Kusasa is an initiative of The Shuttleworth Foundation. Established in 2001 by South African entrepreneur Mark Shuttleworth, the Foundation's primary aim is driving social innovation in the field of education. With head offices in Cape Town, South Africa, the organisation is based upon the belief that education is the key to unlocking the creative and intellectual potential inherent in all individuals while inspiring them to believe that anything is possible.
Barry has an eclectic background in English literature, classical civilisation, copywriting, advertising, adult education, edutainment, photography, and instructional design. He brings to the world of education a striking mix of words and images. Patrick has an honours degree in literature and a background in book publishing. He has taught English in the far east, but has worked for most of his career as a writer. His work has appeared in academic journals, newspapers and magazines.
The brothers have developed creative content for learners of all ages. Their materials infuse abstract principles or "deep content" into concrete, visual and interactive materials. Their virtual worlds, fictional characters and interactive educational content have appeared in magazines and in schools throughout South Africa and in schools around the world. Barry and Patrick are educational visionaries and idealists. They find the inefficiencies of conventional education appalling, and the potential of computers and the internet educationally liberating.