We strive to be participatory and take a user-centered design approach in our work. We are currently focusing on education in primary schools in francophone Africa where innovation is needed to address their needs. We partner with governments, NGO’sschools and teachers to offer new solutions to ever-evolving problems, all in pursuit of one mission – enabling students to achieve their highest potential.
Challenges include:
- High illiteracy rates
- No library materials, lack of children’s books and no internet access
- Strong regional school disparities
Facts:
- Education is compulsory and free up to the age of 16.
- Few schools have libraries or any books beyond textbooks.
- Class size is 50-100 children (1 teacher)
- 41.2% of children ages 5 to 14 years were attending school.
- 80% of children who started primary school were likely to reach grade 5. [3]
Senegal
Primary School Pilot
In May 2018 a test of the Digital Library Platform (tablets, projector, digital library and content) was introduced to four schools in Senegal (in the cities of Richard-Toll, Mboro, Thies and Dakar). The purpose was to test the concept and gather real-world feedback by using it in the classroom. (e.g., How was it used? Where? What was most used? What didn’t work? How could it be improved? etc.)
Preliminary Results
What was used:
- Books (early readers)
- Math (Khan Academy videos, exercises)
- Science videos
- Wiki sites
Where: In the classroom.
How: 1)Video projector, and 2) in small group settings with tablets (and other devices).
What’s Missing, needed: Video Projector essential. A better connection with the curriculum desired (included guidance for teachers).
Issues Reported: Typical issues were resolved by re-started the the library server.