Nelly Kagoro
Founder, Ohana Africa Foundation and Director, Ohana School
Bold Question: What if we create a sustainable educational model that provides quality and affordable learning experiences for underprivileged communities?
Pathway to Metis: My name is Nelly Kagoro, the Founder of Ohana Africa Foundation and Director at Ohana School, where I passionately advocate for education for sustainable Development, girls’ empowerment, and climate justice. My journey into education leadership is rooted in a strong commitment to social justice, and a belief that education can be a tool for both equity and environmental sustainability.
With a background in Sociology, Gender, and Development, a Diploma in Community Health, and ongoing studies in Education Leadership and Management at ( KEMI), I bring both academic insight and grassroots experience to my work. I am also a proud Global Schools Forum SDG Champion, a finalist in the Christian Business Angels Entrepreneur competition, a member of The Teachers Lounge, and a participant in the Peer Mentorship Program, Cohort 3. Platforms that have shaped my thinking and expanded my vision for education reform by including Global and National policies in curriculum implementation.
Through Ohana where I also lead, the Foundation supports our global perspective project on play-based learning model. I am also in the process of piloting a low-cost daycare model in Soweto slums, offering safe, nurturing care and early childhood development for children in underserved communities. I also lead girls’ mentorship, eco-literacy, and sustainable farming programs, with a focus on helping learners and families become more resilient, self-reliant, and climate-conscious.
The Metis Fellowship is the next step in my leadership journey. I seek to refine my models, learn from other changemakers, and deepen my impact through innovation, collaboration, and system level thinking. My pathway is grounded in the belief that education, environmental stewardship, and gender equity must go hand in hand if we are to build just and sustainable communities.
