Digital SPARKS Teacher Fellowship — Prikkle Academy
Applications open · Cohort 1

Digital SPARKS
Teacher Fellowship.

An 8-week virtual fellowship for rural and peri-urban Primary 4–6 teachers in Nigeria and Rwanda — turning everyday classroom challenges into practical, creative, digital learning experiences.

Duration
8 weeks · online
Seats
25 teachers
Countries
Nigeria & Rwanda
Cost
Free to apply
Why Digital SPARKS exists

Many schools are getting devices. The real question is what teachers do with them.

Digital SPARKS starts with the teacher — not the device, not the app, not the perfect classroom. We believe teachers already carry gifts: knowledge, creativity, community wisdom, and leadership. This fellowship helps you turn those assets into better lessons, safer digital habits, and stronger learner engagement.

How do teachers confidently use what they already have to help children learn better?
Designed differently

Built for real classrooms, not pilot photos.

  • Mobile-first and low-bandwidth friendly — WhatsApp included.
  • Anchored in the government-approved curriculum you already teach.
  • Asset-based: starts with what you and your students already have.
  • Focused on evidence — every fellow leaves with a real portfolio.
  • Targets at least 60% women teachers
Who should apply

If you teach Primary 4–6 in a rural or peri-urban school, this is for you.

You don't need to be a technology expert. You need curiosity, commitment, and a willingness to learn by doing.

1

You currently teach Primary 4, 5, or 6 in Nigeria or Rwanda.

2

You work in a rural or peri-urban school (urban teachers may apply, but rural is prioritised).

3

You have access to a phone or laptop with internet — even if the connection isn't perfect.

4

You want to improve how students learn reading, numeracy, science, problem-solving, creativity, or digital safety.

5

You can attend weekly online sessions for 8 weeks and try new ideas in your classroom.

6

You're ready to share simple evidence of your work and train at least 5 other teachers.

What you'll learn

Seven pillars. One practical classroom.

Each pillar pairs a teacher capability with a classroom action — so what you learn this week shows up in your students' learning next week.

01 / Self

Teacher Confidence & Self-Belief

Use Prikkle Academy's asset-based approach to identify the gifts, skills, and community knowledge you already bring into class.

02 / Classroom

Practical Classroom Innovation

Turn government-approved curriculum topics into creative, hands-on lessons using everyday materials students recognise.

03 / Foundations

Foundational Learning Support

Pick one real learning gap — reading, fractions, science vocabulary — redesign around it, and run a simple before-and-after check.

04 / Digital

Digital Confidence for Teachers

Build comfort with simple digital tools for teaching, communication, documentation, planning, and student engagement.

05 / Safety

Online Safety & Digital Citizenship

Help students use digital spaces safely — basic online safety, respectful behaviour, and child protection.

06 / AI

Responsible AI for Lesson Prep

Practical, safe ways to use AI for lesson planning, quizzes, and examples — without replacing the teacher or exposing pupil data.

07 / Cascade

Peer Training & School-Based CPD

Receive a peer-training guide and step down what you've learned to at least 5 other teachers in your school or community.

By the end

A real teacher portfolio you can show.

Lesson plans, reflections, classroom snapshots, peer-training evidence — proof of what you tried and what changed.

What you'll actually do

This isn't a programme you only attend.

Across 8 weeks, you'll complete practical, weekly classroom actions.

01Create a teacher asset map
02Redesign 2 curriculum lessons
03Select one learner gap in your classroom
04Try at least one new teaching method
05Complete one safe digital or AI task
06Run a small classroom project, code club, or campaign
07Train at least 5 peer teachers
08Submit a simple teacher portfolio
09Share a short story of change
Programme structure

Eight weeks. Four phases.

Weeks 1–2

Teacher Agency

Self-discovery, teacher identity, asset mapping, confidence, and classroom purpose.

Weeks 3–4

Reimagining the Classroom

Redesigning curriculum lessons into practical, creative activities using everyday materials.

Weeks 5–6

Digital Confidence & Safe AI

Digital citizenship, online safety, AI for lesson planning, and teacher digital practice.

Weeks 7–8

Action, Cascade, Showcase

Classroom micro-project, peer teacher training, portfolio submission, showcase, and alumni network.

Expected impact of the pilot

A small pilot, built to prove what's possible.

Through 25 selected teachers, Digital SPARKS aims to generate real classroom evidence for future school, government, academic, and partnerships.

25
Teacher fellows completing the full 8-week fellowship
50
Redesigned curriculum lessons — two per teacher
750+
Learners reached through classroom activities, clubs & campaigns
125+
Peer teachers trained through teacher-led step-downs
25
Teacher portfolios documenting growth & classroom change
Eligibility checklist

Before you apply, can you say yes to most of these?

  • I currently teach Primary 4, 5, or 6.
  • I am based in Nigeria or Rwanda.
  • I teach in a rural or peri-urban school.
  • I have access to WhatsApp and internet at least sometimes.
  • I can attend weekly online sessions for 8 weeks.
  • I am willing to try new ideas in my classroom.
  • I am willing to share simple evidence of my work.
  • I am willing to train at least 5 other teachers.
  • I am open to learning digital tools and safe AI practices.
  • I want my students to be more curious, creative, and confident.
Start my application
Frequently asked

Things teachers usually ask us.

Is the fellowship free?

Yes. There is no application fee and no program fee.

Do I need a laptop?

No. A phone with WhatsApp and internet access is enough. A laptop is helpful but not required.

Do I need to be good with technology?

No. The program is designed for teachers at different levels of digital confidence.

Can urban teachers apply?

The priority is rural and peri-urban teachers. Urban teachers may apply, but rural and peri-urban applicants will be prioritised.

Will I receive a certificate?

Yes. Teachers who complete the program requirements will receive a Prikkle Academy certificate of completion based on attendance, participation, and submitted evidence.

Is this government certified?

Not yet. This is a pilot fellowship by Prikkle Academy. The program is designed to generate evidence for future school, government, academic, and partnership conversations.

How long does the application take?

About 15 minutes.

What countries are eligible?

Nigeria and Rwanda only for this pilot cohort.

 

Ready to become a Digital SPARKS Fellow?

 

Applications are open for Primary 4–6 teachers in Nigeria and Rwanda ready to redesign lessons, build digital confidence, support foundational learning, and multiply impact in their schools.

Apply now
Only 25 seats