Aissata Lamarana Bah, a co-founder and staff member of Jeune Espoir, completed a practicum at Digital Promise in Washington, D.C., between April and July 2023 through IREX’s Community Engagement Exchange program, funded by the U.S. government.
Aissata was selected in recognition of her commitment to community engagement. Through Jeune Espoir, she develops digital-learning content and teaches conversational English while helping participants strengthen interpersonal and intercultural skills such as equity, inclusivity, adaptation, and empathy.
Her participation in the fellowship helped change the direction of Jeune Espoir’s Powerful Blended Learning program. The organization had spent years developing digital versions of key Guinean mathematics and science courses, but many teachers lacked the confidence and practical skills to use educational technology effectively.
During her practicum at Digital Promise, with support from her supervisor, April Williamson, Aissata helped develop a course introducing teachers in low-tech environments to Powerful Blended Learning. The course focuses on combining appropriate digital tools with face-to-face teaching so that learners become active participants rather than passive recipients.
In December 2023, Digital Promise and Jeune Espoir successfully piloted the course with 20 educators from Dalaba. Participants reported greater confidence in using technology, organizing learning zones, and selecting digital tools appropriate to their content areas.
Jeune Espoir continues supporting the participating teachers, monitoring their progress, and helping them assemble practical PBL toolboxes. The organization is also using resources and lessons from the pilot to extend blended-learning support to additional educators in Dalaba and surrounding communities.
Aissata’s journey demonstrates how investment in one committed community leader can strengthen an entire organization and expand opportunities for teachers and learners in rural Guinea.