Meet Changemaking TU Africa Regional Director, Angela Kithao
TeachUNITED is thrilled to introduce you to our new Africa Regional Director Angela Kithao.
Angela is an education program management leader with more than 16 years of experience in the sector. She started her career as a classroom teacher and an instructor of student teachers. She has gone on to provide leadership in the design, planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of education programs at the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), Educate!, Education Development Trust, and more.
We recently sat down with Angela to learn more about her journey and experience at TeachUNITED to date.
What made you decide to work in education?
My journey into education is driven by a personal story of transformation and empowerment. Growing up in a family of six on less than $1 a day, quality education seemed out of reach, a struggle millions of children are facing in Africa. But thanks to Plan International’s support, I accessed quality secondary education, transforming my life, that of my siblings, my parents, and my community. Now, I am passionate about providing similar opportunities to the millions of marginalized children in Africa, especially girls. Quality education has the power to uplift individuals, families, and communities, and I am dedicated to closing the gap in access to quality education through different interventions, especially by supporting teachers.
Angela with Co-Founder & CEO Heather Hiebsch and Direct Services Coach Issaya Ipyana Kasyupa
What have you enjoyed most about working at TeachUNITED so far?
In just two months at TeachUNITED, I have been moved by the impact of our work in the previous years. The Africa Impact Report and the Monduli Impact Study show remarkable education outcomes for rural school children in Africa. The prospect of continuing to transform education outcomes for millions of African children in rural schools is what drives me every day as I know this will transform their lives forever.
Tell me about a TeachUNITED teacher that left an impression on you.
On March 21st, 2024, I visited Kilimatembo Secondary School in Tanzania, Karatu, where I spoke with two teachers and the headteacher about their experience with the TU program. Teacher Eziekiel, who teaches English, emphasized a shift in mindset: “We used to see teachers as everything, but now we realize students are valuable resources in the learning process. Improved teamwork among teachers and students has made everyone’s job easier, including the headteacher and education officers. Teachers are now confident in students’ capabilities.“
Angela and her team visit a school in Karatu, Tanzania
Who was your favorite school teacher growing up and why?
My favorite teacher, Mr. Ntongai, was my primary school music teacher. Despite being blind, he mastered numerous musical instruments and infused his lessons with energy, humor, and excitement. His positivity and engagement inspired me, teaching me that the only limit is oneself and that I could achieve anything I set my mind to.
Have you read anything recently that inspires your work?
The Smart Buys Education Report (2023) from GEEAP offers a roadmap for enhancing learning outcomes in low and middle-income countries. It’s inspiring to see that supporting teachers with structured pedagogy ranks among the top education investments. We’re excited to now be creating a collection of lesson plans to maximize teacher uptake of new strategies and fully align our model with all four of the best practices from this report!
What hobbies do you enjoy? What do you do in your free time?
During my free time, I enjoy spending quality time with friends or family.
Do you watch or play any sports?
Netball has been my passion since my primary school days, and it’s followed me all the way through university. My love for the game doesn’t stop there! I have even had the opportunity to referee netball while working at a teachers’ training college. Whether I am on the court playing or officiating from the sidelines, the excitement keeps me hooked!
What’s your favorite food and why?
My favorite food is fried indigenous chicken. There’s something irresistible about it if it is cooked right!
More About Angela
Angela previously worked for the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), Educate!, Kenya Girl Guides Association, Education Development Trust and International Child Resource Institute. She has provided overall leadership in designing, planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating education programs for children and youth to address barriers in education quality, policy, access to education, reduce gender inequalities and to empower them maximize their potential.
Angela has a Master of Arts in Education, Gender and International Development from the University College of London (UCL), Institute of Education (IOE) as well as a Master of Education (Curriculum Studies) from Nairobi University Kenya. She also has a Bachelor of Education from Moi University Kenya.
Angela started her career as a classroom teacher and as an instructor of student teachers. Just like Nelson Mandela, Angela believes that education is the most powerful weapon that can be used to transform the world.