Following the hugely successful pilot in Rwanda last year, Akazi Kanoze Access is looking to scale up its network-building efforts in the country.
The project, delivered in partnership with Future First Global, raised awareness among teachers of the importance of this factor in young people’s development. Both organisations believe that strengthening young people’s networks can help improve their life chances.
Akazi Kanoze utilised their existing links in Rwanda, built through their programmes on employability and entrepreneurial skills programmes, to provide access to as many as 46 schools. While Future First Global provided expertise, emphasising the importance of relatability in their specialised network-building approach – in this case encouraging former students to re-establish links with their schools.
The project saw Future First Global provide training to Akazi Kanoze staff, who went on to support teachers in developing strong, well-structured networks. This included earning Headteacher buy-in, identifying and reaching out to former students and establishing initial connections.
After a successful pilot phase, which saw many teachers appreciating the value of the approach and as much as 84% of schools stating network-building is now a priority, Akazi Kanoze is now planning to reach an additional 200 schools over the next two years.
Although the project expansion is currently underfunded, the positive evaluation means that hopes are high for securing what the project needs. The team, including an ambitious new Executive Director, is working hard to ensure that even more schools can benefit from the project’s success.
Nicolas Emane, Akazi Kanoze Access Project Lead, said:
“High school is a stage in life where people ask themselves a lot of questions regarding their future and with the right guidance and mentorship, they can succeed beyond expectations. That is why having networks in schools with people who understand the issues they are facing is so important.
“I am looking forward to promoting the next stage of this project and continuing to measure its impact. Former students can share the same interest in the future of young people and dedicate themselves to ensuring they understand their options.”
Hannah White Future First Global Consultant, said:
“The results we saw from our work with Akazi Kanoze Access in Rwanda were really encouraging and we’re excited about the prospect of reaching even more young people with them in the future.
“Rwanda’s focus on a competency-based curriculum and the work happening around teaching entrepreneurship in the country offers a fantastic opportunity for harnessing the power of strong networks.’