Meet the Founder

Led by a practitioner, not an outsider looking in

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Tahriq Smith

Founder & Director
Allan Gray Fellow, 2026

M.Ed Candidate, Digital Transformation in Vocational Education

Cape Town, South Africa

Tahriq Smith brings six years of experience teaching and leading assessment, curriculum and moderation functions across the TVET and higher education sectors in South Africa, with subject experience spanning Computer Practice, Applied Management and Hospitality, alongside current lecturer and DHET examination roles at Boston City Campus, NorthLink College, and the Department of Higher Education and Training.

Currently completing his Master's in Education, specialising in digital transformation and online learning practices, Tahriq applies a practitioner's view of the classroom to developing technology-enabled approaches to teaching and assessment, and leads all programme development, facilitation and implementation for Grow Smart SA. As an Allan Gray Fellow since 2026, he is supported in his entrepreneurship and leadership development by the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation.

“AI should never replace educators, it should elevate them. When used well, verified AI tools can reduce admin, restore trust in assessment quality, and give teachers back their time. My mission is to help South African teachers unlock that potential, confidently and practically.”
— Tahriq Smith

Areas of expertise

  • Assessment, curriculum & moderation design
  • TVET subject teaching: Computer Practice, Applied Management & Hospitality
  • Digital literacy & transformation in education
  • AI integration for educators
  • Training & facilitation delivery
  • Practitioner-led research in technology-enabled teaching & assessment

Want to talk directly?

Reach out and Tahriq will personally respond within 24 hours.

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