Education Progress Initiatives (EPI) was founded out of a deeply personal journey.
Our CEO and founder grew up attending public schools in Tanzania, walking over 25 kilometers every day just to reach his primary school. Coming from a family that struggled financially, he had no access to better schooling opportunities. Yet, through resilience and hard work, he fought to continue his education against all odds.

In school, he experienced an education system that heavily relied on rote learning and harsh discipline. Teachers often used caning as a way to manage students a practice he remembers painfully.
“I hated sticks,” he recalls. “They never helped me; they only left scars. I dreamed of an education where children would be treated with love, dignity, and care.”

Instead of building confidence, such methods created fear and frustration. These experiences ignited a powerful vision: to create an education system where students learn joyfully and are nurtured with respect and where teachers are mentored, trained, and empowered to be true guides and role models.

In 2018, Education Progress Initiatives (EPI) was officially established. Starting with small projects, EPI worked closely with schools to introduce participatory teaching methods, child-centered learning, positive behavior management, and community-driven education solutions.

A major turning point came in 2020, when Leah Richard Wagner, Founder and CEO of the U.S.-based international organization Friends of Kisimani, believed in our vision when it was still just a small seed. Her encouragement and partnership ignited our journey and gave EPI the momentum to turn dreams into reality. Through her support, EPI began to expand its reach and impact.

Today, EPI continues to grow as a movement committed to ensuring every student receives the education, care, and dignity they deserve and that every teacher is equipped to lead this transformation with skill, compassion, and pride.

Thank you, Leah, for believing in us.

Founders United: Samwel Yonah (EPI) and Leah Wagner (Friends of Kisimani) — Partners in building a brighter future