The people around us shape our lives and strength of our networks can make a big difference to the life outcomes of young people.
However, a lack of investment, prioritisation and expertise means that too many young people go without the structured support they need to access strong networks and reach their potential.
What we do?
inHive is a team of specialist network builders who work with partners to bring alumni networks into the schooling process. We have developed, tested and implemented a methodology and a capacity building approach to building sustainable networks. Our methodology and programme of support is amendable to local contexts and replicable across institutions and hence easily replicable and scalable across institutions. We work with partners to train and support teachers, students, and community leaders in implementing this methodology, to drive change in their school communities. It is a highly scalable intervention because the only criteria it relies on is a school having been open long enough to have had a graduating class.
inHive's methodology enables various members of the community surrounding a school to establish networks of former students so that they can enhance the school experience, not least by bringing in the world of work into the classroom. As one teacher in our project in Rwanda put it, “I’m only informed of what I see in my day to day life and what I witness in the classroom or hear from my supervisors. The alumni show me what’s happening outside of this bubble and I can adapt my lessons accordingly.”
Since our origins in the UK with Future First, we have developed our approach through implementing across Uganda, Rwanda, Pakistan, Australia and more and seek to continue implementing in new regions, countries and education systems, such as Ghana, Malawi, and India. With the political will and awareness, alumni networks can be introduced into public education systems and the training and capacity building approaches replicated anywhere.
We are also driving evidence gathering and research on the power of alumni networks and their impact on different stakeholders in the education system. Together with partners across four continents, we are currently implementing a survey-based study on the impact of alumni networks on teachers’ skills, knowledge and attitudes. First of its kind, the study will capture how former students’ engagement changes the teaching experience, causing ripple effects into the young people’s education outcomes.
Why we do it?
Over 1 billion adults around the world have gone to school, and research indicates that over 50% of them would be willing to give back (with time, expertise or funds) to the next generation if they were asked. But only 1% currently are asked. This equates to the world's biggest untapped education stakeholder offering millions of mentoring relationships, career sessions, employer connections, tutoring hours, donations and more that is currently not being used for improving quality education and empowerment of young people.
inHive believes that former students have the ability to strengthen schools and help tackle social injustices perpetuated through the education systems. They bring in teacher and student support, leadership and funds that enhance young people’s social, personal, economic and civic capital, not least by providing inspiration to the poor and otherwise marginalized, that someone like them can succeed.
