About Us
Where access meets Innovation
Affordable, Mobile-first learning that transforms lives and communities.
Our Mission
Tirisano Institute seeks to bridge learning gaps and unlock opportunity by delivering affordable, accessible, and high-quality learning experiences that empower people to thrive in a digital world.
Our Vision
Tirisano Institute envisions a future where every learner—regardless of background or location—can access education that transforms their life, career, and community.
Our Core Values
Access
Learning should be affordable, mobile-friendly, and tailored to local realities.
Innovation
We use technology to make learning more relevant, engaging, and future-focused.
Equity
We prioritize the underserved—rural learners, women in STEM, and youth without pathways.
Collaboration
Everything we do is done with others: learners, educators, funders, and government.
Impact
Our work must lead to real-world change—measurable, personal, and systemic
Our Strategic Focus Areas
Digital Access & Literacy
Delivering courses that are designed for low-data environments, accessible via mobile-first platforms, and easy to use for learners with no digital experience.
Career Discovery & Skills Mapping
Using AI-guided learning tools, self-assessments, and mentorship to help learners navigate pathways into tech, entrepreneurship, trades, or further study.
STEM & Academic Support
Offering tutoring and curriculum-aligned micro-courses in Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and problem-solving—especially focused on high school learners and girls in STEM.
TVET and Vocational Alignment
Working with TVET colleges to support students with soft skills, digital fluency, and job readiness—bridging the gap between theory and employment.
Tirisano Institute Leadership
ROY GRAHAM VOLKWYN
Managing Director
Roy Graham Volkwyn is an accomplished IT and e-learning specialist with a strong background in electronics, coding, and youth skills development. As a director at the Tirisano Institute, Roy leverages his expertise in information technology and service engineering to advance the Institute’s mission of delivering inclusive, competency-based education. His work in developing and teaching innovative e-learning programs will significantly contribute to equipping learners with future-ready skills. Roy’s dedication to integrating technology with education fosters strategic partnerships and expands access to quality learning for underserved communities, reflecting the core values of the Tirisano Institute.
PROF. S.D. EYONO OBONO
Director of Technology and Innovation
Prof. Seraphin Desire Eyono Obono is a distinguished academic and thought leader specializing in educational innovation and inclusive pedagogy. His scholarly work and leadership experience are pivotal in designing curricula that respond to the evolving needs of learners in diverse contexts. Prof. Eyono Obono’s expertise in competency-based education and his commitment to equity in education resonate deeply with the Tirisano Institute’s mission. Through his guidance, the Institute will continue to foster strategic collaborations and implement forward-looking educational models that empower students and professionals to thrive in future challenges.
TITUS CHRIS SHIHLOMOLA
Director of Strategic Development and Marketing
Titus Chris Shihlomola is a seasoned leader dedicated to advancing inclusive education through innovative and technology-driven approaches. With extensive experience in Marketing and Strategy Development, he is instrumental in shaping future-ready curricula that empower both students and professionals. His expertise lies in integrating cutting-edge technology with competency-based education frameworks, ensuring accessibility and relevance for underserved communities in South Africa and beyond. Titus’s commitment to fostering strategic partnerships aligns closely with Tirisano Institute’s mission to prepare learners for emerging opportunities and challenges in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
DR. SILNA VAN TONDER
Director of Curriculum and Learning Experience
Dr Silna van Tonder is an education specialist with a Doctorate in Education (DEd), currently based at Shanxi Normal University. She is passionate about integrating technology in higher education to enhance employability development and improve the quality of learning. Dr van Tonder focuses on advancing 21st-century higher education through innovative approaches and research in blended learning and management education. At the Tirisano Institute, Dr. van Tonder’s expertise supports the development of future-ready curricula and the delivery of competency-based education tailored to both underserved and currently served communities.
Join Us On This Journey
Tirisano Institute is growing. We’re scaling programs, investing in new tech, and expanding our reach into underserved communities. Whether you’re an educator, funder, policy-maker, or learner—there’s a place for you in our story.
6+
SDG Alignment Goals
5+
Countries
12+
Partners
7K+
Students