Ubuntu Education Programme

Project Summary

We’re empowering young people from Black, African, and Caribbean backgrounds to explore their identity, develop essential life skills, and thrive in all aspects of their lives.

The Ubuntu Education Programme is an extracurricular character development initiative for 11-16-year-olds. It provides opportunities for young people to explore their identity and heritage, develop social and emotional skills, and understand their role within society. Originally planned as an after-school programme, the pilot sessions were adapted for online delivery in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Challenge

The sudden shift to online delivery due to the pandemic presented challenges for extracurricular programmes in maintaining participant engagement.

Many youth programmes struggled to ensure sufficient access to technology for online engagement. They also needed to effectively develop the children’s verbal communication skills in a virtual environment. Further, the COVID-19 pandemic heightened feelings of isolation and anxiety among young people.

Feedback and Testimonials

Participants, guardians, and tutors have provided positive feedback, noting the programme’s significant impact on personal development and emotional well-being.

“
The difference in Josiah from the beginning of the sessions to this point is phenomenal. His attitude towards learning, homework, writing, and presentation has changed
Grandparent

“
For me, family means togetherness and love, and family gives you support, and they keep you safe
Participant

“
Young people develop techniques that enable them to be responsive, not reactive
Tutor

Our Solution

Cognitive Paths adapted the Ubuntu Education Programme for interactive online delivery, utilising quizzes, discussions, and a culturally relevant design to foster engagement and participation.

The programme maintained its focus on exploring personal identity and cultural heritage, encouraging responsiveness over reactivity. To build the participants’ emotional skills, we integrated techniques to help young people manage emotions, encouraging responsiveness over reactivity.

Results & Impact

The Ubuntu Education Programme successfully delivered 13 online sessions, which engaged participants and provided them with a global perspective on learning.

delivered 13 online sessions

free tickets claimed

100

of participants from Black, African, or Caribbean backgrounds

We saw a demonstrated strong interest and demand for the programme, with participants booking 63 free tickets. By prioritising inclusion, 100% of participants were from Black, African, or Caribbean backgrounds. Participants reported improved self-esteem, enhanced social and emotional skills, and a strengthened sense of identity.

Future Outlook

Building on the success of the pilot programme, the Ubuntu Education Programme aims to expand its reach and impact by developing further resources and exploring opportunities for both online and in-person delivery.

This approach includes creating new content, enhancing digital platforms, and seeking partnerships to ensure long-term sustainability.