On June 12, 2025, FAWE Africa was delighted to welcome Izzy Jones, Programs Officer for Global Education at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, for a collaborative learning and engagement session at the Regional Secretariat in Nairobi.

The visit was opened by Mr. Richard Chelagat, FAWE Africa’s Director of Finance and Administration, and marked an important moment in strengthening the long-standing partnership between FAWE and the Gates Foundation. Their support continues to play a vital role in FAWE’s work around research, evidence generation, and foundational learning.

During the session, FAWE shared impactful lessons from its flagship programmes, including its pioneering work on Gender Responsive Pedagogy. These interventions, grounded in demonstrative models, have influenced education policies and helped improve student performance, self-confidence, and leadership among girls in several African countries.

The Gates Foundation, in turn, shared insights into its new Global Education Strategy, which emphasizes innovation, foundational learning, and the power of strategic partnerships. The Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to supporting FAWE’s mission of transforming education through evidence-based advocacy and policy change.

This engagement reaffirmed the value of collaboration in advancing inclusive, gender-responsive education systems that enable all learners—especially girls—to thrive.