Regard man as a mine rich in gems of inestimable value. Education can, alone, cause it to reveal its treasures, and enable mankind to benefit there from.

― Baha’u’llah

As CEO/ReImaginator for 360° Nation, I was delighted to have the opportunity to get better acquainted with Chris Ward, Founder of Empathy North Letloto, a pioneering AI education and service company in Botswana, operating as a for-profit social enterprise with a clear mission: to become the leading provider of AI literacy for both youth and adults across the nation. Learn more as you enjoy my recent interview with Chris below.

We’d like to hear about your professional journey before Empathy North Letlotlo.

My professional life has been a diverse tapestry, woven with threads of telecommunications, program management, and intricate voice network and call center design for critical sectors like Canadian Firearms Registration, central financial institutions, and healthcare. After a fulfilling career, I retired as SAP Operations Director from Siemens/Atos, where I led a global team and undertook assignments in Israel. In 2019, I embarked on a new chapter, launching a career as a serial entrepreneur.

A pivotal experience in my journey was from 2002-2004, working on the Baha’i Social Economic Development Project in The Gambia, West Africa. There, I witnessed firsthand the transformative power of computer literacy. Beyond teaching, I served as a guest lecturer at the Gambia Hotel School / Gambia Tourism and Hospitality Institute (GTHI) and collaborated with the Gambia Karate Association and a local NGO dedicated to empowering women in rice farming and establishing IT service businesses.

Today, I am also a founding partner in Good Origine Inc., a company dedicated to producing a nutrient-dense, easy-to-digest superfood mix. You can learn more at viraones-goodstuff.myshopify.com. Additionally, I am a storyteller and a proud author/contributor to the award-winning global magazine BizCatalyst 360°. My commitment to service extends to my role as the National Secretary of the Baha’is of Jamaica for the National Baha’i Community of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands

Tell us about Empathy North Letlotlo.

Empathy North Letlotlo was born from a profound realization during my time in The Gambia. I saw how computer literacy directly translated into Employment opportunities, creating pathways to a better future. However, upon my return in 2006 to establish a computer service company, I was confronted with the harsh reality of young Gambians risking their lives on perilous ocean journeys as economic migrants to Europe. With an estimated 3,000 to 10,000 lives lost annually and countless others trapped in refugee camps, the urgency to create local opportunities became undeniable.

Overview: Empathy North Letlotlo – A Synergy of Vision

Empathy North Letlotlo stands at the intersection of the UN Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), the Baháʼí Education Model, and Botswana’s ambitious Comprehensive Strategy for Artificial Intelligence. Botswana’s forward-thinking approach aims to diversify its Economy beyond diamond mining, leveraging significant investments in digital infrastructure, connecting schools and villages to the internet, and implementing the SmartBots Strategy to enhance public services and cultivate a knowledge-based economy. Empathy North embodies this vision by providing essential AI skills and ethical training in rural communities, directly addressing unemployment and mitigating economic migration.

Our core mission is to empower individuals and organizations in developing countries with the digital and AI skills vital for success in today’s digital economy. We achieve this by establishing Virtual and Physical Training & Working Centers in rural and semi-rural communities. By providing access to high-speed internet and in-demand digital and AI skills, Empathy North is dedicated to boosting local employability and entrepreneurial potential, thereby reducing the pressure for individuals to migrate in search of opportunities elsewhere.–

Our Unique Guide To AI Education

2025-09-20 Shift Education Learning_in_the_Age_of_AI.mp4

When did you launch, and what’s been the biggest challenge?

In February 2025, Empathy North Letlotlo launched its inaugural 6-week, 90-minute online course: “Introduction to Artificial Intelligence: Future Proofing Your Job.” Our first cohort included students from Botswana, The Gambia, Kenya, and Jamaica. The most significant challenge we faced was the inconsistent high-speed internet service in the rural and semi-urban areas where our students resided.

Any noteworthy surprises or ‘A-ha’ Moments along the way?

Our biggest “A-ha” moment was the profound realization that AI possesses an unparalleled ability to level the playing field. It can provide skill-based learning and access to education that was previously inaccessible to young people in developing countries, unlocking a world of potential.

Tell us about your typical day.

My typical day at Empathy North Letlotlo is a dynamic one, centered around staying abreast of the almost daily breakthroughs and disruptive innovations in AI Technology. This constant evolution drives our continuous efforts to modify existing courses and develop new, relevant services

What about your social impact/outcomes?

The impact of our initial course has been truly inspiring. All eight graduates have embraced their individual AI learning journeys, actively finding ways to “Future-Proof” their futures. Two graduates have already joined me as business partners, collaborating to scale Empathy North Letlotlo in Botswana. Furthermore, two other graduates from Kenya are actively developing their own AI education and service companies, replicating our model of empowerment. We are currently delivering “Future-Proof” 2.0 with 8 additional students and the creation of the ENLAI Skool Community, which was launched in mid-September with 35 members.

What’s the next big thing/challenge for Empathy North Letlotlo?

Our next major challenge is securing start-up investment funding. This capital is crucial for Travel from Jamaica to Botswana and for establishing two physical locations in Botswana—one in the North and one in the South. These centers will provide reliable high-speed internet and large-screen TVs, creating optimal environments for hosting our AI classes.

As an entrepreneurial professional, what’s non-negotiable for you?

As an entrepreneurial professional, my core non-negotiables are:

• Self-Reliance: We are committed to maintaining autonomy and avoiding reliance on government or NGO funding, fostering sustainable Growth.
• Sustainability: We are dedicated to developing a robust financial model that ensures Empathy North Letlotlo E-Centres are self-sufficient in the long term.
• Community Ownership: We are actively exploring models of cooperative ownership and community-based governance to guarantee that our platform truly serves the interests of its members and the wider community.

How can our readers learn more about Empathy North Letlotlo?

To learn more about Empathy North Letlotlo and our mission, please visit www.empathynorth.org. You can also contact me directly at [email protected], call me at 1 (289) 624-8188, or reach me via WhatsApp at 1 (416) 817-8330. 

Surprising Insights from Our Founders

• Inisha Baganet: Born and raised in Botswana, Inisha lived and volunteered at the Baháʼí World Centre in Haifa, Israel.
• Thabo Monageng: A proud native of Botswana, Thabo is driven by a desire to dedicate his life to community service. He currently serves as a Principal Accounts Officer in the Ministry of Education in Botswana.
• Chris Ward: A global citizen and storyteller, I have lived and worked across Canada, the Cayman Islands, The Gambia, and Israel, and have visited 20 countries. After a brief two-week Retirement in 2019, I launched my new career as a serial entrepreneur and currently split my time between Jamaica and Canada.
• Gloria Komanyane: Has extensive experience in administrative and organizational roles, particularly within forestry and range resources. She holds an MBA from the University of East London (2021-2025) and a Master of Forest Ecosystem Science from the University of Melbourne (2012-2013), among other qualifications.

Originally Published on https://www.bizcatalyst360.com/author/dennisjpitocco/

Dennis Pitocco Chief ReImaginator of 360° Nation

Dennis is the founder and CEO of 360° Nation, a multifaceted media enterprise promoting global positivity. In collaboration with his wife Ali, who serves as Chief Inspiration Officer, Dennis oversees several successful ventures; BizCatalyst 360°–an award-winning global media platform; 360° Nation Studios –producer of uplifting content and events, and; GoodWorks 360° –a pro bono consulting service for nonprofit organizations worldwide.

For over a decade, Dennis and Ali have pursued a mission to illuminate the finest aspects of humanity and leverage their resources to effect daily positive change worldwide. Their operational philosophy emphasizes presence, compassionate service, and the allocation of time, talents, and resources for societal benefit rather than solely for profit. As a contributing author to multiple best-selling books, Dennis is committed to fostering transformational change and promoting holistic wellness.

Dennis and Ali strive to exemplify responsible stewardship while influencing and showcasing humanity's highest potential. Their work reflects a dedication to ethical business practices, community engagement, and the belief that media can be a powerful force for good in the world.