Education for Dignity, Voice, and Self-Determination
At NTONOW, education is a pathway to voice, resilience, and self-reliance. Our programs are designed in partnership with communities to strengthen knowledge, skills, and leadership at every stage of life.
We believe education should not only inform—but empower people to speak, lead, and shape their own futures."
- All Ages
- Community-Led
- Voice-Centered
The V.O.I.C.E.S. Framework
Voices of Inclusion, Community, Empowerment & Sustainability — NTONOW's educational approach that ensures every learner has the opportunity to be heard, valued, and empowered.
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Voice
Learners are encouraged to express thoughts, experiences, and ideas safely.
In Practice:
- Storytelling sessions (children & adults)
- Student-led discussions
- Journaling, art, music, or oral history
- Feedback circles where participants shape the program
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Ownership
Participants take ownership of their learning journey.
In Practice:
- Goal setting at the start of programs
- Learner-led projects
- Choice-based learning topics
- Youth and adult co-facilitators
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Inclusion
Education is accessible, culturally respectful, and welcoming.
In Practice:
- Local languages and culturally relevant materials
- Disability-inclusive teaching methods
- Gender-responsive learning spaces
- Trauma-informed approaches
C
Community
Learning is rooted in community needs and wisdom.
In Practice:
- Community elders and leaders as guest educators
- Intergenerational learning circles
- Service-learning projects
- Parent and caregiver engagement
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Empowerment
Education builds confidence, skills, and leadership.
In Practice:
- Public speaking and leadership workshops
- Advocacy and civic education
- Life skills and decision-making training
- Economic and digital literacy
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Sustainability
Learning leads to long-term impact, not dependency.
In Practice:
- Skills that support livelihoods
- Local mentorship and leadership pipelines
- Environmental and food security education
- Program handover to community leaders
Education Programs by Age Group
Comprehensive programs designed for every stage of life, each infused with the V.O.I.C.E.S. framework to ensure learners develop their voice and agency.
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Education Programs for Children
Ages 4–12 · Foundation, confidence, expression, and safety
Early Learning & Literacy Support
Reading and writing programs
Learning through storytelling, art, and play
Local language + cultural inclusion
Voice Element
Children are encouraged to tell their stories, express emotions, and build confidence in speaking.
School Readiness & Support
Homework help and tutoring
School supplies and learning kits
Parental engagement workshops
Voice Element
Children are encouraged to tell their stories, express emotions, and build confidence in speaking.
Nutrition & Learning Integration
Food-supported learning spaces
Nutritional education for children and caregivers
School meal partnerships
Voice Element
Children learn how food affects their bodies and minds, and how to care for themselves and others.
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Youth & Adolescents Programs
Ages 13–18 · Identity, leadership, and future pathways
Life Skills & Leadership Development
Communication and public speaking
Conflict resolution
Civic engagement and responsibility
Voice Element
Youth gain tools to use their voices responsibly, speak on issues affecting their communities, and lead with integrity.
Academic Support & Career Exploration
Tutoring and exam preparation
Career awareness workshops
Mentorship from professionals
Voice Element
Youth are supported to dream out loud, explore options, and define success on their own terms.
Digital Literacy & Media Awareness
Basic computer skills
Safe internet use
Media literacy and misinformation awareness
Voice Element
Youth learn how to navigate digital spaces, share ideas safely, and amplify positive messages.
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Adult Education Programs
Ages 18+ · Economic independence, confidence, and participation
Adult Literacy & Continuing Education
Reading, writing, and numeracy
GED / equivalency support (where applicable)
Language learning (ESL or local languages)
Voice Element
Adults gain confidence to speak up in public spaces, workplaces, and decision-making settings.
Workforce & Skills Training
Job readiness and soft skills
Entrepreneurship basics
Financial literacy
Voice Element
Participants learn to advocate for fair work, express ideas, and negotiate opportunities.
Women's Empowerment & Education
Leadership and self-advocacy training
Health and rights education
Safe spaces for dialogue
Voice Element
Women are supported to claim their voices, share lived experiences, and lead community change.
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Community & Intergenerational Learning
All Ages · Collective wisdom and shared voice
Community Education Circles
Community-led learning discussions
Cultural knowledge preservation
Intergenerational mentorship
Voice Element
Elders, adults, and youth learn from one another, ensuring all voices are valued.
How V.O.I.C.E.S. Integrates Into Each Level
See how each element of the V.O.I.C.E.S. framework is applied across different age groups, ensuring consistent yet age-appropriate implementation.
👧🏽 Children (4–12)
- Voice: Storytelling, drawing, show-and-tell
- Ownership: Classroom roles and responsibilities
- Inclusion: Play-based, culturally relevant learning
- Community: Family learning days
- Empowerment: Confidence-building activities
- Sustainability: Healthy habits & food education
🧑🏽🎓 Youth (13–18)
- Voice: Youth councils, debates, digital storytelling
- Ownership: Youth-designed community projects
- Inclusion: Safe spaces for identity and expression
- Community: Peer mentorship programs
- Empowerment: Leadership & career readiness
- Sustainability: Civic engagement & entrepreneurship
👩🏽🌾 Adults (18+)
- Voice: Community dialogue circles
- Ownership: Personal development plans
- Inclusion: Flexible learning formats
- Community: Cooperative learning groups
- Empowerment: Workforce and financial education
- Sustainability: Income-generating skills
Program Examples Using V.O.I.C.E.S.
Real-world applications of our framework that create lasting impact in communities.
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V.O.I.C.E.S. Learning Circles
Small group discussions facilitated by trained community members, used in literacy, health, and leadership education.
- Small group discussions
- Facilitated by trained community members
- Used in literacy, health, and leadership education
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V.O.I.C.E.S. Youth Leadership Labs
Empowering young people through public speaking, advocacy training, and digital storytelling.
- Public speaking & advocacy training
- Youth-led community action projects
- Digital storytelling and media skills
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V.O.I.C.E.S. Educator Training
Training teachers and volunteers to ensure consistency across all programs.
- Listening-based facilitation
- Inclusive education methods
- Trauma-informed practice
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V.O.I.C.E.S. Community Projects
Education tied to real community needs including food security and local entrepreneurship.
- Food security gardens
- Nutrition education
- Local entrepreneurship