Tai Impact’s Triumph at the Africa Skills Week: Championing Innovation in Education

From October 14 to 18, 2024, Accra, Ghana, hosted the Africa Skills Week (ASW), a landmark event organized by the African Union (AU) and the Government of Ghana. The event, themed “Skills and Jobs for the 21st Century: Quality Skills Development for Sustainable Employability in Africa,” brought together policymakers, educators, and innovators to drive transformation in Africa’s educational and skills development systems. A highlight of ASW 2024 was the AU Innovating Education Competition, where 611 applicants vied for the top prize. Only ten finalists were selected to pitch their groundbreaking innovations in education on October 18, 2024.

Among the finalists was Mariam Mhina, representing Tai Impact, whose pitch titled “Leveraging Storytelling and Digital Innovation for Inclusive Education in Africa” earned her the 2nd place prize, making her one of the three winners.

A Proud Achievement for Tanzania

Tai Impact’s innovative approach addresses critical educational challenges across Africa, including high dropout rates, and the exclusion of marginalized groups, particularly girls and people with disabilities. Through culturally relevant storytelling and the use of digital platforms, Tai Impact engages communities with media such as animations, radio dramas, and podcasts, focusing on breaking harmful cultural taboos around issues like child marriage and disability discrimination.

Mariam Mhina’s pitch, centered on how Tai Impact uses digital tools to make educational content accessible to underserved groups, struck a chord with the judges. She was the only finalist from Tanzania and her 2nd-place victory is not only a personal achievement but also a national triumph. Her innovation stood out among over 611 competitors, underscoring the power of digital storytelling in reshaping education in Africa.

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National Recognition

Mariam Mhina’s success was recognized by Tanzania’s Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology, which was represented at the event by Dr. Fredrick Salukele, the Director of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). The Ministry celebrated her accomplishment, sharing a congratulatory message on social media:

“Mtanzania Mariam Mhina kutoka kampuni ya Tai Impact Tanzania ameshinda nafasi ya pili kwenye tuzo za ubunifu kwenye Elimu katika Africa Skills Week iliyofanyika Accra Ghana 14 - 18 Oktoba 2024. Kongole kwa Mariam Mhina na tunajivunia ushindi huu.”

This recognition from the Tanzanian government highlights Tai Impact’s contributions to the country’s education sector and its potential for expanding innovative educational practices throughout Africa.

A Platform for Innovation and Collaboration

The Africa Skills Week placed a spotlight on critical topics such as the integration of technology into education, with Tai Impact’s storytelling approach seen as a powerful tool to engage marginalized communities.

Tai Impact’s model uses a mix of digital media, including its proprietary digital platform, to disseminate educational content tailored to the needs of marginalized groups, such as girls and youth with disabilities. This adaptable content, which can be available in multiple languages, makes education more accessible to disconnected communities. The project’s success demonstrates the critical role of storytelling in challenging societal norms and promoting inclusive education.

Watch Mariam's innovation pitch for the AU Innovation prizes

Looking Ahead

Tai Impact’s innovative work aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the upcoming National Digital Educational Strategy for Tanzania. As Tai Impact continues its mission, the organization plans to expand its reach through partnerships with ministries and stakeholders across Africa. Their long-term strategy involves scaling their digital storytelling model to reach even more underserved communities, further bridging the educational divide.

As one of the top three finalists in the AU Innovating Education Competition, Tai Impact has proven that homegrown African solutions can make a substantial difference in addressing complex educational challenges. Their success reflects the broader vision of creating inclusive, culturally relevant educational environments across the continent, where every child has access to learning opportunities, regardless of their circumstances.

Tai Impact’s achievement at the Africa Skills Week is not just a win for Tanzania, but for all of Africa. It highlights how storytelling and digital innovation can empower marginalized communities, spark meaningful change, and contribute to a more equitable future for education.