Empowering Africa’s Future Through Education & AI
Hi, my name is Carlista, and I am a co-founder of Waka Social Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to education, AI skills, and opportunity for children and underserved communities across rural Africa — first, and globally next.
Why This Mission Matters
I come from humble beginnings — raised in a single-parent household, a little girl with big dreams of becoming an international ambassador one day.
While that specific dream took a different form, education opened doors I never imagined possible.
Through access to quality education and the support of charitable organizations, I went on to build a global professional career, living and working as an expatriate across Singapore, England, and France.
Education didn’t just change my career.
It changed my trajectory.
And I know — deeply and personally — that millions of children across Africa are just as capable, just as curious, and just as full of potential… if only they are given access.
The Urgency Today
Education is changing faster than ever.
Artificial intelligence, digital tools, and emerging technologies are reshaping how the world learns and works — yet millions of students and teachers across Africa are being left behind without access to:
• Digital learning tools
• AI education
• Trained teachers
• Modern learning environments
Without intervention, this growing AI and digital divide risks becoming a permanent barrier to opportunity.
Our Response
Waka Social Foundation exists to close that gap.
We are building a future where African students and teachers are not passive consumers of technology — but active participants, creators, and leaders in the global digital economy.
Our work focuses on:
• Hybrid AI learning labs in underserved communities
• Teacher training programs focused on practical digital and AI education
• Scholarships and mentorship for students
• Future-ready skills that translate into real opportunity
We began this work in West Africa, starting in Nigeria, with plans to scale thoughtfully across the continent and beyond.
How Funds Will Be Used (Your Impact)
Every donation to this campaign has a direct, measurable impact. Here’s exactly how contributions are used:
Students
$500 empowers 1 learner with AI and digital skills training for one full year, including access to learning tools, curriculum, and mentorship.
Teachers
$1,000 equips 1 teacher with AI training, professional development, and ongoing mentorship — multiplying impact across entire classrooms and communities.
AI Learning Labs
$20,500 builds 1 Hybrid AI Lab, providing:
• Devices (computers & equipment)
• Reliable internet access
• AI and digital skills curriculum
• Teacher and student training
These labs serve as long-term community learning hubs, not one-time programs.
Our Mission
Our mission is simple — but powerful:
Equip people with the skills of tomorrow — today.
This GoFundMe represents our Phase I fundraising goal of $750,000, which will allow us to:
• Launch and equip community AI learning labs
• Train teachers and local facilitators
• Reach thousands of students with practical, ethical AI education
• Build sustainable education infrastructure that lasts beyond any single program
Why Your Support Matters
This isn’t just about technology.
It’s about unlocking potential, restoring dignity, and creating pathways for children who might otherwise be excluded from the future being built around them.
Every contribution — big or small — helps create the kind of access that once changed my life, and can now change the lives of thousands more.
Thank you for believing in this mission.
Thank you for standing with us.
And thank you for helping us build a future where, where you’re born does not determine how far you can go.
With gratitude,
Carlista
Co-Founder, Waka Social Foundation
“All funds raised will be used for program expenses only and not for personal compensation or expenses.”