Last year, Elimu was chosen by UNESCO to represent their Lifelong Learning Initiative in Kilifi County, where we are based in Kenya. This was a huge moment for us and a truly proud one for everyone we serve. It’s a powerful nod to all the hard work we’ve been putting in to make education more accessible, practical, and welcoming for learners of all ages.
As part of this honor, our Program Manager, Anthony, got an opportunity to travel to Shanghai, China, for the Lifelong Learning and Learning Cities International Conference. People from countries like Georgia, Singapore, China, Namibia, South Africa, Uganda, Australia, Mongolia, Uzbekistan, Thailand, and the UK, all in one room, talking about how we can help people keep learning throughout their lives!
The conference was a buzzing place, full of lively discussions about how lifelong learning can help us tackle big global problems, build stronger communities, and spark new ways of teaching and learning. Anthony had the chance to share Elimu’s story from the ground up in Kilifi, talking about our programs in digital literacy, vocational skills, and community empowerment. He also learned a ton from other countries doing inspiring work to support learning outside of traditional classrooms. It really opened our eyes to what’s possible!
For all of us at Elimu, this whole experience was about more than just getting a pat on the back. It was about connection. It opened doors for new partnerships and gave us so many fresh ideas to make our work even stronger back home. It was a powerful reminder that the challenges we face here in Kilifi aren’t unique; communities all over the world share similar struggles. By working together, we can find better, lasting solutions.
Since Anthony got back from the trip, we haven’t wasted a moment. We’ve already started looking into new collaborations and thinking much more strategically about how to really expand our impact. The valuable lessons we picked up in Shanghai are already helping us improve how we deliver learning opportunities to the people who need them most.
One of the most exciting outcomes of this conference was the incredible network Anthony built. He connected with people from across the globe, and these aren’t just names on a business card! We’ve already received follow-ups from places like Mongolia, inviting us for exchanges, and Uzbekistan, encouraging us to explore opportunities there. Even Namibia is keen to visit us here in Kenya for “benchlearning” – a chance to see our work firsthand! Closer to home, the Garissa County Government has already reached out, wanting to visit Elimu with their Education Ministry for similar learning.
These new connections are already creating pathways for potential collaborations in areas like funding, education sponsorships, and building our team’s skills. Imagine the possibilities for our community as we connect with these global partners! It’s truly inspiring.
As we keep championing lifelong learning in Kilifi County, these key takeaways from the conference will truly guide our efforts in fostering inclusive and sustainable education. We’re excited to explore all these new opportunities and, step by step, and bring these action points to life for the benefit of everyone.