The Africa-America Institute Announces Partnership with Empatico to Bring Free Digital Learning Tool to Ghana and Nigeria

NEW YORK- April 11, 2018—Today, The Africa-America Institute (AAI), based in New York City, announces a new partnership with Empatico, a philanthropic initiative of The KIND Foundation. Through the partnership, AAI will support the expansion of the free digital learning tool in Ghana and Nigeria through its education partnerships across the African continent and its extensive network of over 15,000 alumni.

Empatico is a new, free tool for teachers to connect their classroom with others around the world, through a combination of live video and activities designed to foster meaningful connections among students. Empatico offers time-efficient resources for teachers to schedule virtual exchanges and high-quality activities designed for students ages 7-11 who are conversational in English. Empatico empowers teachers and students to explore the world through experiences that spark curiosity, kindness, and empathy.

Empatico is funded by The KIND Foundation (a philanthropic entity established by healthy snack maker KIND). As of today, more than 700 teachers in more than 50 countries signed up to use Empatico into their classroom. In an increasingly interdependent world, the tool provides young people with an opportunity to learn about – and with – peers from different backgrounds and cultures.

“The introduction of Empatico to Africa is a wonderful opportunity for connected communities across the globe to learn firsthand the empathy and compassion that are hallmarks of African society and tradition. In addition to the curriculum tools offered, teachers in both Nigeria and Ghana will be able to contribute their perspectives and expertise through the learning exchange platform,” said Kofi Appenteng, CEO of the Africa-America Institute.

“We are thrilled to partner with The Africa-America Institute to bring Empatico to Ghanaian and Nigerian students,” says George Khalaf, Executive Director of Empatico. “AAI’s commitment to bringing educational opportunities to young people across the African continent is in line with our own mission to expand the boundaries of how kids learn. Together, we’re excited to help teachers integrate kindness and curiosity into their lesson plans, and give students a new way to explore how their peers across the world live.” 

To learn more or to sign up, visit empatico.org, and choose the Africa America Institute in the drop-down menu.

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For more information, contact:

Chantal Uwizera, Director of Global Programs, The Africa America Institute cuwizera@aaionline.org

+1 212 949-5666

For questions about Empatico: Erick Roa, Head of Partnerships eroa@empatico.org.

For questions about The KIND Foundation: Ashley Herendeen, Director of Integrated Communications, aherendeen@kindsnacks.com

About AAI

AAI is the premiere US international organization dedicated to increasing educational opportunity for young Africans and improving global understanding of Africa. Since our founding in 1953, we have remained committed to promoting enlightened engagement between Africa and America through education, training and dialogue. We currently boast over 15,000 alumni leaders in public, private and non-governmental sectors throughout Africa and the African diaspora. To learn more, visit aaionline.org

About Empatico

Empatico, the signature initiative of The KIND Foundation (a separate philanthropic entity started by KIND Healthy Snacks), is a free tool for teachers to connect their classroom with others around the world. Its goal is to empower teachers and students to explore the world through experiences that spark curiosity, kindness, and empathy. Empatico was named a Fast Company 2018 World Changing Idea. To learn more, visit empatico.org.

About The KIND Foundation

The KIND Foundation is a philanthropic entity established by KIND Healthy Snacks. Its mission, which is to foster kinder and more empathetic communities, is brought to life through a variety of programming meant to celebrate and inspire positive action. To learn more, visit kindsnacks.com/foundation.

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