About the Organization
“My education has had countless positive multi-generational effects- I want every African girl to have the same opportunity.” - J. Nwando Olayiwola, MD, MPH
That Next Step Africa is a nonprofit committed to uplifting African youth, with a special focus on young women, through education and personal development.
Creating Awareness
One of the best gifts parents can give their children is education. A solid foundation in primary, secondary, and further education—whether college, vocational, or technical training—greatly improves the chances of success. Higher education levels also reduce the likelihood of living in poverty.
Our Belief
At That Next Step Africa, we believe in the transformative power of education. By removing financial and other barriers to primary and secondary education, enhancing access to college, technical schools, and career opportunities, we strive to uplift both individuals and communities. Recognizing the significant educational challenges faced by children in Sub-Saharan Africa—who are five times more likely to struggle with basic skills (Source: UNESCO 2022 Report, Born to Learn).—our efforts focus on raising awareness of these barriers and inspiring action, especially for West African girls who are most affected.
Africa's Education Crisis and Solutions
A 2013 Brookings Institution report, Too Little Access, Not Enough Learning: Africa’s Twin Deficit in Education, highlighted Africa's urgent education crisis, which often goes unnoticed. Despite one-third of children being out of school, and those in school facing abysmal learning levels, progress toward universal education has stalled.
Dark Reality
The Brookings Learning Barometer estimates that 61 million African children will reach adolescence lacking basic literacy and numeracy. This learning deficit threatens an entire generation, depriving them of opportunities to escape poverty and hindering economic growth, innovation, and long-term prosperity in Africa. Breaking this cycle is critical for the continent's future.
Figure 1: The Vicious Cycle of Poverty and Lack of Education
Source: Cycle of Poverty by St. John’s Church
Addressing The Challenges
After a decade now, Africa is still grappling with a significant education crisis, with nearly 2 million children lacking basic literacy and numeracy skills (Source: UNICEF Alert – Education Under Threat in West and Central Africa, 2019). The situation is particularly dire for girls in Sub-Saharan Africa, who face the highest rates of school absence, a problem exacerbated by poverty and the COVID-19 pandemic. That Next Step Africa addresses these challenges by providing:
- Scholarships to cover educational expenses
- Educational resources to support learning
- Small-scale interventions to help students overcome barriers
Figure 2: Interruption Points for The Poverty Cycle
Source: Heather Katsonga-Woodward Blog
Breaking the Loop
We believe that education and personal growth are powerful tools to break the cycle of poverty. By offering support and opportunities, we aim to reduce the risks of crime, sexually transmitted diseases, domestic violence, poor health, and early or forced marriages.
Our Story
In January 2018, Dr. Nwando Olayiwola, her husband Paul Olayiwola, Dr. Maame Dankwah, and with their kids Darius Olayiwola, Nissi Olayiwola and Eliana Quansah co-founded That Next Step Africa: Empowering African Youth through Education and Advancement (EAEA). That Next Step Africa was initially created to provide scholarships and financial assistance to Nigerian and Ghanaian youth, helping them take their next step toward college or technical programs. In response to the educational disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization expanded its mission in 2023 to support West African girls and young women, covering not only tuition but also additional educational expenses.
Our Selection Process
That Next Step Africa selects deserving students from Nigeria and Ghana through a streamlined process. Nominations are made by teachers or mentors, followed by an application and personal essay. The selection committee reviews applications and provides support covering essential educational costs such as tuition, textbooks, uniforms, and dormitory expenses. Awardees must maintain their academic standing, participate in regular check-ins and workshops, and attend annual gatherings in Nigeria/Ghana to celebrate and connect with the That Next Step Africa community.
Building a Strong Foundation
Mission and Values
Our mission is grounded in the belief that education is a powerful tool to break the cycle of poverty. We value integrity, equity, and empowerment, ensuring that each young person we help has the tools and resources to succeed and thrive. We concentrate on three core areas:
- Enhancing Accessibility and Affordability: Making primary, secondary, higher and vocational education and training more attainable for students.
- Facilitating Career Development: Creating opportunities for early career entry and job placements.
- Advancing Socioeconomic Status: Providing dedicated support to improve financial and social conditions through education.
How We Help
That Next Step Africa provides scholarships, mentorship, and career support to students in West Africa, particularly in Nigeria and Ghana. Our goal is to support these students from enrollment through to graduation, equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need for future success.
Make an Impact
Join us in making a difference! If you would like to support our mission or learn more about how you can get involved, please contact us today. Together, we can help African youth take that next step toward a brighter and more empowered future.