What Black History Month means to non-Americans?

Black history month is predominantly an American thing — after working in Africa over the last 6 years, I think Africa deserves our attention!

Black history month is officially recognised by President Ford in 1976, with the purpose of honouring African American’s contribution and legacy from activists and civil rights pioneers to leaders in science, culture, politics etc.

We should also take a moment to celebrate?the wins that Africans made, who succeed despite the hardships that they have to go through. For example, in 2021:?Najla-Bouden became Tunisia’s first ever female Prime Minister; Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala from Nigeria became the Director-General of WTO.

By 2050, 1 out of 4 people globally will be African.

Africa will?become a force to be reckoned?with in the world stage.

When Elon musk warned us that “low birthrate and the rapidly declining birthrate” is “one of the biggest risks to civilisation”, he has probably forgotten about Africa.

UN estimates that Africa?will contribute 1.3 billion of the global population increase between 2019 and 2050.

We need to reimagine almost every aspect of life in view of this change: geopolitics, technology, patterns of migration etc.

What does a Nigerian, a Rwandan, a Cameroonian have in common?

I have the pleasure of working closely with some amazing Africans who are part of Solve Education team over the last years.

Here are three things they have in common:

#1: Resilience

Oladimeji Ojo?heads our operations in Nigeria. It is ever so often that he needs to head out to get gasoline for his generator, when the electricity goes out.

Our teammate in Nigeria, Oladimeji Ojo, was sharing our learning innovation to the Executive Director and Programmes Director of Kids&Teens NGO.

As of February 2021,?43 % of Nigerians still had no access to on-grid electricity. Even for the ones who have access to on-grid electricity like Ola, just last week, he had to go without electricity for 36 hours.

With this and other obstacles, Ola wakes up each day and strives to move forward with grit, embodying the resilience of the African people who thrives despite of difficulties.

#2: Resourceful

For those who are not aware,?Cameroon has been suffering from a long and bitter civil war.

The impact on children due to school closures and violence can’t be easily quantified. Sandjong has been relentless at making sure children and youth in his community continues to have access to education.

Sandjong doing rollout in Cameroon.

It is truly not easy, and sometimes even dangerous. But Sandjong doesn’t give up and always finds a way.

#3: Strong sense of purpose

Pacifique Mukaseti?can be enjoying a comfortable and carefree life. But her sense of duty and her love for her home country of Rwanda, and Africa have propelled her to join Solve Education! as a force for change. And I am as excited as her about our plans for Rwandan youth!

This quality is what I have observed to be true with Ola and Sandjong too.

I hope this makes you as excited about Africa as I am! Solve Education! is open to more partnerships and collaboration in Africa — drop me a note in LinkedIn if you are interested.