Article updated: 2/24/2013 7:00 AM

'Much hope' as Bartlett native revamps schools in Kenya

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While launching an educational program in Kenya, Bartlett native Toni Maraviglia has made friends like her "osiepna," the tribal word for "close friend," Selecciah Ogada.

Courtesy of Toni Maraviglia

As co-founder and CEO of MPrep, an innovative educational venture sweeping across Kenya, Bartlett native Toni Maraviglia, right, finds time for a little hula hoop fun with her "Mama Eunice" outside Maraviglia's hut.

Courtesy of Toni Maraviglia

With her innovative educational program that uses cellphones to help teach, Bartlett native Toni Maraviglia, the woman in the white blouse, earns applause from these students in the fishing village of Muhuru Bay, Kenya.

Courtesy of Toni Maraviglia

Boys Maxwel, left, and Lavender use cellphones at Chandaria Primary School in Nairobi, Kenya, thanks to an innovative educational program started by Bartlett native Toni Maraviglia.

Courtesy of Toni Maraviglia

Bartlett native Toni Maraviglia is dedicating her career to improving education for the children of Africa. Her right hand says "Learning is our right," and her left hand has a map of Africa.

Courtesy of MPrep

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A Bartlett native who calls herself "a teacher at heart" has founded a unique venture that uses cell phones to teach children in Kenya. Toni Maraviglia's MPrep beat out more than 200 companies to earn a spot in the prestigious Unreasonable Institute.