Educatius connects global educators and students through art in The Gambia

[Gothenburg, April 8, 2025] Since 2009, Educatius has supported St. Martin’s School in Kartong, The Gambia, through its not-for-profit arm, Aiducatius. The annual Aiducatius Creativity Internship builds on this long-standing relationship by bringing Educatius’ global students, staff, and educators as interns to St. Martin’s School to collaborate with their teachers and students in hands-on classroom exchanges.

The internship is a chance to learn, teach, and collaborate. Interns from around the world will co-lead creative workshops, bringing fresh ideas into the classrooms of St. Martin's School, while learning from the local school community. Lessons in 2025 will use storytelling, performance, and recycled materials to encourage expression and confidence.

Four interns were selected for 2025:

• Fednike Nozistene – Performing arts teacher from Indian River Charter High School in Florida, USA
• Anne Håkanes – alumna in Australia and Nordic ambassador, Norway
• Sylvi Jones – exchange student in the UK, USA
• Margaret Pettersen – host mom and local coordinator, Ireland

The interns will be joined and supported by four Educatius staff members who were nominated by their peers at being outstanding examples of Educatius values: Ana Rodriguez – Student Experience Advisor, USA; Chiara Adele Bonfanti – Student Success Manager, Italy; Kacey Nichols – Outreach Manager, Strategic J-1 Partner Greenheart, USA; and Zlatemir Milanov – Sales Manager, Europe.

This year’s group illustrates Educatius’ global reach - including Italian, Norwegian, Bulgarian, Haitian, Irish, and American nationalities. Their experiences extend even further, with experience studying or working in the additional counties of Spain, Colombia, Australia, and the UK.

“The internship highlights what Educatius does best—connecting people, ideas, and cultures to open minds and expand opportunities for students worldwide,” comments Carla Kearns, Vice President of Communications for Educatius.

The Aiducatius Creativity Internship program is open through an annual global competition. Educatius students, host family members, local coordinators, and teachers at partner schools are eligible to apply. The 2025 internship will take place in June.