalSkills #EducationDevelopment #ThoughtfulConversations #ImpactThatOutlives #EducationChampions

Tada! 🎉😊🎊 Meet Daniel, our Programme Associate for FastTrack. This 16th episode of “The Impact Banter” was such an interesting, delightful and insightful session as we discussed with DANIEL OGUNTONA. “The Impact Banter” is all about witty, fun, and insightful conversations with guests and those incredible humans at AREAi, who continue to drive positive change for educational impact and development. Click the Link in Bio to subscribe and watch full video: https://lnkd.in/dctY-6e8 Enjoy! 😍 #AREAi #AREAi4Africa #HumansOfAREAi #LearningWithoutBarriers #Education #TheImpactBanter #FastTrack #FoundationalSkills #EducationDevelopment #ThoughtfulConversations #ImpactThatOutlives #EducationChampions

These are a few faces of girls whose dreams you’ve helped nurture through your support of our work at AREAi. We’ve witnessed a drastic mind shift in how their dreams have evolved from the norm of societal expectations to extraordinary aspirations of becoming more within the tech industry and across the digital landscape. It is exciting to witness the influence of our trainings and enagements of girls across our #DSA and #GGE programs, igniting an audacious spirit and a passion for more, as their minds are opened up to new possibilities in today’s world. Their journey of growth and skill empowerment would be incomplete without you all - our funders, partners, facilitators, and all stakeholders who continue to play a critical role in the opportunities that become accessible to these girls; most importantly, the #HumansOfAREAi whose commitment shines out in the most remote places and across the marginalized rural communities in Nigeria. Together, we are closing the digital gender divide for girls with 21st century skills, and creating a more equitable world where every girl can thrive, dream again and soar. As we believe in the immerse value girls - the women of our future can bring to the world when given the same opportunities as their male counterparts. Economies grow, communities thrive, and families experience more stability when the woman is allowed to experience balanced growth that allows all of her full potential to be maximized and flourish. Thank you for putting a smile on the faces of these beautiful girls - our emerging young women and power houses. Your incredible support has been instrumental to the impact recorded this year for our work as a team. To greater strides in the new year! #AREAi #AREAi4Africa #LearningWithoutBarriers #DigitalSkillsAccelerator #DSA #GettingGirlsEqual #GGE #DigitalEquity #EmpowerHer #Leaders #DevelopmentPractitioners

The joy of learning is always palpable and for these young ones, the rewards of learning hold greater weight in how their lives can be positively impacted. These are not only rewarding moments for us at AREAi, these engagements brings us much fulfillment as these children continue to learn and gain insight with literacy and numeracy skills on our #FastTrack program. The World Bank reveals that Africa has the youngest population in the world and by 2050, it is expected to be home to over 1 billion young people. Now, imagine a world where over 1 billion young people are under equipped with relevant competencies for the job market and needs of the 21st century, simply because there are gaps to be covered for foundational skills. This implies that, the economy of such African countries will become stifled. The horror… These projections are not just metrics to be noted, but data that reveals the urgency of the situation, the work ahead of us and the lives deserving of a chance to learn and become better equipped for everyday life and the future. We desire a world where every child can learn without barriers, and we are glad to have executed FastTrack in a way that has influenced positively the lives of over 25,000 beneficiaries so far. Like the data reveals, there is so much more to be done and we look forward to accomplishing greater together with the support of funders, our community-based facilitators and partners across the rural north and marginalized communities. Let’s do more together in the coming year, even as we continue to make possible, learning without barriers. #AREAi #AREAi4Africa #LearningWithoutBarriers #FoundationalLearning #FLN #FastTrack #Numeracy #Literacy #EducationForAll #RuralCommunities #TeachingChildren

For girls, the journey to becoming more audacious dreamers and change makers often begins with a spark of interest by the most influential figures accessible to them. For us at AREAi, we recognize that this interest can be cultivated further with focused assistance and intentional investment in digital training sessions and engagements, led by skilled professionals. Our facilitators play a vital role as champions who make these technical skills come alive across the schools and rural communities we continue to serve. Hence, we’ve placed a high premium on the training and support of all our facilitators, without whom, our programmatic impact for our Digital Skills Accelerator for Women and Girls (DSA) would be incomplete this year. These trainings help equip them with up-to-date skills, teaching methods, tools, and strategies, that not only helps us engage these girls in more meaningful but also impactful ways, while delivering consistent and high-quality education that contributes to great outcomes and improved digital competencies for these girls. As the year comes to an end, we are immensely grateful for the tangible contributions of these amazing professionals and express deep gratitude for their support and impact in the lives of these girls who are beneficiaries of our program. #AREAi #AREAi4Africa #LearningWithoutBarriers #EducationChampions #DigitalEquity #LearningWithoutLimits #EmpowerHer #Leaders #DigitalSkillsAccelerator #DSA

The excitement of embarking upon a new journey of learning and growth was palpable for these young students, as they received additional learning materials at the launch of the English Access Scholarship Program which took place earlier in November this year. Since then, these children have undergone learning sessions driven by our trained English Access Facilitators and Professionals. Their learning curriculum has not only focused on studying English Language, but also on other critical components of the U.S. History, Culture and Values. Covering critical areas for successful living such as: 21st Century Skills, Digital Literacy, Climate Action, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility, Media Literacy, Civic Engagement, and Entrepreneurship. The past couple of weeks on this program have indeed been defining, creating a trail for these young students; one that would impact their lives and careers, thus shaping their knowledge, aspirations, skills and future. The steadfast commitment of our Facilitators in Nasarawa State remains truly commendable, and we are quite thankful to have on-board, passionate professionals for this 2-year engagement. Here are some #FlashBacks to the official flag-off of the English Access Scholarship Program in Keffi, Nassarawa State, Nigeria. Proudly funded by the U.S. Department of State, and managed by the local U.S. Embassy/Consulate. In the coming year, we look forward to sharing more live updates of our engagements with these young students on-board the Access Program, as this learning experience continues to broaden their horizons, empowering them further for a brighter future. #AREAi #AREAi4Africa #OfficialLaunch #LearningWithoutBarriers #StudentInduction #EnglishAccessProgram #EAP #AccessProgram #EducationForAll #EnglishAccessProgram

As I reflect on how this year has panned out, I am filled with much gratitude and hope for what is and what will be. It’s been an incredible year so far. We’ve had some great wins and also had a few days where we needed to remember our WHY and re-align with the vision set before us. Working with people who are passionate and focused on the assignment always makes a difference.✨ At #AREAi - Aid for Rural Education Access Initiative (AREAi), the dynamic team is such a blessing and communicating about the stories that matter and continue to make a real difference in the lives of many children, girls and young women across rural and underserved communities has truly been such an honor. We are unrelenting about striving for greater as we continue to make possible, learning without barriers. #BraveOpy #LikeBezalel #Designer #CorporateCommunications #Communications #DigitalCommunications #BrandStrategist #StoryTellers #Journalism #ImpactStories #HumansOfAREAi #UNESCOconfuciusLiteracyPrize2024 #UNESCOconfuciusLiteracyPrize

Missed the latest episode of "The Impact banter"? 🤔 You can still catch up NOW on our YouTube Channel! 😃 🎊 🎉 In this 15th episode, we had such a delightful session speaking with Emeka, our M.E.A.L Associate. “The Impact Banter” is all about witty, fun, and insightful conversations with guests and those incredible humans at AREAi, who continue to drive positive change for educational impact and development. Click the Link in Bio to watch the full video: https://lnkd.in/dKVFfRZs Don't forget to give a like, leave a thoughful comment a, share and subscribe to our YouTube Channel! 😉😁 Enjoy! 😍 #AREAi #AREAi4Africa #LearningWithoutBarriers #Education #Programmes #EducationDevelopment #ThoughtfulConversations #TheImpactBanter #HumansOfAREAi #EducationChampions #ImpactThatOutlives

Technical skills go beyond the ability to code. 21st century skills that are technical or have a tech component could also be as simple as opening a file, creating an email, navigating the internet safely, or using effectively software and applications that enhances work, bringing ease to the everyday life of many. In today’s digitally connected world, there continues to be low representation of women in STEM and the tech industry, largely due to some of these misconceptions and stereotypes about the industry. UNICEF has also disclosed that women represent only 35% of STEM graduates at tertiary levels and globally, about 1 billion girls and women lack the skills required to succeed in rapidly changing job markets. Also, it revealed that 1 in 4 girls aged 15-19 years are neither employed nor in education or training, compared to 1 in 10 boys of the same age bracket. Asides the social and cultural limitations, for many girls, the perceived misconceptions could also become the stumbling block that dissuades them from desiring or even pursuing a career that requires technical training, knowledge and skills. However, at AREAi, we are working hard to change these misconceptions with our Digital Skills Accelerator for Women and Girls (DSA) Program. Girls are more than capable of great things! Hence, it is critical that we remember that skills have no bias against any gender, as long as an individual is willing and able to learn, anything is possible for them, including our girls. Through our program, girls and young women across rural communities and schools with the least of access to basic amenities, training and resources are now receiving the fundamental skills they need to continues to thrive and advance in technology for proper function and integration into our world. #AREAi #AREAi4Africa #DigitalEquity #LearningWithoutLimits #EmpowerHer #Leaders #DigitalSkillsAccelerator #DSA

African countries are struggling with numerous challenges, at the peak is economic hardship for local and international organisations. High inflation and rising living costs have made it increasingly difficult for many NGOs to sustain their operations. Non-governmental organisations (NGOs), that focus on solving societal issues rather than generating profits, are particularly vulnerable to inadequate resources. The inconsistent access of NGOs to sustainable funding and changing donor objectives have made it difficult for them to meet project needs and maintain overhead costs in recent years. These major issues, coupled with operational systems that differ completely from those of profit-oriented entities, pose a significant threat to their survival. Find out more from our latest article "Diversifying Funding Sources for Non-Governmental Organisations in Africa: Strategies for Sustainability" as it explores the pain-points regarding fund raising and the potential sustainable solutions for non-profits led by African founders. Catch up on the details of this truly insightful piece, written by our Programme and Partnership Associate, Oluwadamilola Iyiola. Visit to read more: https://lnkd.in/dBA8pGgF #AREAi #AREAi4Africa #LearningWithoutBarriers #Partnershing #Funding #FundRaising #Publications #Research #Updates #BlogPost #Articles #HumansOfAREAi #SustainableStrategies #ImpactThatOutlives #Sustainability #FundingForNGOs #FundingForNonProfits