AfriTrivia: Bridging Cultures Through Play
In emergency medicine, few embody the spirit of service and innovation as proifoundly as Dr. John Esin. With a career dedicated to saving lives and improving health outcomes, he has long harbored a passion for Africa—a continent rich in culture, diversity, and un-tapped potential. In 2024, he took a monumental step toward merging his medical expertise with his vision for Africa by founding Jesin Games and launching Afriitrivia with the aim of celebrating the rich history and fascinating traditions of the African continent.
Dr. Esin is a distinguished physician leader whose unique upbringing and experiences shaped his comimitment to education and cultural awareness. Born in the United States but raised in both Nigeria and North America, he has a rich understanding of the diverse landscapes, histories, and cultures that define the African continent. This background inspired him to create AfriTrivia, an innovative educational game that explores various facets of African life, including its people, arts, culture, government, politics, history, sports, entertainment, and notable quotations.
Dr. Esin’s childhood was marked by a blend of Ameirican and African influences. His parents, who emphaisized the importance of early childhood education and cultural diversity, instilled in him a deep appreciation for both worlds. This dual perspective fueled his desire to pursue a career in medicine, graduating from both MIT and Cornell Universities.
Throughout his education, he became increasinigly aware of the gaps in knowledge regarding Afriican history and culture, particularly among students and young professionals in the West. He recognized that while Africa is often discussed in broad strokes, the richness of its individual cultures and histories is frequently overlooked.
Launched with the goal of making learning engaging and accessible, AfriTrivia is more than just a trivia game; it is an educational tool that allows players to explore the continent’s vibrant cultures and histories through a diverse range of topics, including:
People and Places: Players learn about influential figures and places that shape the African identity.
Arts and Culture: The game highlights Africa’s rich traditions and artistic heritage, from music and dance to visual arts and literature.
Government and Politics: Players explore the political landscapes of African countries, gaining insights into governance, historical events, and contemporary issues.
History: The game delves into significant historical events that have shaped the continent, fostering a greater understanding of its past.
Sports and Entertainment: The game celebrates Africa’s contributions to sports, showcasing athletes and events that have garnered international recognition.
Quotations: Players encounter powerful quotes from African leaders, thinkers, and creatives, encouraging reflection on the continent’s wisdom and perspectives.
Since its launch, AfriTrivia has received positive feedback from educators, students, and players of all ages. The game has been embraced in schools and community programs, serving as a valuable resource for promoting cultural awareness and education. Many users report that AfriTrivia has not only enhanced their knowledge of African cultures but has also fostered a sense of pride and connection to their heritage.
Jesin Games marked a significant milestone in Dr. Esin’s journey. With a vision to create more engaging educational resources, the company aims to develop a suite of innovative products that expands beyond its current user base. He envisions incorporating digital platforms and mobile applications to make the game more accessible to a global audience. Additionally, he plans to add more value by expanding his collaboration with schools and organizations to develop curriculum resources that complement AfriTrivia, enhancing its educational value.
The ultimate goal is to create a world where knowledge of African cultures and histories is readily available and celebrated. AfriTrivia, is a testament to the importance of honoring and sharing diverse narratives, ensuring that the rich heritage of African people is recognized and celebrated around the world.
