Guest blog by Dave Fair (Edulution)
Edulution is a Learning Platform that achieves effective learning through a unique combination of technology, exciting content, effective coaching by carefully selected, well-trained and economically incentivised coaches, and a comprehensive performance measurement system producing actionable analytics.
It was born in 2015 when founder Michael Wray and Pestalozzi International's Sir Richard Butler decided to test an innovative idea: that digital learning could both transform learning in rural Africa and provide meaning-full employment to talented youth from rural communities.
Early Development and Growth
Initially incubated within Kasisi school on the outskirts of Lusaka, Pestalozzi International provided Edulution the funding, time and support needed to iterate its platform until ready to launch around Zambia and beyond. Ten years later Edulution has grown into a substantial organisation, having operated in 3 countries, impacted over 60,000 learners and employed over 220 coaches. In Zambia alone we have grown from 5 centres in 2015 to 18 in 2024, employing 55 Pestalozzi alumni since inception.
Strategic Approach
From the beginning a path to changing the established education system was mapped: with seed funding from Pestalozzi, Edulution would prove their concept, before scaling delivery and attracting new funders drawn to the success of the model. With growth into new countries government would become enrolled as an active stakeholder and eventually the product champion as the transformative methodology of active, supported, mastery based learning is made available to all learners. This journey is now reaching maturity with MOU’s signed at government level in both Zambia and South Africa.
True alignment
Key to this success has been the extraordinary alignment of values between the two organisations. We share the deep resolve that each learner matters, and that with caring and focused attention we can maximise the education of each child, developing their head, heart and mind for the benefit of all.
The approach certainly pays dividends where it matters most to government observers: independent analysis of grade divisional score outcomes - the basis of Zambian educational reporting - showed that learners on the Edulution programme had substantially improved their knowledge base in relation to their Zambian peers.
Amazing humans: the secret sauce
Our first cohort of coaches were all Pestalozzi alumni – and our early success was grounded in their remarkable character and values-alignment: they lead their classes with humility and great diligence; guided learners with passion and love; and worked in challenging and uncertain environments with grace and unwavering dedication. Our blueprint for all subsequent coach recruitment has been the Pestalozzi International graduates we deployed in those early days.
Not all our Coaches, however, have taken a linear path to their fulfilling career at Edulution: in 2017 Patson Daka was a learner at Linda community school located in a newly formed township plagued with social unrest and unemployment, and home to some of Zambia’s most vulnerable children. Patson dropped out of school, but the teachers at Linda community school brought him back and enrolled him in the Edulution Programme. As he learned basic numeracy skills, he started to thrive and reached the top of his class in the final exams in grades 9 and 12. In 2022, Patson became an assistant Edulution Coach and is now enrolled in a full scholarship at the University of Zambia.
From humble beginnings
Sharon Panicco, Edulution’s Zambia Programme Manager from inception, remembers the early days: “Sir Richard was instrumental. He always saw digital education as a vehicle to take quality education into the rural areas. When he asked us to extend into Luangwa, (Pestalozzi alumni) Mulenga Mwamba and I took a drive down there.”
Sharon was struck by the poverty, the raw simplicity of life: no electricity or running water, people living off the land. “But the schools were delighted at the idea of having Edulution. We set up five schools in succession with Mulenga serving as the ambassador and lead coach. She was the glue that held it together.”
From there Edulution went to Lundazi where another alumni lead with great success. Joseph Kumwenda exemplifies the career journey that is possible through this partnership. He completed his education at Pestalozzi International Children Village in Lusaka, receiving sponsorship from Grades 5-15. After graduating, he got a job as an assistant Coach at Edulution and, in due course, became a Bronze, then Silver, and finally, Gold Coach. “My journey with Edulution has been amazing. I have travelled and helped open centres in Namibia and in South Africa.” In 2023, Joseph was promoted to field coordinator in Lusaka, serving Zambia’s Eastern Region. He manages over 16 local staff. He also supports his parents and is a role model in his community.
Strong roots for the future
Mulenga too looks back on her fulfilling journey through the Pestalozzi family, into Edulution, where she now occupies a leadership position. “Reflecting on our journey with Pestalozzi International brings a wave of gratitude and appreciation. Pestalozzi’s commitment to holistic education and personal development has been instrumental in shaping not only skilled professionals but also compassionate and thoughtful individuals.”
“For us, the relationships built within this community have been invaluable. The network of support from fellow alumni, coaches, and staff has been a constant source of encouragement and inspiration. As we contribute to this testimonial, it serves as a reminder of the collective impact we have made and the shared commitment to nurturing future generations of Edulution learners. The lessons learned and the bonds formed within Pestalozzi International will forever be a guiding light in our endeavours.”
Edulution Zambia remains proud to have Pestalozzi International as a core funder and shareholder and we look forward to a shared future of positive engagement, developing skills and enriching the futures of Zambia’s next generation.
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