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Kepler Soft Skills Program

Equipping Graduates for Success in the 21st Century Workplace

Tested and Proven Competency-Based, Active Learning Approach

Kepler and The Education Collaborative have partnered to advance graduate employability through an innovative soft skills training program. The training curriculum is designed to equip graduates with 21st-century skills that are highly desirable to employers across diverse sectors. It uses a competency-based, active-learning approach to drive individual outcomes grounded in real-world professional skills. The curriculum and pedagogical approach are built on the idea that graduates are best prepared for the world of work by directly engaging in a professional environment.

Express Interest

The curriculum focuses on professionalism, communication, and digital literacy, integrating problem-solving skills into every module.

Jean Marie Vianey Hitamungu

Project Lead & Country Director, Kepler, Ethiopia

Pedagogy

The program is built on three pillars.

Learning by Doing

Trainees engage in real-world tasks and project-based assessments, mirroring the demands of the workplace.

Receiving and Giving Feedback

A competency-based approach enables trainees to receive and apply feedback, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Culture of Professionalism

The program instils a high standard of professionalism, emphasizing time management, meeting deadlines, and proactive communication.

Soft Skills Training Adoption Framework

1. Preparation Phase
  • Co-creation and Planning
  • Expression of Interest
  • Needs Assessment
  • Program Planning
  • Financial Planning
  • M&E Baseline
  • Capacity Building and Systems
  • Curriculum & ToT
  • Soft Skills Training
  • Job training placement
  • M&E work plan/reporting
  • Management, Funding & Partnership
  • Program Management
  • Funding
  • Partnership Management
Express Interest

Our Reach

We are relaunching the Mentor Pool to expand our network and increase the number of mentors each year – strengthening collaboration and impact across the continent.

mentors across 6 countries
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institutions supported across 8 countries
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Mentorship participation across West, East, and Southern Africa
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Hear from Participating Mentors

“Before joining the Collaborative, I saw other universities as competitors. Now I see them as partners working together to improve employability across Africa. Mentoring others has grown me professionally and even inspired me to launch a national career services initiative. I have mentored eight of the ten universities in Nigeria to establish structured career centres that measure student employability.”

Nkiru Ukachwucku, Pan-Atlantic University, Head, Career Services and Alumni Office

I moved from being mentored to mentoring other universities - this journey builds your confidence and leadership. I currently mentor large universities that face similar challenges to those my team and I have navigated.

Dr. Edward Amertefio, Senior Lecturer, Director, Design Thinking and Innovation Hub, University of Cape Coast

“We want to walk step by step with institutions until their career service is fully established. We are not only contributing as experts, but we are also receiving just as much through co-creation. Even as an established institution, we’re learning new approaches through this collaborative space.”

Stafford Bormester, Director of Career Services, University of Cape Town

At Ashesi University, we have maintained an average of 90% graduate placement, and through mentorship, we are sharing our knowledge with other institutions to build systems that can achieve similar success.

Abigail Welbeck, Director of Career Services, Ashesi University

For a long time, African institutions looked outside for models. Here, we learn from others working in contexts like ours - and that builds confidence. The Collaborative shows us that African universities have real expertise. We’re not just copying - we are problem-solvers.

Jessica Boifio, Associate Director, Ashesi Entrepreneurship Centre

FAQs

What is the time commitment?

Engagement is flexible. You participate based on your availability, with opportunities ranging from one-off sessions to longer-term advisory roles. Specific time commitment will be shared alongside opportunities shared within the community  

The opportunities are primarily voluntary. However, some engagements may be compensated or supported through grants and professional development opportunities. 

Mentors are matched based on their expertise, experience, and availability. When opportunities arise, eligible mentors will be invited to express interest. 

Yes. You are free to accept or decline opportunities depending on your availability. 

Engagements may include facilitators for workshops, one-on-one institutional mentoring, project or advisory support, Community of Practice leadership  

Not necessarily. Practical experience in your field and a willingness to support peer institutions are most important. 

Yes. Mentors receive orientation, access to tools and resources, and opportunities for ongoing learning and development. 

  • Contribute to strengthening institutions across Africa  
  • Build connections with peers across the network  
  • Gain visibility and recognition for your expertise  
  • Access collaboration and professional development opportunities  

If selected, your mentor engagement will run for one year, with an option to renew by completing a short renewal form. 

Yes. We welcome professionals from industry with relevant experience supporting or working with higher education institutions. 

There are no required commitments when you are not assigned to an engagement. During this time, you may choose to stay informed about upcoming opportunities, participate in optional trainings or community sessions and engage with peers across the network. The model is designed to be flexible; you contribute when opportunities align with your expertise and availability. 

Mentor Pool

Share what works. Strengthen higher education across Africa.

The Education Collaborative Mentor Pool brings together experienced leaders and practitioners who are building systems that work and connects them with institutions ready to grow.

Mentors support peers across Africa to strengthen leadership, improve student outcomes, and build practical systems in areas such as careers and employability, entrepreneurship, faculty development, and student services.

Become a Mentor

Who It’s For

Higher education and industry professionals across Africa who are ready to share practical expertise and support peer institutions.

How It Works

  • One-on-one mentorship
  • Group learning and workshops
  • Advisory and project support
  • Training and development for mentors

Join the Mentor Pool

Share your expertise. Support institutions. Help shape stronger systems for student success across Africa.

Apply to become a mentor