How Technology is Changing Education in Underserved African Communities
The future of African children is at great risk as educational avenues have become inaccessible. The United Nations’ report revealed that more than half of the out-of-school children in the world live in sub-Saharan Africa. Unfortunately, their lack of digital connectivity is one of the major factors that hinder them from getting their education. In sub-Saharan Africa alone, 89% of students don’t have access to household computers, while 82% don’t have an internet connection. Recognizing this dilemma, many have come forward to provide both digital access and educational opportunities to African children. Here’s how technology has transformed educational accessibility in underserved communities.
Internet connectivity for increased accessibility
Digital connectivity is one of the keys to greater educational accessibility. Thus, many institutions have made it a priority to connect schools and students to digital platforms. To illustrate, iMlango was established by six stakeholders to provide educational technology tools in Kenya. One of the stakeholders, Avanti Communications Group, provided broadband connectivity through its satellite so that remote communities could access their e-learning platforms. Other stakeholders established e-learning platforms and donated computers so schools could access lessons and monitor the pupil’s attendance.
Similarly, Liquid Intelligent Technologies have partnered with UNICEF to provide high-speed internet in schools across Africa. Liquid has already set up internet connections in 4000 schools, but the institution is still working on establishing connections across 150,000 schools in the continent. Through these initiatives, students and teachers can access various educational materials on the internet.
Data management in improving school programs
Institutions are revolutionizing educational practices in Africa by establishing programs based on data. For example, Bridge International Academies is a data-driven low-cost school stationed in parts of Kenya, Nigeria, and Uganda. The institution ensures that the schools are effective and transparent in their programs by collecting data regarding the teachers and students.
The teachers are equipped with tablets or smartphones, where the attendance and performance of both students and teachers will be monitored. The data regarding the students’ performance will be used to study the efficiency of the programs. Meanwhile, information about the teachers helps the institution pinpoint areas that need additional support. Using this technology, data is leveraged to improve the educational outcomes of students as well as the job performance of teachers. As a result, students can learn from improved educational programs at a low cost.
Messaging platforms for educational resources
Finally, students can quickly access educational resources by simply using a messaging platform. Since WhatsApp is the most popular social media platform in the region, David Magagula and Tao Boyle founded a WhatsApp API called FoondaMate. This API serves as a platform where students can download research papers, search for information, and calculate simple equations through WhatsApp. Thus, students can access online information even when they have limited internet access.
FoondaMate also helps students save costs from textbooks and group tutoring services by offering these on the messaging platform. Additionally, the API bridges communication barriers by engaging with students through ten indigenous languages. Boyle stated that the resources are available in native African languages so that students could easily understand the educational materials. Through this simple solution, users from various African countries can now access and comprehend the learning materials available on the platform.
Technology plays a huge role in providing educational opportunities to African children. To learn more about how technology has transformed Africa, check out our articles at Africa Business Communities. Our resources on data, technology, and agribusiness can help you discover the different innovations in the region.
