Aliaume Thiam, popularly known as Akon, is Senegalese-American by descent. And he has something to say about the poor education in Liberia that is a major reason why Africa is the way it is now.
Akon has recently partnered with the Bridge International Academies and Ministry of Education to focus on the electricity shortage and the Liberian education system.
Akon held a news conference last week to launch the "Light to Learn" project, cites Bush Chicken. The project aims to bring affordable electricity through solar power in the schools of Liberia and other African countries. Children in the area are not able to study because of the lack of light at home. And at the same time, the lack of electricity means the lack of resources for schools.
The celebrity wants to build on empowering millions of people in Africa. "My goal is to bring light to Africa through public-private partnerships and the ripple effect of this is job creation, safety, commerce, and supporting the African children to further their education," Akon said.
The rapper explains that Africa can only have a bright future for its youth if they get the necessary education they deserve. And to get that education also means they need a better learning environment.
Which is why he is looking at supplying light. They describe his initiative as a "recipe for that better environment."
For his campaign, he is working with Solektra International - a solar energy provider for his Akon Lighting Africa Initiative. And the first few schools that he is targeting is the J.W. Pearson kindergarten and elementary school. This school is one of the schools under the Bridge International Academies.
Celebrities are campaigning for education everywhere but Africa gains the most attention. Aside from Akon, actress Emma Watson also campaigns for the education of young girls. First Lady Michelle Obama is also fighting for the right for kids' education in Africa.
