Patience Andrew
FounderPoet and international development practitioner specialising in programme design and monitoring, evaluation, research and learning.
About us
Local by design, with a global outlook
The Custodians of African Literature Initiative (COAL) is a nonprofit in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. We support grassroots educators and accelerated learning for underserved children, and we empower young people through literature and the creative arts.
Our story
Starting with what communities already have
Jos is known for its cultural diversity and its creative life. It has also been shaped by recurring ethno-religious conflict and violence, and children and young people carry much of that cost.
We work with communities on what they already have: local skills, local ideas and early investment in children and young people. Every child and young person deserves to learn, create and shape their own story, not just survive it.
Our vision
An Africa where every child and young person can access quality education and the skills to live fulfilling lives.
Our mission
To expand access to quality grassroots education and support youth-led social change through the creative arts.
Our values
What we hold to
Rooted
We start from the ground up and trust local people and ideas.
Creative
We use art and imagination to take on hard problems.
Driven
We show up, do the work and keep going with purpose.
Brave
We speak up and take risks, especially when it is difficult.
Real
We stay honest, humble and human.
Our approach
How we work
Four strands of work, all led from Jos and grounded in local partnerships.
Literacy
We invest in grassroots educators and accelerated learning programmes led by local leaders who work with vulnerable and marginalised children and youth.
Youth development
Writing workshops, book-to-film showcases, open mics, poetry slams and book readings that celebrate African literature and help young people turn their experiences into stories.
Advocacy
Campaigns for social change that combine evidence, storytelling and the arts, from access to quality education to preventing avoidable deaths. Our campaigns.
Development consulting
Governance, strategy, research, monitoring, evaluation and learning, communications and training for private and development-sector organisations. Work with us.
Our board
The people who guide COAL
Umar Turaki
Author and filmmakerNovelist and filmmaker; author of Such a Beautiful Thing to Behold and Every Drop of Blood Is Red. Teaches creative writing at the University of British Columbia.
Sunga Kufeyani
Community-centred design practitionerCo-creates education and climate justice programmes with grassroots and international partners. PhD candidate, University of Minnesota.
Oluwabusola Oni
Educator and economistChartered Accountant working across youth development, entrepreneurship education and business strategy.