June 2008 Hall of Fame
Meaningful Education in Africa for the Average Child: Lea...
Meaningful Education in Africa for the Average Child: Lead Now Fellows
Simply put, tags are keywords used to identify an idea. Just click on one of the tags below to find like-minded ideas.
-
Q1: I would love to entertain your suggestions for board members, both advisory and executive. Even though I'm still mulling through exactly which legal entity this organization will take the form of, LNF needs connected, caring, and informed advisors on board. So far I have 3 based in the US. (2 pieces of advice)
by eorsulak06.23.08 | 07:44 AMHi Efe! Really excited for you and your plan. Please keep me updated on progress. In terms of a Board, Fels professors advised a few things. First, people who give, get, or get off (the "three G's"). Contributions can be made in plenty of ways, of course, but financial backers are imperative. Related to that is folks with influence and affluence (the "-ences"). Board members should be able to persuade others that your mission is worth supporting; they should also give financially ("generously with respect to their means" according to fundraising professionals). After so much nonprofit leadership training, I feel strongly about having 100 percent of Board members donate to the organization; you could work that into your Directors' job description and orientation.
Are you sure you want to report as abuse?
by dramaced06.23.08 | 09:28 AM1. Please fix the spelling of curriculum in your idea description/what will you do section. Really hurts your credibility to have that word misspelled!
2. Suggest you contact President Ruth Simmons of Brown University to see if she has any ideas for your board...Brown is working on initiatives to help African students get an education at Brown but also encouraging them to return to their home countries. Seems like there might be a tie-in here. Best of luck!Are you sure you want to report as abuse?
-
What advice do you have to help me grow my idea?
(13 pieces of advice)by altraide06.29.08 | 03:07 PMDear Osagie:
I am praying you win. When you do, I'd love to be part of your team to help as much as I can.
God bless Nigeria!
IbiAre you sure you want to report as abuse?
by Gblesstc06.27.08 | 01:40 PM
I think your proposal is a good way to start! Hey Efe, I'm American by birth and Naija by blood and I definitely do understand the need of Nigeria as well as other African countries to better their educational systems, both higher an lower. My college research focused on the 'brain drain' of African intellectual capital and I think a component of your initial research may not just be about getting Nigerian personel, but getting people who have gone abroad to essentially go back into some sort of partnership program. As a corps member, I've thought about it a lot, but whats the harm in thinking of TFA on a grander scale? There are a handful of Nigerian American and just overall corps members that could help you in terms of the greatest challenges you face with a project of this magnitude and scope:
1) politics- Nigerian beauracracy is a whole other game- who is going to be playing on your behalf?
2) resources- getting resources once aquired successfully, if gotten, depends on the latter
3)personnel- someone commented that the teachers, unlike America, are …morenot underqualified but in some ways overqualified. How do you counter that idea
There's so much to this idea! I am genuinely excited for you and would love to talk to you more (for free!) if you'd like any help! Seriously e-mail!Are you sure you want to report as abuse?
by Olufak06.27.08 | 04:14 AMHi Efe
nice idea. I can see that you already have 3 board members based in the US. How many do you intend to have? I will sugest that a minimum of 60% board membership should be reserved for people living in Nigeria that knows the terrain both politically and structurally.
Now to my advices(s). There are 3 great issues eroding the standard of education in Nigeria and these are:
Lack of committment (from the practitioners): many people involved in the practicing of education in Nigeria are practicing because they are frustrated not because they actually have the love to impart knowledge unto others. Becuase they have searched for jobs for many years and couldnt get, they made the available the desirable. Unfortunately also, many of them ARE NOT trained educationsist. I will implore you to seek out the best hands and motivate them to performance for you to achieve your goal
Lack of (or poor) incentives and remuneration: Many 'natural' teachers deserted teaching due to poor remuneration. There is no gainsaying that from primary to tertiary, teacher…mores are the worst paid in Nigeria today. This has made it impossible for people that actually have thr flair for teaching to settle down with it. For example, I would have loved to be a teacher (this is actually my calling) but opted out it because I knew It was going to be difficult for me to pay my bills
Corruption: This is the greatest of the cankerworm eating deep into the fabrics of Nigeria economy in all ramifications, education inclusive. You will have to device means of dealing with this for the goals of this project to be achieved.
All in all I will say weldone.
Please feel free to contact me if there is a way you think I can helpAre you sure you want to report as abuse?
by wfaleye06.25.08 | 11:23 PMGreat idea. Keep up the commitment. THat's key. You've worked hard. Stay focused, and you're vision will reveal its truth. I think this is a great attempt to rectify great errors that have now defined a generation on this earth that may never know what it means to be mentored and valued for their intellectual impact.
Are you sure you want to report as abuse?
by naija12306.25.08 | 07:13 PMI think this is an awesome idea. If everyone of us can think less of ourselves and think of others and how their lives can be improved then this world can be a better place for all of us. I am so proud and honored to know someone so selfless like yourself. My prayer is that the same GOD that placed this dream in your heart will also bring it to pass.
Are you sure you want to report as abuse?
by tukam06.24.08 | 09:38 PMAFRICAN AS ONE NOT NIGERIA...anybody can see this.
Thanks and come on.Are you sure you want to report as abuse?
by EOsagie06.14.08 | 05:09 PMThanks for the input! I definitely have in-country contacts who are commited to helping as much as they can. I still need the right in-country contact/s who, like you said, are adept at navigating the politics and bureacracy. And finding that person is a very tall order, even if I were living in Nigeria. I'm definitely actively searching for that person, so friends, as you scroll through, please name names (via email!) if you have a suggestion. I can always work within my network to see if I have even a lose connection to that individual.
Are you sure you want to report as abuse?
by greenhl
06.14.08 | 02:47 PMAs some have stated, I too think getting a local country contact will be key. Having a local who is extremely knowledgeable, business savvy, and capable of navigating Nigerian politics / bureaucracy will be key. This person will provide much needed knowledge, and also give you a lot of credibility. Ideally, if you can find someone who has had a leadership role and a significant amount of experience with a non-profit would be great.
Are you sure you want to report as abuse?
06.07.08 | 03:40 AMI had an idea. Not sure if it's a good one...but worth a shot! Kiva.org has a fellow ship program (see http://www.kiva.org/about/fellows-program/) I realize it's not focused on education, but I wondered if you were to do a fellowship with them, they would probably take care of your travel and living expenses. Then you could work on your education program in Nigeria.I know this is a bit "out-of-the-box" but maybe there's some seed of an idea to be found here?
Are you sure you want to report as abuse?
by dapostle06.06.08 | 01:57 AMAre you rolling out this plan on a state by state basis or this is a national initiative from the start? And also do you need, and have you received consent from the Nigerian government to go ahead with things?
And finally, you can never get too much help, take a look at the attached website, they might be helpful www.businessactionforafrica.org
Once again, God speed.Are you sure you want to report as abuse?
06.05.08 | 11:16 PMI believe that the lawyers you spoke with advised you well. I started my own nonprofit and decided to go with the lengthy and often difficult choice of obtaining my 501c3 - federal tax status. This may take a while and means that you will first have to incorporate in your home state (can take 3 months) and then go for federal tax exemption (can take over a year - in my case 8 months). In order to receive grants from most government agencies and from most foundations - having a fiscal sponsor in the short term will be essential. There are various kinds of organizations that can do this for you - Fractured Atlas - is just one of them and specializes in my field: the arts. However, any other organization with a 501c3 status can potentially fiscally sponsor you - I would look at local community foundations, schools, and other social service orgs.
Are you sure you want to report as abuse?
by EOsagie06.05.08 | 09:21 PMHey Tosin,
Thanks for your advice/ inquiry. LNF is very dissimilar from the national youth service corps because the NYSC places all graduates in various positions, even if they are ill-equipped for the assignment, and requires just one year of service. We all know that corpers abandon their posts sometimes, and the is no performance measurement, continuous training, or incentives--it's compulsory. LNF wants to train graduates to commit to teaching for the long-term; the incentives I mentioned are more sustainable than, say, enhancing their salaries with more money. Corporate and private support will come from Nigerian companies because they see the benefit of a better trained worforce: each year, they spend oodles of dollars retraining new hires in basic academic competencies because they come in so low. LNF has a major policy component as well because that is what will ultimately drive government to step up teacher qualifications and compensation, school infrastructure, and so forth.Are you sure you want to report as abuse?
by tosino06.05.08 | 08:02 PMHi, this is a laudable idea. However one question on my mind is in what ways will this program be different/ better than the already established National Youth core Service that partly recruits college graduates to teach in primary schools across the country?
Also,what are your plans for the organization's sustainablility given that one of the major problems facing even the most successful aid organization's across Africa is lack of adequate funding?
I hope you are able to adress these and other issues that might be facibg ur organization in the time to come. All the best
Tosin
Nigeria/U.S.AAre you sure you want to report as abuse?
Idea Description
Developing nations focus on access to education; quality then takes the backburner. In Nigeria, most government primary schools are taught by teachers with 8th grade educations. The result? On the national exam, 25% pass literacy, 35% math; only 50% go on to secondary school. Conventionally trained teachers are under-skilled & under-supported. Lead Now Fellows offers a practical solution. LNF will recruit from the overpopulation of college graduates the most talented to be trained to teach effectively in primary schools. They’ll also receive on-going professional development and attractive, sustainable incentives to augment their salaries like cell phones and housing & transport subsidies.
What will you do if you win $10,000 for this idea?
Program Development--40%
-Cirriculum: stipend for doctoral student/professional to assist with in-country development of cirriculum with assistance from Teach For All
Business & travel--45%
-Nigeria: Baseline study for grants & and discuss terms of partnership with private partners
-South Africa: Observe TSA teacher corps; shadow exec leaders & learn about their negotiations with government, relationship management; observe teacher recruitment and training in action
Fundraising and Admin--15%
-Expatriate Fundraiser (associated costs: solicitation, domestic travel, materials)
-Logo and basic website development
-Legal and Application Fees
-Other: copies, postage, mailings
What a tremendously good idea that has the potential to have a lasting impact on Nigerian children and families--eventually changing economic realities and possibilities. Hopefully folks see the importance in voting for this idea, because education for all children should be a priority.
What a BIG,AUDACIOUS goal(TFA'04).......but very necessary. I think it's great that you are thinking on a global level and realizing that children in other countries deserve access to an excellent education just like we hope the ones in this country attain one as well. Let me know how I can be of more assistance
I applaud this ambitious and necessary goal. You are attempting to give a "voice - support - make a difference" in the lives of children who deserve to have access to educational opportunities that will open up a whole new world to them. I wish you much success. B. Chambers
This is going to be an amazing success. I know this because not only are you a super star with an incredible mind and sense of determination, but because you have a huge following of folks who would be honored to back you up, support you, and help ensure you achieve your vision. Thanks for calling on us now - please keep doing so! And congratulations!
Congratulations on this important work! It sounds like your plan is beginning to come together and like you've identified the resources you need. We all look forward to supporting you as you work to launch this venture.
Efe this is such an awesome initiative, I pray that it all works out and you succeed in establishing LNF. Hopefully many more people will follow in your foot steps. I know it is still in the early stages but while I was reading your description, I felt the need to ask, will this initiative encourage the many Nigerian who are currently studying overseas to return home and be part of LNF. I am not too familiar with the current state of Nigeria at the moment, but I do know many are not interesting in retruning to Nigeria because there is not much to come home to beside family to be honest. OK I am writing way too much. I just wanted to end off by saying thank you for bring this wonderful idea to the table. All the best my dear.
Efe this is such an awesome initiative, I pray that it all works out and you succeed in establishing LNF. Hopefully many more people will follow in your foot steps. I know it is still in the early stages but while I was reading your description, I felt the need to ask, will this initiative encourage the many Nigerian who are currently studying overseas to return home and be part of LNF. I am not too familiar with the current state of Nigeria at the moment, but I do know many are not interesting in retruning to Nigeria because there is not much to come home to beside family to be honest. OK I am writing way too much. I just wanted to end off by saying thank you for bring this wonderful idea to the table. All the best my dear.
Efe this is such an awesome initiative, I pray that it all works out and you succeed in establishing LNF. Hopefully many more people will follow in your foot steps. I know it is still in the early stages but while I was reading your description, I felt the need to ask, will this initiative encourage the many Nigerian who are currently studying overseas to return home and be part of LNF. I am not too familiar with the current state of Nigeria at the moment, but I do know many are not interesting in retruning to Nigeria because there is not much to come home to beside family to be honest. OK I am writing way too much. I just wanted to end off by saying thank you for bring this wonderful idea to the table. All the best my dear.
Efe this is such an awesome initiative, I pray that it all works out and you succeed in establishing LNF. Hopefully many more people will follow in your foot steps. I know it is still in the early stages but while I was reading your description, I felt the need to ask, will this initiative encourage the many Nigerian who are currently studying overseas to return home and be part of LNF. I am not too familiar with the current state of Nigeria at the moment, but I do know many are not interesting in retruning to Nigeria because there is not much to come home to beside family to be honest. OK I am writing way too much. I just wanted to end off by saying thank you for bring this wonderful idea to the table. All the best my dear.
Efe this is such an awesome initiative, I pray that it all works out and you succeed in establishing LNF. Hopefully many more people will follow in your foot steps. I know it is still in the early stages but while I was reading your description, I felt the need to ask, will this initiative encourage the many Nigerian who are currently studying overseas to return home and be part of LNF. I am not too familiar with the current state of Nigeria at the moment, but I do know many are not interesting in retruning to Nigeria because there is not much to come home to beside family to be honest. OK I am writing way too much. I just wanted to end off by saying thank you for bring this wonderful idea to the table. All the best my dear.
sorry something is wrong with my comp, posted my comment one too many times.
Nice idea. It is very true that quantity and not quality is an area of focus in most part of the education system in developing nations. This is actually a problem/ need created out of inefficient policies. However, the citizens can only bang their heads against the corruption that exists at the policy level in these developing nations. It is nice to see that you have circumvented that route and decided in turn to improve the quality of the staff being recruited. However, I am still unclear how the whole system will work out and how you would prevent the system from going back to square one.
I am totally blown away by your commitment to this - and I know that it will be a HUGE success. You have given of yourself in a way that God will honor and I am humbled by your drive to make this a reality! Keep moving forward and congratulations on such an awesome vision!!
Hi, this is a laudable idea. However one question on my mind is in what ways will this program be different/ better than the already established National Youth core Service that partly recruits college graduates to teach in primary schools across the country? Also,what are your plans for the organization's sustainablility given that one of the major problems facing even the most successful aid organization's across Africa is lack of adequate funding? I hope you are able to adress these and other issues that might be facing ur organization in the time to come. All the best Tosin Nigeria/U.S.A
This is a wonderful concept thta will surely be effective and knowing your drive determination and strong foundation in Christ, i am sure you won't fail....Don't worry about detractors, wherever there is His will, there is a way
I wish you all the best for the sprint. I want to give you my vote, but I am concerned that your schools will include missionary work. I too have plans to launch my project in Africa, but I feel that we need to be as neutral as possible when it comes to our values. Perhaps you could shed some light on this, please. Thanks! natalie - the earth garden project
Sure Recygirl, my response: Lead Now Fellows is a teacher corps that must establish and maintain complex partnerships with the Nigeria's youth service corps, other government agencies, colleges and universities, and many businesses and corporations--it is safe to say that it is a secular, or nuetral, organization. I, like millions of others, have to wake up each day and separate my personal life from my professional undertakings. I have to say though that LNF will succeed because I do have a personal faith that is rooted in Christ and I believe He is blessing the work of my hands (because He gave it to me).
Efe, Thanks for writing. I really think this is a wonderful, meaningful project; I wish you all the best. You have my vote. natalie - the earth garden project
Efe, All your Houston Texas fans and friends are with you on this laudable goal and we shall continue to pray and support this great dream of yours. I wish you the very best and May God crownyour effort with good success. You have my vote and that of Grace international consulting services.
Efe I think what your doing is phenomenal! Keep me posted!! peace monique
You know the famous quote, All that is needed for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing. Thank you for being an exception. As well as inspiration.
This is a great idea that is practical and effective. Lead Now Fellows is an institution with a dynamic vision which will last for centuries to come. Lead Now Feillows will succeed to enormous heights. Thank you for informing me.
Hi Efe, I like your idea. You have my vote!
Efe, Great idea! Thanks so much too!! My name's Stacey Monk, from the http://www.ideablob.com/ideas/1770-EPIC-CHANGE-Make-Loans-Tell- idea. I'm the founder of http://www.EpicChange.org. You stopped by a few days ago and left a comment mentioning that you may have some fellow students at Penn who may be interested in our efforts - I would be ecstatic to get additional resources involved. We are always looking for great volunteers. We've actually been pondering a business school competition as well to assist us in product design, and get bright b-school students engaged in our efforts. If you have contacts at Wharton whom you believe may want to be involved, please pass my email along to them as well. I can be reached at stacey@epicchange.org. I'll be travelling to Tanzania next Mo…morenday, July 30th, and won't return until August 13th. I'll have only intermittent access to my email during that time, but will make every effort to respond as soon as possible. Thanks so much - and good luck with the sprint!!! Stacey
Efe you have my vote and support, lets make it happen.. your idea is great...
Great Idea! If you haven't read it, you might like to check out a book called "How to Change the World: Social Entrepreneurs and the Power of New Ideas." Also, keep in mind that $10K may not go as far as you think in therms of covering all the start up costs you will encounter. Get what you can for free, and focus what you have on the key things you will need to grow to the next step. Good Luck!
This is still a great idea and I hope you come out the winner. Good Luck to you!!! Jamila C.
Efe, your idea is great. I know that you will find success in your venture so I share this with you because it is what has been placed in your heart: Write what you see. Write it out in big block letters so that it can be read on the run. This vision-message is a witness pointing to what's coming. It aches for the coming—it can hardly wait! And it doesn't lie. If it seems slow in coming, wait. It's on its way. It will come right on time. Best Wishes- IDS
Go for it Efe! If we don't do it... who will? natalie - the earth garden project.
Bravo! You've had my vote n i'd spread on d news.....i'm a legal practitioner by training based in Nigeria...so if u need clarification on any issue relating 2 d operation of this project in Nigeria, i'd definately be of assistance. God bless you n make ds idea successful!
Hi Efe, I just wanted to wish you all the luck in the world. It's been very fun exchanging ideas and emails this month. I just know that you are going to get to Africa and help those kids. I have complete faith in you. (Did you ever contact your friend at Kiva?) If there is anything I can do to help you, please let me know. Congrats on quitting your job to follow your dreams. Thanks for making the world a better place. I just know you will succeed. Cindy
Hi Efe! I, like you, am extremely passionate and driven by a calling to effect change in the unlikeliest of places. Thanks for the comment on my project for a safe nurturing accessible educational network of schools in Jamaica. I have tried to get in touch with you previously with little success. I think it would be great for us to support each other, something we need to do much more of despite our own busy lives. We have a lot in common, first generation, I grew up in Willingboro (and actually go there every weekend), TFA alum, ready to make a change! It sounds like we will both be working with developing governmental entities and many constituencies on the ground. Please get in touch with me so we can talk more jaleadershipacademy@gmail.com or 609-504-0814. Colleen Hinds. Best of luck…more and God speed.