EDUCATION

Our initiative offers dynamic facilitated workshops aligned with curriculum standards across Africa and beyond, while also contributing to awareness efforts. Fashion serves as a powerful and culturally relevant entry point to explore the connections between climate change and social issues, pollution, gender equity, fair labour practices, and the preservation of traditional crafts and indigenous knowledge systems. This provides practical opportunities to inspire solutions rooted in African perspectives, innovation, and resilience. We equip educators with the resources to engage students, encourage critical thinking, and drive positive change within their communities and beyond.

54Residency x MFAL

This is an exciting programme by 54faces in collaboration with MFAL Ethiopia. The programme connects students in universities across Africa with their counterparts in overseas institutions, creating cross-cultural exchange and collaborative learning. Building on our mission to preserve and promote African craftsmanship, the programme encourages students to engage with networks of artisans and cultural institutions. Through this initiative, students from African universities are paired with artisans and craft communities from around the world, providing them with unique opportunities to immerse themselves in different craft traditions and cultural practices. The programme offers a platform for dynamic learning experiences, including workshops, artist talks, and collaborative projects, where students and artisans share knowledge, skills, and cultural stories.

Programme Goals

Strengthen global connections between African students and international artisans, enhancing collaborative opportunities.
Provide diverse and interactive educational experiences for students, offering exposure to different craft traditions and cultural contexts.
Support professional development and cultural exchange, equipping students with the skills to contribute to sustainable practices within their own communities

Each exchange is tailored to the specific crafts of the participating artisans, with students engaging in a range of activities from hands-on workshops to studio visits, creating a meaningful dialogue between cultures and promoting a deeper understanding of global craftsmanship.

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Advancing Accessible Fashion Education Across Africa

54faces is pleased to announce its collaboration with the Mafi Fashion Academy and Laboratory (MFAL), an esteemed international fashion institution established by acclaimed Ethiopian designer Mahlet Afework, founder of the globally recognised brand Mafi Mafi. This partnership enhances our commitment to expanding equitable access to high-quality fashion education across the African continent. Together with MFAL, we are developing a range of transformative initiatives designed to empower the next generation of African fashion practitioners:

Fashion Student Exchange Programme
Students from across Africa will benefit from curated exchange experiences between MFAL and 54Faces partner institutions, encouraging cross-cultural dialogue, collaborative learning, and exposure to diverse design perspectives.
Online Learning for Fashion Students Across Africa
Recognising the continent-wide scarcity of formal fashion education institutions, we are jointly delivering accessible online programmes tailored to African contexts, while adhering to global standards of fashion education and industry relevance.
Residency Opportunities and Short-Term Immersions
Selected students will undertake short-term residencies at MFAL and with 54Faces-affiliated networks, engaging in intensive studio practice, practical workshops, and mentorship from leading local and international professionals.
Workshops and Accelerator Programmes
Our joint initiatives include hands-on workshops and entrepreneurial accelerator schemes, equipping aspiring designers with the technical, creative, and business acumen necessary for sustainable careers in fashion.

This collaboration builds upon MFAL’s pioneering model of culture-led innovation, wherein indigenous African knowledge systems are integrated with contemporary fashion practices. By uniting our networks and expertise, 54Faces and MFAL aim to cultivate a generation of culturally grounded, globally competent African designers who will lead with creativity, sustainability, and pride in their heritage.

SUSTAINABLE DESIGN & CIRCULAR ECONOMY

Our educational initiative integrates sustainable design and the circular economy by working with universities both within and outside Africa. We teach students, artisans, and designers the importance of using eco-friendly materials, upcycling, and reducing waste in their creations. Through workshops and collaborations, we explore circular fashion, regenerative design principles, and innovative approaches to extend the lifecycle of materials. Students learn how to design with longevity in mind, embracing practices that preserve resources and reduce environmental impact. By fostering these concepts within academic institutions, we prepare young people to become leaders in sustainable industries and advocates for a circular economy that benefits communities and the planet.

TRANSFERABLE SKILLS

We recognise that beyond technical knowledge, education must develop transferable skills, critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and adaptability-to navigate and shape sustainable futures successfully. These skills enable to not only thrive in the modern economy but also contribute to sustainable development, cultural preservation, and innovation within African industries, including fashion, agriculture, and technology.

Drawing from international research and insights from African entrepreneurs, policymakers, and educators, 54 faces focuses on equipping competencies needed to excel in an increasingly digital and globalised world. By integrating these skills into education systems, we help prepare young Africans to become leaders, changemakers, and guardians of their cultural heritage while embracing the opportunities of the future.

EMPOWERMENT

Education must go beyond technical skills to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and adaptability key qualities needed to shape sustainable futures. By fostering these transferable skills, young Africans can thrive in today’s economy while driving cultural preservation, innovation, and sustainable development across industries such as fashion, agriculture, and technology.

Through research driven insights and collaboration with African entrepreneurs, policymakers, and educators, 54 Faces equips young people, artisans, and designers with the competencies needed to excel in a digital and globalised world. By integrating these skills into education, we empower future leaders, changemakers, and innovators to embrace opportunities, build resilience, and champion Africa’s creative heritage.

"Today’s students are the future custodians of our cultural heritage, yet 47% of global curricula fails to mention declining of traditional crafts. Without urgent action, the challenges of today threaten the survival of traditional crafts, skills, and indigenous knowledge passed down through generations."

HOW WE EXECUTE

'By nurturing strong partnerships with local organisations, we provide the necessary tools and knowledge to help educational institutions achieve their cultural sustainability goals.”