This summer, members from KIPP Atlanta Schools traveled to Nairobi, Kenya, and Johannesburg, South Africa, for two weeks as part of the school’s first-ever global literacy mission to combat illiteracy worldwide through education and cultural exchange. The delegation, made up of KIPP educators and athletic coaches, partnered with Texas A&M University and local organizations including the Center for Transforming Mission Kenya and the Highway of Hope program. Together, they provided literacy support and teacher training in Kibera, one of Nairobi’s most underserved communities, and also youth mentorship and sports programming in Johannesburg.

In Kibera, the team conducted teacher development sessions focused on the science of reading and facilitated student literacy clinics at local schools.In South Africa, members of the KIPP Forward team-which supports students’ postsecondary success-participated in a finding trip to explore future partnerships with Global Sports Partners and two local schools to offer KIPP scholars international experience and real-world career pathways. While there, the team led youth sports clinics and introduced flag football and basketball to primary and middle school students as part of the relationship-building experience.

The group also donated supplies to local schools and communities in both Kenya and South Africa, including books, literacy learning tools for students and teachers, book bags, sporting equipment and hundreds of pairs of tennis shoes. the global literacy mission reached more than 4,000 students and 70 educators across both countries.

KIPP Atlanta Schools is a network of 11 tuition-free,public charter schools serving scholars in kindergarten through 12th grade in Atlanta and East Point.