In today’s globalized world, many African diaspora students are excelling academically but remain disconnected from their rich cultural heritage.

Elizabeth Adams Oyarese, founder of Linking Circles Academy, is working to change that.

Born from her personal experiences with discrimination as a student with albinism in Nigeria, Elizabeth’s passion for education extends far beyond traditional classrooms.

Through Linking Circles Academy, founded in 2022, she’s on a mission to bridge educational gaps while reconnecting African students globally with their roots.
“Our heritage is a source of strength, identity, and pride,” Elizabeth says.
“We want our students not just to excel academically but to feel deeply connected to where they come from.”

The Academy offers personalized virtual tutoring programs that blend Afrocentric content with global learning standards.

To date, they’ve tutored 30 African diaspora students across five countries, ensuring that while these students excel academically, they also learn about Africa’s history, culture, and contributions to the world.

This initiative is making waves.
“I was surprised how many young people in the diaspora felt disconnected from their culture,” Elizabeth shares.

“Our tutoring programs help them reconnect, fostering a sense of identity and belonging.”

In addition to their tutoring services, the Academy also trains teachers in low and middle-income schools across Nigeria, addressing a critical need.

Far too often, teachers lack the skills to support students with disabilities.
Linking Circles Academy provides affordable, accessible courses to equip educators with the tools to create inclusive classrooms.

Their advocacy has reached over 10,000 students and 1,000 families indirectly, changing how disability inclusion is perceived in education.

This dual mission of academic excellence and cultural reconnection has earned the Academy top honors.

They’ve been recognized as one of the Top 50 EdTech solutions in Nigeria and selected for prestigious programs like the Queens University Explore Entrepreneurship Program.

For Elizabeth, the vision is clear.

“We are building a generation of African students — at home and abroad — who are proud of their heritage and equipped to thrive.”