Transform Your School Through the Power of Poetry
Canadian Spoken Word Champion | Edmonton Poet Laureate 2017-2019 | 15+ Years Transforming Schools
Award-Winning Poet. Proven Educator. Cultural Bridge-Builder.
For 15 years, Ahmed “Knowmadic” Ali has engaged 3,000+ students across 200+ workshops and residencies, using poetry as a strategic tool for critical thinking, identity exploration, and student voice development.
3,000+
Students Engaged
200+
Workshops Delivered
15+
Years Experience
4
Countries (Canada, USA, UK, Sudan)
Why Poetry Works
Critical Thinking Engine
Poetry teaches students to analyze, interpret, question assumptions, and construct meaning.
Identity as Compass
Students explore who they are and build self-awareness, confidence, and purpose.
Voice and Agency
Poetry gives students permission to speak their truth and be heard.
Empathy and Connection
Sharing narratives builds bridges across cultures and experiences.
Services
Workshops for Schools
Single-day or multi-day workshops for grades K-12. Curriculum-aligned and engaging.
14-Day School Residencies
Intensive 2-week programs culminating in a Poetry Café. Deep transformation.
Keynote Speaking
Inspiring talks on resilience, critical thinking, and student voice.
Proven Impact: Belvedere Elementary 2025
In April 2025, Ahmed completed a 14-day residency at Belvedere Elementary School:
- 297 students engaged across Grades K-6
- 70 teaching sessions delivered over 14 days
- 47.3 program hours of intensive creative work
- 200+ family members attended the Poetry Café
My son has always struggled with writing. After Ahmeds residency, he came home excited to show us his I Am poem. At the Poetry Café, we were in tears seeing him perform with such confidence. Ahmed gave our son something we couldnt—the belief that his words matter.
Parent, Belvedere Elementary School
Awards and Recognition
- Canadian Spoken Word Champion (2011)
- Edmonton Poet Laureate (2017-2019)
- Edmonton Top 40 Under 40 (Avenue Magazine, 2017)
- Outstanding Black Men in Canada (SHIFTER Magazine, 2023)
- Human Rights Champion Award (2018)