Local solutions for social change
Every child and young person deserves the opportunity to learn, create and shape their own story, not just survive it.
We support education at the grassroots in Nigeria and youth development through literature and the creative arts. By investing in local educators and creating opportunities for young creatives across Africa, we make room for learning and creativity to thrive where they're needed most.
What we do
Local Solutions for Social Change
We work with people who know their communities best. From Plateau State to creative networks across Africa, we invest in the skills, ideas and relationships that help children learn and young people create for social change.
Learning at the grassroots
We invest in community educators and accelerated learning so vulnerable and marginalised children can build foundational skills, return to school and keep learning.
Our education work
Youth and the creative arts
We create opportunities for young writers, artists and performers to develop their craft, reach an audience and turn their creativity into a sustainable practice.
Explore Creative Futures
Advocacy for social change
We bring evidence and creative expression into public conversation, working with communities and partners to advance education and address preventable harm.
Our campaignsWhy we do it
Potential is everywhere. Opportunity is not.
Too many children miss out on the foundations of learning. Too many young people have creative talent but lack the skills, platforms and mentorship to build a future from it.
We start where change takes root.
Community educators already understand the children who need support. Young creatives already have experiences and ideas worth sharing. We invest in both, helping local people turn that knowledge and creativity into opportunity.
Our work connects accelerated learning, access to books and creative development with a wider purpose: communities with the skills and confidence to shape their own futures.
Our purpose and approachOur work so far
The COAL Bookstore
Stories worth sharing. Books that make a difference.
Buy a book, make a difference
Shop African literatureBack a learner
Income from the Bookstore supports grassroots education, helping community educators and children continue learning.
How it helpsSupport African writers
We stock and champion African authors, including new voices from our creative community.
Browse the books
Libraries and reading
Books open doors
A child’s first steps in reading need somewhere to grow. Through school libraries, book clubs and book-to-film screenings, we make books more accessible and create spaces where children and young people can discover the pleasure of reading.
Explore libraries and reading
In their own words
I love learning, and I will tell my friends to come to class so they can learn too.
Watch
Meet COAL
Our mini documentary shows the people, classrooms and stages behind our work in education, the creative arts and advocacy.
Recent highlights
Learning and creativity in action
Latest updates
The latest from COAL
International Day of Education 2026: Celebrating Grassroots Education
Every year on 24 January, the world marks the International Day of Education, a global call to recognise education as a fundamental human right and a prerequisite for peace and sustainable development.…
Held Too Briefly Launched
New anthology amplifies African creative voices on avoidable disaster deaths through literary and visual arts advocacy.
Opportunities for Creatives
Prizes, fellowships and open calls for writers and artists, shared in April 2025.
Our partners
