Out-Competed by Darkness’: Virtual summit elevates youth as drivers of global educational reform
A major virtual summit held in observance of the International Day of Education has spotlighted young people as central architects of educational transformation, bringing together educators, innovators and youth leaders from around the world to challenge traditional models of learning and policy.
The DoTheDream Youth Development Initiative’s flagship event, “The Power of Youth in Co-Creating Education,” featured nine speakers who reframed youth not as future leaders to be prepared, but as current change-makers already reshaping education.
Opening the summit, DoTheDream founder Adebusuyi Olutayo Olumadewa delivered a keynote titled “From Rural Voices to National Policy: Formal Education,” which set the stage for what the event’s moderator, Ola Oluyinka, Vice President of International Affairs, described as a paradigm shift in education thinking.
Speakers emphasized the role of youth in solving real-world challenges and driving innovation. Professor Daniel S. Ugwu, Chairman of the African Centre for Rural Development, highlighted community partnerships fostering youth-led energy innovation, while Dr. Rehana Mohammed, NYC Metaverse Co-Organizer, showcased how young people are mastering technology through the Eddy GenAI Curriculum Assistant.
“This organization goes beyond teaching, they ignite potential in every young person,” Dr. Mohammed said, adding that DoTheDream views “every child as a living star.”
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In another highlight, Dr. Khadijah Abdullahi-Iya, founder of Beyond Mentors and Women Community in Africa, called for greater inclusivity and recognition of women’s contributions to education, noting that mothers are humanity’s first teachers and urging respect for diversity across religion, ethnicity and identity.
The summit’s most powerful moment came from Dr. Paige Omopeju Afanu, Development Expert and CSW70 Chair at DoTheDream YDI, who addressed the stark inequalities facing millions of girls worldwide.
In her presentation, “From Margins to Mainstream: Reimagining Education through Youth Power,” Dr. Afanu said many girls struggle not because of lack of intelligence or effort, but because they are “out-competed by darkness” a phrase she used to describe the compounded barriers of poverty, lack of electricity, and household responsibilities.
Dr. Afanu detailed how girls without reliable power must study in limited hours and juggle tasks such as fetching water and firewood. She noted that digital learning remains inaccessible for many, with internet research and educational infrastructure out of reach.
“Digital learning is a luxury,” Dr. Afanu said. “She doesn’t have access to whiteboards, internet research, or the information others take for granted.”
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Addressing practical solutions, transformation expert Rebecca Irby spoke on “Competency Co-Creation,” asserting that young people are already solving real problems and developing skills that reshape education.
“Young people are building real futures, often without recognition, resources or permission,” Irby said. “Our job is to acknowledge and support the leadership they are already practicing.”
Dr. Peter Preziosi, Co-NGO President, emphasized the importance of intergenerational cooperation, citing youth-led innovations across Africa, from coding labs in Nairobi to gender equity classrooms in Kigali and peace networks in Johannesburg.
“Together, we build what no generation can build alone: a shared, equitable future,” Dr. Preziosi said, urging youth to “claim their seat at the table, co-create policy, and lead with empathy and courage.”
The event concluded with insights from innovation catalyst Ian Harrison, who underscored the need to nurture creative genius among young people through case studies like the Muenster Genius initiative.
As the summit closed, a central message emerged: the future of education is being shaped not for young people, but with them and increasingly by them. Summit organizers said the next challenge is to ensure that all youth, especially girls currently “out-competed by darkness,” have access to the resources and opportunities necessary for full participation in educational leadership.
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