Two of our Founding Young Voices Council members, Peter Olayiwola and Opeyemi Bakare, are part of this incredible project that won the second runner up at the prestigious SXSW EDU Student Challenge 2025 by The Allstate Foundation!
Celebrating SparkWise Initiative's Success: https://youtu.be/LwGkXzPWrwE
We're thrilled to announce that three remarkable students from Egba Odeda High School in Nigeria - Peter (13), Bakare (13), and Raphael (13) - have won second runner up at the prestigious SXSW EDU Student Challenge 2025!
Their award-winning SparkWise Initiative transforms discarded plastic and electronic waste into functional solar-powered household appliances including torches, blenders, fans, and lanterns.
This innovative project:
Provides affordable, renewable energy solutions during frequent grid failures
Repairs damaged electronics to extend their lifespan
Trains students and community members in upcycling techniques
Creates scalable models for sustainable living solutions
Building on their earlier SDG-7 Honorable Mention in the Next Generation Foresight Practitioners - Young Voices Awards, this international recognition showcases the incredible impact of youth-led innovation.
Acknowledgments
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our incredible sponsors and supporters who made this journey possible:
Kayla Meyers and her dedicated team at SXSW EDU for providing support throughout this experience
The Digital Promise team for their ongoing guidance and resources
Mike Courtney and Randi Millard for their invaluable dedication
Teach the Future for their continuous support in empowering young innovators.
Their belief in our students' potential has been instrumental in bringing the SparkWise Initiative to a prestigious stage and inspiring the next generation of change-makers.
Ready to create your own change? Join us this summer!
FutureWISE Summer Institute: Transform Your Ideas into Action
6-Week Online Course for Youth (Ages 12-18)
Tuesdays starting June 25, 2025 (Morning 7:00am PST or Evening 7:00pm PST)
Certificate upon completion
Limited spots available!
What You'll Learn
Our condensed curriculum takes you from idea to action through:
Futures Literacy: Understanding trends and creating strategies for change
Systems Thinking: Mapping connections and developing holistic solutions
Project Design: Building concrete plans to turn your vision into reality
Leadership Skills: Inspiring others and building support networks
Perfect For Young People Who:
Have ideas they want to turn into community projects
Are passionate about creating positive change
Want to connect with like-minded peers globally
Join the Movement
Like our SXSW EDU winners who started with just an idea and achieved international recognition, your student can begin their journey to making real-world impact. Spaces are limited, so register today here: https://www.teachthefuture.org/futurewise
For more information, contact: lisa@teachthefuture.org