Louisa Kiwana Olafuyi is a seasoned expert in education technology and innovation. Through her work as Co-founder and Director at Kunda Kids, she is reshaping the landscape of children’s media by championing diversity and authenticity. Olufuyi is advocating for impactful change with her involvement in the Diversity and Inclusion Committee of the Publishing Association.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Media Communications from Buckinghamshire New University, United Kingdom. With journalism roots that birthed a hit podcast and blog, she has also helped to lead transformative projects like TEDxEuston. Olufuyi’s mission is deeply personal, offering children a lens through which they see the vibrant tapestry of global cultures, with particular emphasis on portraying Africa in a fun, educational and progressive manner. This commitment to raising global citizens led her to be a standout finalist in the Black British Business Awards (Arts & Media), the Black in Business Awards 2023 and also emerge as the Winner of the IFC and Weave Capital Female Founders Programme Demo Day. In this interview with IJEOMA THOMAS-ODIA, she shares her commitment to inspiring young minds and shaping a more inclusive future, while challenging women to be their best in their chosen fields.

Can you describe your journey through different career roles leading up to where you are now?
My career journey has been quite diverse and enriching. It began in the realm of design, where I explored the power of visual storytelling.

This phase helped me understand how impactful visuals can be in conveying messages and emotions. I then transitioned into journalism, further honing my storytelling skills through the written word. Here, I learned the importance of narrative structure, voice and the power of words to inspire change and provoke thought. My next career phase was in the corporate world, specifically in marketing and product innovation roles for some of the most recognised global brands. This experience was invaluable as it taught me how to blend creativity with strategic thinking, position products and ideas in ways that resonate with diverse audiences and innovate within existing paradigms. Throughout all these roles, the common thread has been my love for storytelling and belief in its power to inspire and motivate people. In each of these roles, I was constantly challenged to think outside the box, communicate effectively with various audiences, and create messages that were not only informative but also emotionally resonant. These experiences have been instrumental in shaping my approach to children’s media, where storytelling is not just a tool for entertainment but also a medium for education, empowerment and cultural exchange.

What motivated you to reshape the landscape of children’s media?
My motivation stemmed from a personal transformation – becoming a parent. This new chapter in my life brought about a deeper understanding of what parents and educators seek in children’s media. I noticed a significant gap in high-quality, culturally rich content that entertains, educates and empowers children. The realisation that our children, the next generation, needed more inclusive and diverse stories was profound. I wanted to create content that reflects the world’s diversity, teaching children about different cultures and histories, including African heritage, which is often underrepresented. This vision was about building confidence in young minds and helping them grow into well-rounded, empathetic global citizens. Children’s media has a powerful role in shaping young minds, and I wanted to contribute positively to this space.

How does your journalism background influence your approach to creating educational content for children?
My background in journalism has been pivotal in shaping our approach at Kunda Kids. Journalism is all about telling stories that engage, inform and sometimes challenge the audience. When we develop stories, be it about historical figures, cultural tales or modern-day heroes, we apply journalistic principles like researching facts thoroughly, presenting information engagingly and understandably, and maintaining ethical storytelling standards. This ensures that our content is enjoyable but also educative and trustworthy. Journalism has taught me to be meticulous with facts, be conscious of the audience’s perspective and ensure that our content is accurate and engaging. These skills are invaluable when creating educational content for children, as it is crucial to strike the right balance between being informative and captivating.

How are you promoting African culture in global media through your platform?
Kunda Kids stands out because of our commitment to authentically representing African culture and heritage. The underrepresentation of African narratives in global media, especially in children’s content, is a gap we are determined to fill. Our content is designed to be a window into Africa’s rich and diverse cultures, offering stories that are often untold or overlooked. By introducing young minds to African history, folklore and contemporary stories, we are not only catering to children of African descent who yearn to see themselves reflected in the media they consume but also educating others about the continent’s rich heritage. This approach aims to foster a generation that appreciates cultural diversity and inclusivity. Our content is crafted to be engaging, educational and enjoyable, ensuring it appeals to children from all backgrounds. By exposing children to diverse cultures through storytelling, we can promote understanding, empathy and appreciation for different perspectives, which is crucial in today’s interconnected world.

What elements do you consider essential in children’s content?
Children’s content needs to be engaging, educational and emotionally intelligent, especially during the formative, pre-school years. Interaction is vital – we design our content to be interactive, encouraging children to think, question and engage with the story. Humour is another essential element; it makes learning enjoyable and memorable. Repetition is also essential for reinforcing concepts and learning. But beyond these, we focus on content that nurtures empathy, critical thinking and a strong sense of self-worth. These elements combined help in a child’s holistic development, preparing them both academically, emotionally and socially. We strive to create content that is a mirror for some children and a window for others, allowing them to see their own experiences reflected and to learn about those different from their own.

Could you share some challenges you have faced in the cause of your work and how you overcame them?
One of our main challenges has been addressing the preconceived notions and stereotypes about African cultures. The misrepresentation or lack of representation in mainstream media has led to a skewed perception, which we are striving to correct. To overcome this, we’ve focused on creating content that is not only culturally rich and authentic but also universally appealing. We’ve engaged with various communities, educators and parents to understand their perspectives and needs. This approach has helped us in creating content that is well-received and effective in changing perceptions.
Another challenge has been navigating the publishing and media industry as a relatively new player. The industry can be competitive, and getting our content noticed and appreciated by a wider audience requires strategic planning and networking. We’ve overcome this by building solid relationships within the industry, collaborating with other creatives and continually innovating in our approach to content creation.

What valuable lessons have you gathered in the course of your job over the years?
Over the years, I’ve learned that storytelling is not just an art; it’s a powerful tool for education and change. It’s crucial to foster a love for lifelong learning in children, and one of the best ways to do this is through engaging and meaningful stories.
Another important lesson is the value of self-belief. Confidence in one’s abilities needs to be nurtured from childhood. Encouraging children to believe in themselves and their potential is vital, as this self-confidence becomes the foundation for future success.
Additionally, I’ve learned the importance of adaptability and resilience. In the ever-changing media and content creation landscape, adapting to new trends, technologies and audience preferences is critical. Staying true to our mission while being flexible in our approach has been crucial in our journey.

How do you find inspiration and stay motivated?
Inspiration for me often comes from interacting with our audience – children, parents and educators. Attending children’s events, participating in book readings and engaging in conversations with other parents and educators provide valuable insights and ideas.
Staying motivated involves constantly challenging myself and our team to think creatively and innovatively.
I also draw inspiration from other industries like fashion, technology and sports. Observing their problem-solving techniques, creativity and community engagement strategies helps in bringing fresh perspectives to our work. Furthermore, seeing the impact of our work on children and their families is incredibly motivating. Hearing feedback from parents about how our stories have impacted their children or seeing the joy and curiosity on children’s faces as they engage with our content reaffirms the importance and value of what we do.

What advice do you have for women aspiring to reach their goals?
My advice is to embrace collaboration and community. In a world that often values individual achievement, the power of unity and collective effort cannot be overstated. Forming connections with other women, sharing experiences, and supporting each other is immensely empowering. Also, it’s important to be a lifelong learner. Continuously seeking knowledge, being open to new ideas and being willing to adapt are key to growth and success. And most importantly, believe in your vision and ability to make a difference. Furthermore, it’s essential to cultivate resilience and perseverance. The journey to achieving your goals will have its challenges and setbacks, but staying focused, learning from these experiences and moving forward are essential. Celebrate your successes, no matter how small, and use them as fuel to continue pursuing your dreams.

How can we encourage more women to dream big?
To inspire women to dream big, we need to remind them of their power to create change. As Chinua Achebe said, we have the ability to shape a different reality. It’s important to realise that even the smallest actions or ideas can significantly impact the world. Encouraging women to see beyond their immediate circumstances to envision a future where their contributions matter is crucial. We need to create environments where women feel supported and valued, take their dreams seriously, and have the resources and opportunities to turn these dreams into reality.
Additionally, we should celebrate and amplify the stories of women who have dared to dream big and have made significant contributions in their fields. These stories can serve as a powerful inspiration and a reminder that it is possible to achieve great things, regardless of the obstacles one might face.
Lastly, fostering a culture of mentorship and support is essential. Encouraging women to seek out mentors, to be mentors themselves and to engage in communities where they can share knowledge, experience and encouragement can make a significant difference in helping women to dream big and achieve their goals.