Rise of the Outliers: The New Heroes of Education
Across Africa and the world, education systems are facing a growing crisis of relevance and legitimacy. Despite decades of reform, many classrooms remain designed for compliance rather than curiosity, and for standardization rather than humanity. Long-standing educational scripts continue to marginalize imagination, culture, and the lived realities of children and communities. Yet, beyond the center of dominant systems, educators, caregivers, school leaders, artists, technologists, and community builders are quietly reshaping what education can be. They are experimenting, disrupting, healing, and rebuilding learning spaces that honor the child as a rights-holder, cultural being, and active participant in society. AFMOCON 2026 is a gathering created to bring these outliers into conversation — not to dilute their work, but to recognize, connect, and amplify it. Rooted in African contexts and global perspectives, the conference positions Africa as both the ground and the generator of new educational possibilities.
Create a space that honors educators and practitioners who are challenging dominant educational narratives and systems
Surface alternative, community-rooted, and child-centered models shaping education across Africa and beyond.
Build meaningful connections among practitioners, innovators, funders, and policymakers committed to educational transformation.
New collaborations across countries, sectors, and disciplines focused on reimagining education.
Increased visibility and recognition of outlier educators and community-led initiatives.
Shared insights, practices, and provocations that participants can adapt within their own contexts.
A strengthened continental and global network committed to child-centered, culturally grounded education.
Educators, Montessori guides, and alternative education practitioners.
School leaders, caregivers, parents, and community educators.
Artists, technologists, and innovators working at the intersection of learning and creativity.
Policymakers, funders, NGOs, and researchers engaged in educational reform and social change.
Youth and emerging leaders shaping the future of education.










