The Custodians of African Literature (COAL) is a nonprofit in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria, a city known for its cultural diversity and artistic brilliance, yet deeply affected by recurring ethno-religious conflict and violence. Working closely with communities, we believe that lasting change begins with local skills, ideas, and early investment in children and young people. By strengthening access to education and fostering creativity for social change, we invest in grassroots education initiatives to accelerate education for underserved children, and work with youths to create for social change. We are local by design with a global outlook, COAL creates safe, inclusive spaces where learning and creativity thrives, especially where opportunities have been hardest to reach.
A thriving Africa where every child and youth has unfettered access to quality education and skills to lead fulfilling lives.
Accelerate access to quality education at the grassroots and support youth-led social change in creative arts.
We invest in grassroots educators and accelerated learning initiatives. These are local leaders deeply rooted in their communities and uniquely positioned to address the learning needs of vulnerable and marginalized children and youth. By harnessing their expertise, we contribute to broader systemic change, making education more accessible and impactful for underserved populations.
We create safe spaces for creative expression by organizing literary events such as creative writing workshops, book-to-film showcases, open mics, poetry slams, and book readings that celebrate African literature and promote author discussions. These initiatives empower youth to transform their experiences into compelling narratives, fostering healing and strengthening community cohesion.
Driven by evidence, we launch advocacy and media campaigns that promote access to quality education and key sustainable development challenges in Africa. These campaigns harness creative approaches and utilise diverse media platforms, including TV, radio, and social media, to amplify their reach. The aim of our campaign is to raise awareness and mobilise communities and decision-makers to prioritise and invest in the sustainable development of the continent.
We enhance institutional capacity by providing services to private and development sector organisations in the area of corporate governance, strategy development, research, monitoring evaluation and learning (MEL), communications branding and training.
Rooted — We start from the ground up, trusting in the power of local people and ideas. Creative — We use art, imagination, and bold thinking to solve tough problems. Driven — We show up, do the work, and push through challenges with purpose. Brave — We speak up, take risks, and stand for what’s right—especially when it’s hard. Real — We keep it honest, humble, and human in everything we do.
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