In many parts of Africa, the biggest barriers to education aren’t textbooks or teachers—they’re the absence of basic infrastructure like toilets, science labs, and sports facilities. For thousands of students in Kenya and Ghana, these challenges don’t just affect their education; they impact their health, dignity, and future prospects.
NextGenRise, an initiative spearheaded by Creative Resilience International (CRI), is tackling these problems head-on. Through a combination of fundraising, community partnerships, and skill-building programmes, the initiative is transforming schools and opening doors for disadvantaged young people.
The numbers tell a powerful story. Last year, donations to NextGenRise funded the renovation of eight boys’ toilets and two teachers’ toilets at Gitiba Primary School in Nairobi, benefitting 300 boys and 10 teachers. The initiative also distributed books and sanitary products to schools in Kenya and Ghana and sponsored 10 students for a media training course in Nairobi.
This year, the stakes are even higher. With a crowdfunding target of £60,000, NextGenRise is working to build 16 new toilets and a multi-purpose basketball-volleyball court at Ruthimitu Mixed Secondary School in Nairobi, serving 1,300 students. A new kitchen is also in the works at Gitiba Schools to support 400 students. Meanwhile, at Twifu Hemang Secondary & Technical School in Ghana, the initiative aims to construct a science laboratory—currently, students have donated equipment but no classroom in which to use it.
But NextGenRise isn’t just about bricks and mortar. Through UK-accredited STEAM courses (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) and a media training programme at BEAMS, students are gaining practical skills that will help them build careers and contribute to their communities. The initiative is turning education into a launchpad for social mobility, ensuring that young people aren’t just surviving but thriving.
The fundraising effort has taken a global approach, offering supporters multiple ways to get involved. A Silent Auction in London is giving bidders the chance to win luxury travel experiences, including first-class flights, safari adventures, and high-end hotel stays. The Kenya Shine Raffle includes prizes such as signed football boots, theatre tickets, and exclusive hampers. Meanwhile, for those who prefer a more active way to contribute, a Walkathon in Windsor and a Hikeathon in Nairobi will raise funds while promoting fitness and solidarity.
NextGenRise has also built a robust network of partners, including Skyward Express, Don Bosco Youth Education Services, Taita Wildlife Conservancy, and the Twifu Hemang Royal House. These organisations are helping to drive change from the ground up, proving that systemic problems require collaborative solutions.
For those looking to make a real impact, donating to NextGenRise is more than charity—it’s an investment in Africa’s future. With every toilet built, every science lab equipped, and every scholarship granted, the initiative is proving that small changes can lead to big transformations.
