On the shoulders of giants
Our Story
Aprender’s progress and impact are built on the foundations laid by the dedicated volunteers who generously contributed their time, expertise, and passion in the organisation’s early years. Their commitment enabled the development of our first training models, the testing of early ideas, and the creation of the relationships that underpin our work today. There are so many who have helped shape who we are today and have made significant contributions to our Apto model. These individuals believed in Aprender’s vision before we had resources or recognition, and their willingness to support teachers and communities around the world has shaped the organisation we have become. We continue to honour their contributions in every step forward we take.
In the beginning...
The roots of our story stretch back to 2001. Phil Hawkins, CEO and Founder of Aprender, visited the city of Vitoria (photo left), Brazil and saw, first hand, the challenges that colleagues faced in schools in areas of high depravation. Aprender began with a vision of a more equitable way to raise educational quality globally. By combining grassroots volunteers, a simple yet powerful improvement model, and respect for local context and culture, Aprender was born to make quality education—and sustainable school improvement—accessible worldwide.
Two are better than one
Things are better shared. Head of Technology at Heathside School in Surrey, Ben Cole, added his experience and expertise as he and Phil travelled to Brazil across several years, looking at project based learning and inspiring teachers and students to get more actively involved in lessons. Later Ben and family moved to Brazil for a year, helping schools develop practical methods to bring learning alive.
Culture Foundations
2010 saw the cementing of a foundational partnership with Instituto Total, a Brazilian NGO committed to social transformation. Lead educator Josebene Lima (pictured here) led development of what would ultimately become our Apto school improvement model. Aprender and Total working together helped shape the culture of how we approach partnerships and change, valuing the teachers already working so hard, and empowering grass roots development.
Growth through partnership
A vital part of our growth strategy is to scale through partnerships. A key partner is PiXL founded by the late Sir John Rowling, and now led by Rachel Johnson, and their international arm, PiXL International (now known as Partners in Education - International). They have been so supportive from the beginning of our project in Brazil, helping us stay connected with the latest in education thinking. The late Martin Rainsford (pictured centre) and the international team helped shape strategy and bring their quality experience of working cross-culturally.
Younger the better
Aprender had the privilege of working alongside a specialist trainer in world leading early years education as advocated by the HighScope organisation. Our understanding grew as to the key role that quality early years experiences makes for young children. This approach evolved into our Apto Early Years model which has been so transformative.
Kindness and Wisdom
Across the years Aprender has benefited from a whole team of volunteers, be it serving on the Board of Trustees, trainers, facilitators, and all of our wonderful partners. We are forever grateful for their help, wisdom, kindness and commitment to help children around the world have access to quality education.
