In a groundbreaking stride, Brave Generation Academy (BGA is redefining education across Africa with its innovative and personalised approach. Having established a successful presence in four African countries so far, BGA’s expansion is gaining momentum as it introduces a transformative model that addresses the shortcomings of conventional education.
BGA’s roots run deep in the African market, founded by Tim and Lidia Vieira, entrepreneurs with a profound connection to the continent. Tim, a South African native, initiated his entrepreneurial journey in Africa, creating South Africa’s first microbrewery and later establishing one of the largest media groups in Angola. With business ties in Ghana and Mozambique, Tim and Lidia Vieira are intricately woven into the fabric of African enterprise.
Outside of their entrepreneurial roles, the Vieiras also began their family in Angola, with their first two children being born in the country.
He says of the continent, “Today Africa can leapfrog many other regions, all it needs is to have a vision and embrace technology to assist in making this a reality.”
At its core, BGA is built upon three pillars: knowledge, skills, and community. Unlike traditional education, BGA’s dynamic hybrid model leverages a digital platform, empowering Learners to engage with coursework flexibly from anywhere in the world. BGA Hubs, physical spaces fostering co-learning, serve as vibrant centres where Learners grow socially, intellectually, and emotionally.
“We’re focus on creating opportunities in the changing digital world by opening doors for Learners and their new horizons.” – Lidia Vieira
What truly distinguishes BGA is its emphasis on flexibility. Learners have the unique opportunity to integrate education seamlessly with existing passions and commitments. This flexibility is further embodied in the role of educators at BGA. They deconstruct the teaching position into two distinct roles: Learning Coaches and Course Managers, each addressing the diverse needs of every Learner. As mentors, Learning Coaches ignite and guide the journey of self-directed learning, offering continuous support within our BGA Hubs. On the other hand, Course Managers are devoted curriculum experts, enhancing and elevating our online platform. They design assignments, quizzes, and offer academic feedback and face-to-face sessions, creating a vibrant and immersive learning journey.
In the past year, BGA has expanded its scope beyond secondary education to fulfil our overarching objective of lifelong learning. The introduction of BGA for Life has given rise to a dedicated branch of the academy focused on tertiary education and beyond. Notably, the initiative includes programmes like Unique Pathway, enabling Learners to seamlessly transition from the completion of IGCSEs, utilising BGA’s learning approach, to a trajectory leading to a university degree offered by partner universities globally. This innovative approach opens doors for Learners of all ages worldwide to access a high-quality university education and skillset at a significantly reduced cost compared to studying abroad.
BGA takes pride in its multiple Hubs across Namibia, Kenya, Mozambique, and South Africa. The opening of two new Hubs in Mozambique this month, with South Africa also expanding in the near future, marks the exponential growth BGA is witnessing. BGA is also looking to expand its footprint to other nations without a current Hub, such as Angola.
“Africa will influence the future in so many ways due to its growing number of young talent, and BGA wants to play its role in contributing to this future.” The commitment to expansion goes beyond these achievements, as CEO Tim Vieira actively collaborates with the Cape Verde government to address educational challenges in the islands, envisioning a tailored BGA solution.
This innovative school envisions Learners not just as recipients of education but as active contributors to their communities, fostering real-world projects, volunteer initiatives, and practical internships. As they welcome more African countries into the fold, Brave Generation Academy is thrilled to make a meaningful impact on a continent that holds the key to the future.
