Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam dey use im PS43 Foundation to carry forward di education values wey im late papa, Tchamo, instill for am. Im papa die for 2014 car accident. "E always dey say say dem fit take basketball comot from you, but if you get education, you don set and you fit achieve pass wetin sport fit ever do," Siakam talk. "When I get opportunity and I get platform to reach NBA, I just always know say na dat one I wan focus on."
Inside di foundation dey di Siakam Ed Tech Engine, one accelerator programme wey dem dey run with DMZ, one Toronto-based tech incubator. Every year di foundation dey pick around six to seven North American startups wey dey work to improve K-12 education for 12-week programme, and di companies wey dem select go share $50,000 for grant money.
Di first pesin wey collect di $30,000 grant for 2025 na Cyber Legends, wey develop one app wey dey teach digital safety through interactive missions for K-12 students. Di app dey used for nearly 80 schools across North America now. Dis year winner, Classwise AI, dey build tools for teachers to help with grading, reviewing and feedback. "E dey allow teachers reduce burnout," PS43 Foundation executive director Dakota Whyte tok.
Siakam also wan make di apps dey available for schools for im native Cameroon. "Na dream wey no be only mine, but my papa own too," e tok. "I wan make dis pass who I be or di basketball player wey I bin be. Na dat legacy I wan build." Siakam dey prepare for di new NBA season wit di Pacers, wey bin one win away from di championship for Game 7 of di 2025 NBA Finals.
