From Struggling with Tech to Creating Digital Opportunities: Peter Adebowale’s Changemaker Journey

Changemaker’s Journey 

Digital illiteracy, according to Peter, has hindered him from adapting to the learning and problem-solving models essential for becoming a 21st-century changemaking leader. 

Growing up, he attended a public school in an underserved community, and throughout his six years of education, he had no access to digital devices such as laptops or computers. Even when Peter was presented with an opportunity to attend a cross-continental event, he struggled to fit in due to his lack of exposure to technology. 

Realising that many others in his community faced similar challenges, he decided to address the issue of digital illiteracy. However, Peter will not stop with just his community. He plans to expand his reach to other underserved communities as well. 

“...we are the changemakers of tomorrow. We can’t leave anyone behind. We need to ensure that every individual, regardless of their background, has access to the resources and amenities needed to thrive in a digital world,” he says. 

Peter is now using his platform — Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) for Communities — to equip young Africans with the skills, resources, and opportunities to become problem-solvers, transformational leaders, and changemakers in their communities and beyond. 

“I care so much about digital illiteracy as a problem because I’ve experienced its challenges firsthand, and I’ve realised the profound impact it has had on me.” 

Launching ESD came with hurdles—limited funding, credibility concerns, and stakeholder resistance. Many funders were hesitant to support an emerging youth-led project, and raising awareness about sustainability education took time. 

Peter tackled these challenges through grassroots fundraising, pilot projects, and persistent advocacy, which gradually earned him credibility and led to the formation of key partnerships. Today, ESD continues to break barriers, ensuring that young people—regardless of background—have access to transformative education and opportunities. 

The Initiative 

Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) for Communities is an initiative focused on equipping young people, especially those in underserved communities, where digital literacy opportunities are scarce. This lack of access has stifled the growth of these communities, as many of today’s economic and educational solutions are digitally driven and technology oriented. 

Peter’s initiative brings solutions by establishing innovation hubs, partnering with public schools and community centres, and working with expert trainers. It tackles critical issues like digital illiteracy and non-transformative leadership 

often found in low-income areas, while giving young people access to leadership seminars and digital skills training workshops. 

His mission is to increase the number of young changemakers in these communities while bridging the digital divide caused by limited access to information and resources. 

Impact

Peter’s initiative has inspired many young people to take up the challenge of creating solutions to combat digital illiteracy. The initiative has achieved this through several collaborative partnership programmes, such as the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) STEM Boot Camp for Kids. 

This bootcamp reached approximately 320 young participants, teaching them to use Arduino Starter Kits (an open-source electronics kit that allows users to easily build interactive devices) to develop sustainable tech solutions. Through the bootcamp, participants acquired practical problem-solving skills and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education, especially in robotics, to create tech-driven solutions. 

Peter demonstrates exceptional leadership with his belief that teamwork is an essential value for any changemaker to succeed. He emphasises that collaboration provides a broader perspective and access to diverse opinions, which can help build inclusive solutions for a wide range of people. 

Peter advises changemakers to seek mentorship, network, and collaborate with like-minded individuals pursuing similar goals. 

“Don’t underestimate your ability to drive change,” he says. 

Future Aspirations

Peter envisions Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) for Communities as a driving force for sustainability education and digital literacy. To expand its impact, he plans to: 

1. Develop and introduce interactive digital tools to more underserved communities for easy learning and as a result, reach broader audiences. 

2. Build strategic partnerships with governments, NGOs, and private sector leaders to scale initiatives and secure sustainable funding. 

3. Empower local changemakers through mentorship and capacity-building programs. 

4. Ensure financial sustainability by diversifying funding sources, including grants and social enterprise initiatives. 

5. Advocate for policy change using data from ESD’s programs to influence decisions at local and global levels. 

“I want ESD to create a ripple effect—empowering individuals and fostering a culture where sustainability and digital literacy are actively practiced,” Peter says. 

Everyone a Changemaker 

“Everyone is powerful, and everyone has the ability to drive change. The best way to do so is to start with your immediate community. Be the change you want to see.” – Peter Adebowale 

Peter encourages every changemaker to start small but dream big. He emphasises the importance of identifying the problem you’re most passionate about and taking the first step toward solving it.