Our Story

KnowledgeBeat was founded in the U.S. by a group of childhood friends – Annie, Sarah, Margaret and Julie - with a commitment to the global community. Their inspiration came from life experiences that showed them how vital education is to one’s future, as well as the inadequacy of educational opportunities available to children in the developing world.

In 2003, Annie volunteered in Ngoma, Zambia for an NGO that was conducting an environmental field research project. In December of 2006, Annie received an email from the Headmaster of the Ngoma School asking for help obtaining educational resources for the school. She turned to Sarah, Margaret and Julie to seek their partnership in an endeavor to do just that.

In 2007, Annie and Sarah forged a partnership with a vibrant, retired teacher, Macmen Luhana. Together they formally launched KnowledgeBeat's programs in February 2008. Over the next several years, KnowledgeBeat continued to grow its team and field programs. What began as a simple promise to deliver educational materials to a school in rural Zambia has grown into an organization impacting thousands of children across multiple communities.

Today KnowledgeBeat is led in the U.S. by Marguerite Hanley as its Executive Director, in partnership with a talented Zambia team headed up by Joe Guglielmetti. Marguerite shares a deep passion for Africa and brings a depth of development experience. Marguerite and her team are supported by an extraordinary U.S. Board of Directors who are helping the organization to scale across Zambia.

Together, the KnowledgeBeat team is bridging cultural divides and empowering children in Zambia to change their communities and the world.