Paul Atherton is the founder of Fab Inc. and Fab Data, two social enterprises that combine advisory services and the development of open-source data and technology systems for education in low income countries.
Building on Fab’s work on developing AI tools – such as the TeacherAI in Sierra Leone, which provide CPD support to teachers, Paul co-founded the “AI-for-Education.org” initiative. This platform aims to prevent LMIC countries from being left behind as AI advances in education. This initiative fosters collaboration among innovators across LMICs and global experts, while also creating open-source components to reduce barriers to entry and provide quality assurance.
Fab also works on climate-related matters, with a focus on safeguarding school systems against heat and floods, and ensuring climate change is factored into education planning.
Paul served on the Board of On Call Africa for eight years, a health NGO in Zambia, contributing to its growth into a sustainable charity while maintaining a focus on long-term capacity partnerships with the Government.
Paul holds a PhD in the Economics of Education and worked as a post-doc and lecturer at the Institute of Education in London. Prior to founding Fab, Paul managed DFID’s education investments (£62.5m) in Rwanda. Previous roles within DFID HQ involved designing metrics for value for money in education and establishing monitoring and evaluation as well as payment by results mechanisms for the £355m Girls’ Education Challenge program, the world’s largest girls’ education program.