Lucy Okinyo Ayodo is an inspiring educator, mentor, and leader whose passion for international education has remained unwavering for over 35 years. A proud Kenyan, Lucy has spent the last eight years in Ghana, where she continues to shape lives and build bridges through education. Her story is one of resilience, purpose, and a deep commitment to making a difference in the lives of young people across Africa.
A Twist of Fate
Lucy’s journey into education wasn’t originally planned. She had set her sights on becoming a lawyer, but after missing the law school cut-off mark by just one point, her second-choice—education—became her destiny. Initially unsure, Lucy was posted to a rural area for a three-month teaching attachment. That short experience changed everything. Seeing the joy on the children’s faces and realizing the impact she had made, Lucy found her true calling. “If I could make such a difference in just three months,” she said, “then teaching was where I belonged.”
A Journey of Growth and Service
Over three decades in education and eight years living in Ghana have taught Lucy many lessons—especially the importance of flexibility and cultural adaptation. Moving from Kenya’s cooler climate to Ghana’s warmer weather wasn’t easy, and the institutional culture was a significant adjustment. “At first, it was difficult,” she shared. “But I learned to listen, to communicate, and to adapt. That made all the difference.”
She also spoke about the skepticism she faced before moving to Ghana. “People discouraged me. But I knew there was something important I needed to do here. And I’m glad I followed my instincts.”
Beyond the Classroom
Lucy’s credentials are as impressive as her experience. She holds a Diploma in Public Relations, a Master of Education (M.Ed.), and an MBA in Human Resource Management, along with several specialized certifications. Always a student at heart, she is currently enrolled in courses focused on supporting students with special learning needs.
Her professional reach extends beyond the classroom. Lucy is also a trained marriage and relationship counselor and has worked in human resource development, combining her diverse skills to support students’ academic and personal growth.
Championing Youth Leadership
Through her involvement with global programs such as the East African Model United Nations and TEDx Youth, Lucy has helped students develop essential leadership skills. She explained how students often enter these programs without a clear interest in leadership. “Initially, they shy away from it, thinking leadership is too much responsibility,” she said. “But through initiatives like Model UN—where they research, write position papers, and present their ideas—they transform. They become confident, informed leaders who are ready to engage the world.”
Studies show that youth leadership programs increase students’ self-efficacy and civic engagement by over 70% (World Bank, 2021), proving that Lucy’s efforts are more than anecdotal—they are transformative.
Gaps in International Education
Despite her optimism, Lucy is realistic about the challenges facing international education in Africa. “There are still major gaps,” she noted. “Resources are unequally distributed—some schools have enough, others have none. Yet all students are expected to take the same exams.”
Another major gap is in teacher professional development. According to UNESCO, Sub-Saharan Africa needs 15 million more trained teachers by 2030 to meet educational demands. Lucy believes collaboration is key: “Schools that have resources should share them. At my school, we open our training programs to teachers from other schools, including public institutions. Sharing knowledge will uplift everyone.”
She also emphasized character building, expressing concern over the outdated use of corporal punishment in some institutions. “We can’t build future leaders with fear. Schools need to prioritize discipline through mentorship, not pain.”
Building Leadership into the Curriculum
For Lucy, leadership should not be an optional extra—it must be woven into the school day. “The curriculum is very academic. But schools should carve out time weekly to discuss leadership, values, and life skills.” She believes this deliberate approach will cultivate confident, ethical, and service-driven individuals.
Advice for Aspiring Educators
When asked what advice she would give to young educators, Lucy didn’t mince words: “Many people avoid teaching because it’s not well-paying. But if you’re in it for the money, you’ll miss the true reward.” She urges educators to focus on the impact, not the income. “If you want to change the world, start with a classroom. One student at a time.”
