The end of one chapter often marks the beginning of another. This is not just a saying – it’s the very heart of how AHEAD Institute came to life.
It all began with a group of passionate individuals working together at the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, specifically within the “Climate Sensitive Innovation for Land Management (CLM)” program. Our team, driven by the belief that knowledge and technology can change lives, focused on two powerful goals: digitalization and capacity building.
We had a vision – to make knowledge accessible. Our mission was to digitize over 40 training materials on soil conservation techniques, designed to empower over 50,000 agricultural extension workers. It was an ambitious task, but step by step, module by module, we exceeded expectations. By the end of the project, we had successfully digitized 49 training modules.
Moments That Changed Everything
Numbers tell a story, but moments make it real. Throughout the project, we had the privilege of engaging directly with some of our target audience. We heard their stories, their struggles, and their dreams. These conversations transformed the data on our screens into something deeply human: real impact on people’s lives.
But the success didn’t stop there. As we worked, we saw potential beyond the immediate goal. We conducted capacity-building sessions and nurtured 20 digital course developers. The results were inspiring: these individuals took their learnings further, founding their own companies. It was proof that knowledge, when shared, can spark endless possibilities.
An Ending That Sparked a New Beginning
As with many great initiatives, the CLM project eventually came to an end. But endings like this often reveal a bittersweet truth: when a project stops, the hope it inspires can fade just as quickly. We witnessed this first-hand. Time and again, we saw enthusiasm and progress flourish while a project was running, only to diminish once the support disappeared.
The reason? Temporary projects rarely allow enough time to build sustainable structures that endure beyond their funding. True change – no matter how promising – requires more than ideas; it demands time, effort, and long-term commitment to take root and grow.
This realization became a turning point for us. We asked ourselves: How can we ensure that the hope and progress we create will live on? How can we build something that lasts?
The answer was clear: AHEAD. Born from the drive to carry forward the momentum, we set out to build something more sustainable – something that doesn’t stop when a project ends.
As the CLM project drew to a close, the energy within our team was unmistakable. The synergy, team spirit, and motivation had created an atmosphere primed for innovation. We could feel it: the end of one chapter was the beginning of something new.
While the name AHEAD came later, its vision and mission were already alive in our hearts. We were determined to take the next step – to transform fleeting success into lasting impact, to create structures that empower communities and ensure that hope is not just temporary, but enduring.
The Role of Visionaries
It was Anna Amft who gave this dream a name and a face. She played a pivotal role in turning our collective ambition into a reality. With her leadership and the team’s unwavering dedication, AHEAD Institute was born.
From the very beginning, our mission has been clear:
- Drive transformative change that is impactful and sustainable.
- Empower communities from the ground up.
- Tackle hunger and provide opportunities for lasting prosperity.
AHEAD: Where Impact Meets Innovation
Starting in Ethiopia, we set out on a journey to empower communities from the ground up. But we didn’t stop there. We imagined spreading this change across Africa and beyond, driven by a vision of overcoming hunger, fostering innovation, and creating sustainable prosperity for everyone.
At AHEAD, we believe that transformation starts small – with one idea, one module, one life changed – and grows into something far greater.
As Nelson Mandela once said: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
This belief guides everything we do. Education fuels opportunity. Innovation brings hope. And with sustained effort, we can shape a better future.
From Us to You
Different people may have different perspectives on AHEAD. But to truly understand who we are and where we’re headed, let’s hear directly from the founders who set this vision in motion.
Anna Amft: AHEAD was founded out of personal conviction and a shared vision: to help Ethiopia’s growing population, especially in rural areas, and to create better living conditions. What moved us deeply was the realization that the support provided by many funded initiatives, like GIZ and other major players, often ends when the project duration does—just when sustainable change is beginning to take root.
We didn’t want everything we had built and initiated during our project to disappear. Especially the hopes of young start-ups, who found new perspectives through our work, should not be shattered. Over the course of two years, we, the AHEAD founders, also grew into a family. This strong bond and the close connections we formed give us the confidence and strength to drive meaningful and lasting change.
With the establishment of AHEAD and the goal of creating a local association in Ethiopia, we are advancing digital education and other initiatives to achieve sustainable progress. Our work is not just a project; it’s a mission from the heart. It demonstrates that real change is possible—together, with a clear vision and the determination to positively shape the future.
Markus: Ethiopia is in rapid transition, mainly driven by massive population growth and urbanization. Now at 120 million, the population is expected to double within 25 to 30 years, to 250 million or more. That brings massive challenges, but also huge opportunities for its people. Our contribution to deal with this situation is based on personal and professional partnerships that date back more than 30 years. AHEAD brings together Ethiopians and German friends of Ethiopia, to jointly work on managing the challenges of the current transition.
Berhanu Genzebu: I am deeply motivated to create innovative solutions for Agri-tech and various sectors to drive meaningful change. My journey blends a background in tech education with rich experience in agriculture and climate change projects. I am inspired by the potential of technology and education to empower individuals and communities. As a former team member of CLM, I was pleased working with the team and always wanted to maintain that synergy. As we say, AHEAD is for impactful change—let us create a positive impact together.
Samuel Mulugeta: Born and raised in Addis, I embraced digitization and e-learning to tackle educational challenges. While working in CLM our collaborations expanded our nationwide efforts, bridging educational gaps and fostering a digital learning culture. With digital tools and training, we transformed workshops, boosted attendance, and inspired subject matter experts. My dream of creating an impact in eLearning and our team spirit while working on the CLM project drives me to support and contribute to forming AHEAD Institute. At AHEAD, we work for a future where people can access good opportunities and receive the support they need to achieve their goals.
Bethel Getamesay: My journey as a Learning Experience Designer started after completing LXD training and joining the GIZ CLM digitalization team. This role transformed my theoretical knowledge into practical skills. As our project neared its end, the idea of starting an institution began to take shape within the team. We wanted to make our dreams come true, and thus, the concept of AHEAD was born. I feel proud and honored to be part of AHEAD. As we always say, ‘Every smile, every connection, and every learning moment fuels our mission to build a brighter, resilient future.
Stay tuned as we continue to make waves and empower change from the ground up. AHEAD is more than just a name; it’s a mission, a vision, and a promise to create a better tomorrow.
OUR VISION AND MISSION
At AHEAD, our vision is to strive for a future where people live in prosperity, empowered by access to knowledge, resources, and innovative opportunities. We believe in a world where everyone has the chance to shape their path, build resilient communities, and grow.
Our mission is to empower communities in Ethiopia through sustainable development, education, and innovation. We are dedicated to creating lasting change by providing access to digital learning, fostering responsible land management, and supporting local initiatives. By building partnerships and embracing local expertise, we strive to create opportunities for individuals and communities to thrive and shape their futures.
Thinking AHEAD, Impactful Change