Edulab360

DoorwayAfrica 360 is solving the problem of mass illiteracy prevalent in Nigeria and across Sub-Saharan Africa. Our goal is to assist everyone in attaining a level of reading, writing, and comprehension along with critical thinking and problem-solving skills that will empower them to pursue vocational or academic pathways thereafter.

The challenge African countries face is huge; however, most interventions begin at higher levels. We understand that the foundation is where the problem lies, and we target reaching children, women, and youths below 40 years old, as they form the majority of our semi-illiterate/illiterate demography. Contrary to beliefs that the people should be taught in native dialects, we foresee that the future of work requires certain levels of skilled workers within Africa, and with the level of disadvantage in the various systems, we have chosen English as our language of instruction because there is so much material available online for them to use for further learning. The results in Rwanda support this.

• Globally:
  • UNESCO estimates over 260 million children and youth are out of school globally.
  • 617 million adults lack basic literacy and numeracy skills.
• Nigeria:
  • The situation in Nigeria is particularly concerning.
  • 35 million Nigerians grapple with illiteracy or limited literacy skills.
  • Out-of-school rates remain high, with UNICEF reporting 10.5 million children not attending school in 2021.

These numbers paint a grim picture, highlighting the vast number of people globally and within Nigerian communities that EduLab 360 aims to support.

Contributing Factors:

• Teacher Shortages: A 2023 report by the World Bank highlights a global teacher shortage of 69 million. In Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Education estimates a deficit of 950,000 teachers. This translates to overcrowded classrooms and limited individual attention for students.
• Limited Resources and Technology: Many Nigerian schools, especially in rural areas, lack essential resources like textbooks, libraries, and access to technology. UNICEF reports only 35.6% of children aged 36-59 months receive early childhood education. Without these resources, traditional teaching methods can be less engaging and effective.
• High Poverty Rates: Poverty often leads to low school attendance and early dropout rates. A 2018 World Bank report states that 43% of Nigerians live below the national poverty line. This creates a cycle of disadvantage, where children from low-income families lack the education needed to escape poverty.

EDULAB360- is a fun and interactive online educational platform that provides a fun and interactive way for people to learn and develop their literacy skills. It is a website and also mobile apps are currently being developed to ensure every one has access to it through phones and tablets. Our platform combines cutting-edge technology with engaging and relatable learning materials, providing both young and old with a unique and enjoyable learning experience. 

Our learning management system houses pre-recorded phonics courses that are relatable, Afrocentric, and created by Africans and for Africans. We employ narratives, music, and character-building civic videos that touch on the relevant conversations required for the development of a more knowledgeable society. We aim to foster connections that strengthen rather than weaken the bonds within our communities.

We have three tracks at the entry level depending on the abilities of the student. Idanre, represents the entry level for those who have never had any schooling. Obudu, is for those who have some exposure and Mambila is for those who want to bridge their learning gaps. 

we also have the Classroom for students to continue learning in other subject areas.  EduLab 360 has lessons on many subjects, like math, science, and even reading. These lessons aren't just boring text; they use games, activities, and animations to make learning exciting.

The Institute. Think of EduLab 360 as a training institute for teachers. The institute provides them with additional resources and ideas to make their lessons even more interesting, and they learn 21st century teaching methodologies.

The technology behind EduLab 360 is similar to what you might find in other apps or websites you use. It uses things like:

• Images and Videos: These capture attention and make learning more visually engaging.
• Interactive elements: Games, quizzes, and other activities help students learn by doing.
• Assessments: Assignments and assessment can be done and submitted on devices.

Overall, EduLab 360 is a user-friendly and accessible tool that can make learning more fun and effective for both students and teachers.

https://drive.google.com/file/...

1. Government organizations in education seek to enhance literacy, accessibility, and student engagement. They require solutions that address these needs effectively and efficiently.
2. Families and caregivers who are looking for high-quality educational materials and resources for their children in primary school.
3. Primary schools with over 100 children that are looking for a comprehensive and effective solution to support their students' literacy development.
4. Teachers training, many teachers in Nigeria are not qualified especially in the low to mid-income schools, The Institute is a product created to help such teachers understand 21st century teaching methods and the need to move away from a teacher led to a pupil led classroom environment. We also produce teaching resources to support their engagement while using Edulab 360.
5. A more recent addition is Youths and women as we have been engaged to teach market women in Makoko who have seen the impact of Edulab 360 on their children and desire same because they have been ripped off by the middle men who interprets for them. This is prevalent in most markets across Nigeria.

EduLab360 is more than an e-learning platform—it's a path to hope for African students. 

Our team is enthusiastic about education and well-positioned to create significant solutions due to our strengths:

Strong African context knowledge: Our staff isn't outsiders. We understand Sub-Saharan Africa's educational issues because of our diverse backgrounds. This cultural understanding lets us personalize EduLab360's curriculum and delivery to African students.

Curriculum Development and Pedagogy: Our education specialists understand how to teach different age groups and ability levels. Their curricula incorporate literacy, civic education, cultural values, and leadership abilities in exciting ways. Our team also uses adult learning best practices to help older learners with basic reading.

Considering Sub-Saharan Africa's economic situation, we prioritize accessibility and affordability. Our technology is optimized for low-bandwidth conditions, making it accessible in rural places with poor internet. Schools and NGOs can buy bulk subscriptions or individual ones. EduLab360 is affordable enough for even the most resource-constrained universities.

Engaging and Effective Delivery: No dull lectures. Our team makes interesting, interactive pre-recorded lessons. Song, story, and action-packed activities encourage students. All sessions are taught by African educators to build cultural connection and ensure audience relevance.

Technology and Innovation: Our team uses technology to provide a user-friendly platform. Learners of all tech levels may easily navigate EduLab360 and access resources. We regularly test new learning tools and integrate them into the platform to improve learning.

Collaboration, Partnership: We know teamwork works. African NGOs, government organizations, and educational institutions are being sought as partners. These agreements increase our reach and provide us access to local expertise and resources.

EduLab360 is well-positioned to provide impactful and accessible education across Sub-Saharan Africa due to our various skillsets, deep awareness of the African context, and commitment to innovative solutions. We're designing a future where education enables every African to fulfil their potential, not merely a learning platform.

An intuitive digital platform called EDULAB360 aims to bridge the gap in literacy and civic education in Nigeria and Africa.

Over 1000 students have been taught using DoorwayAfrica 360's LMS called Edulab 360, Our platform has proven to be effective in transforming the way students learn.

Edulab 360 has been tested in various communities, most especially in Lagos State. The schools that adopted our solution saw a rapid increase in the population of students, and not just the underperforming students were able to read fluently today because they learned how to blend words while watching the instructor do it on the LMS.

The change didn't just happen and remained within the walls of the classrooms, it flowed into the communities, which made even market women feel that because they couldn't read, write, or speak better English, they were being cheated by the middlemen (interpreters).

These women are the parents of the children who learned through our LMS, and now these women are registering for adult evening classes to also learn. The amazing thing we found was that the children take home and sing what they've learned and teach the other kids in the communities, The parents of the other kids decided to bring their children to the schools using our solution, which in turn means a larger student population and more income for the low-income schools using our LMS.

Recently at one of our partners award ceremony, prizes were given to the children with outstanding performance during the assessment administered to them, they were being tested to see if the solution works, the results were amazing.

Those who couldn't read were able to pronounce complex words with ease, then we gave them a more advanced assessment which still saw them shinning.
The teachers also were awarded for their dedication and willingness to learn, they modelled right for the children to follow.

Our online learning platform EduLab360 addresses low literacy and educational access in Sub-Saharan Africa. We offer engaging, Africa-focused literacy, civic education, cultural values, and leadership training. Collaboration and innovation are needed to reach our lofty goals. We're applying to MIT Solve to use your experience, network, and support for social entrepreneurs solving global problems.

EduLab360 believes MIT Solve is the ideal platform for our objective for these reasons:

Boosting Impact: Our reach is impressive, we are currently in talks with Taraba State Government, but MIT Solve can help us expand. By being a Solver at MIT Solve, we can reach innovators, educators, and funders worldwide. This helps us collaborate and share information with comparable organizations to maximize our influence in Africa.

Scaling Our Solution: EduLab360 is making an impact, but scaling in Africa takes strategic strategy and resources. We work with skilled experts in MIT Solve's mentorship programme to scale our platform efficiently while retaining its accessibility and efficacy. Optimizing our technology, curriculum, and outreach techniques for optimal impact can be learned.

Addressing Content Gaps: Our curriculum is rigorously designed, but Africa's learners' changing demands require constant development. MIT Solve provides access to many education, technology, and African studies professionals. Through seminars and networking, we can meet specialists who can help us find new areas of focus and create targeted material to solve regional skills gaps and difficulties.

Leveraging Technology for Learning: Technology is key to EduLab360's success. However, creativity is needed to stay ahead. We may access cutting-edge EdTech research and breakthroughs through MIT Solve. We may experiment with new learning tools, platforms, and methods to improve user experience and learning outcomes for our broad audience.

Building a Sustainable Future: EduLab360 sees a long-term, sustainable educational gap solution in Africa. Our vision matches MIT Solve's long-term impact focus. Strategic alliances or social impact investments may teach us how to establish a financially sustainable strategy. This guarantees EduLab360's growth and impact for years.

Critical time for EduLab360. Our concept is proven and ready to scale. As an MIT Solve Solver, we acquire the resources, network, and direction to increase our impact, empower African learners, and improve education. Our innovative approach, extensive expertise of Africa, and committed team allow us to maximize the MIT Solve platform. We can unlock millions' educational potential and help them achieve a better future.

Our courses are designed with an apprentiship mindset, by introducing learning through mentorship and modelling using engagement with original songs, stories and characters that are relatable in an African context delivered by Africans.

Learning by Example—The Apprenticeship Mindset in Action

Engagement and relatability make EduLab360 different from typical e-learning by encouraging apprenticeship. We know that observation, engagement, and mentorship enhance learning. Our courses empower African students with this approach:

Witnessing Mentorship: In our pre-recorded classes, African instructors mentor. Instructors demonstrate tasks, concepts, and problem-solving to students. Learners can follow this visual example.

We use African-related scenarios and case studies. Learners can apply lessons from the characters' actions to their own life.

Activities that Apply Theory: EduLab360 classes are interactive. Interactive activities challenge students to apply new knowledge. This hands-on method improves comprehension and confidence.

These virtual activities simulate real-world situations, letting students practise and improve.

Resonant Stories, Songs, and Characters: We know storytelling works. African learners can relate to our original songs, stories, and characters. Cultural connections make learning fun and engaging.

Stories and characters typically address real-world African issues, making the lessons relevant to their life.

Apprenticeship Mindset Advantages: Observing, participating, and practicing improves knowledge retention over passive learning.

Development of Practical Skills: Activities help students apply their new knowledge to real-world challenges.

Interactive exercises boost confidence and inspire novices to try new things.

Increased Motivation: Relevant lessons keep students engaged and focused in their learning.

Cultural Relevance: The courses' African background gives students a sense of cultural identification.

Future Generation Empowerment: EduLab360 goes beyond teaching by encouraging apprenticeship. We give students 21st-century skills, confidence, and critical thinking. This method helps students become skilled learners, good citizens, and future leaders who can improve their communities and nations.

The Role of Tech: Technology is key to our apprenticeship-style approach. Interactive activities, mentors, and learning resources are available on the online platform, allowing students to connect and share their experiences.

Imagine a nice instructor who utilises stories and songs about Africa that you can understand. So is EduLab360!

This is why it matters: Like an apprentice with a master, we provide you activities to practice what you learn.

African-familiar music and stories make learning fun and memorable.

Even with poor internet, you can learn from anywhere with a phone or computer.

Focus on Important Skills: We teach reading, writing, citizenship, and leadership to help you thrive in life.

EduLab360 can help more Africans obtain the skills they need to improve their lives and communities by making learning entertaining, accessible, and relevant

Our goal is to help every child reach their full potential through the power of education, and we believe that by addressing the literacy challenge, we can help create a brighter future for children around the world.

1. To improve children's literacy skills and address the challenges faced by children in their educational journey.
2. To provide high-quality, engaging, and interactive learning materials that are both fun and educational.
3. To offer personalized learning paths and real-time progress tracking to support children in their learning journey.
4. To make education accessible to all children, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status.
5. To build a platform that is scalable, affordable, and available to schools and families worldwide.
6. To be a leader in the edutech industry in Africa and contribute to the advancement of education through technology.
7. To foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement, both for our team and for the children we serve.

Content Delivery Platform: LMS(Learning Management System): The LMS behind EduLab360 is user-friendly. This portal lets students watch pre-recorded classes, do interactive activities, and measure their progress.

Low-Bandwidth Optimisation: Many African countries have poor internet connectivity. Our platform works well in low-bandwidth contexts, making it accessible to remote learners.

Offline Functionality (Optional): We are considering letting students download classes or activities for offline use. In locations with poor internet access, this would improve accessibility.

CMS: Content Creation Tools Our team creates compelling pre-recorded classes using CMS authoring tools. Audio, video, and animations can be integrated with these tools.

Optional Content Localization: If we extend beyond regions with a single main language, the CMS can be changed to accept different languages.

Data Analytics: CMS tracks learner progress and platform engagement. We can track user behavior, refine, and personalize learning with this data.

Additionally:

EduLab360 is mobile-friendly, so students may take courses on the go.

Security: We protect user data with strong procedures.

A growing team of over 12 people (4 are part time, 8 are full time)leads EduLab360 to close the educational gap in Africa. Our crew has different skills, including:

Curriculum development and pedagogy experts

Content Creators (Educators, Storytellers, and Songwriters) Instructional Designers (Optimising Learning Experience)

Tech & Platform Management

Marketing and Outreach Specialists (to grow user base)

Partnerships and grant writing (for resources and cooperation)

Since 6 -12 months, EduLab360 has been in development. 

A warm and inclusive environment is key to EduLab360's team success. How we do it:

We recruit to promote equitable opportunity regardless of ethnicity, gender, age, or ability, eliminating prejudice during interviews, giving everyone a chance.

Levelling the Playing Field: We offer remote and flexible work schedules to suit varied lifestyles.

Growing Together: We train, conference, and advise our team members to improve their talents.

Open Door Policy: We encourage open contact and feedback to make everyone feel comfortable expressing ideas and concerns.

Team Spirit: Our frequent activities celebrate our diversity and foster camaraderie.

Respect for All: We prohibit harassment and discrimination to create a safe and respectful workplace.

EduLab360's business concept provides affordable literacy education in Nigeria and ultimately across Sub-Saharan Africa. We break down our main revenue streams as follows:

1. Individual Subscriptions:

Individual learners can subscribe at different levels. These programmes offer carefully curated courses at affordable prices for diverse learning requirements and budgets.

2. Institutional Bulk Subscriptions:

We target low-income private schools, education NGOs, and government institutions. These institutions can buy bulk EduLab360 subscriptions to offer their beneficiaries at a reduced cost.

Bulk subscription sub-levels (optional): We offer various product offerings with various tiers. A school or organization may subscribe to our basic phonics course for all pupils and our leadership skills course for a smaller number, e.g., the graduating class only.

3. Corporate and donor partnerships:

We actively seek relationships with socially responsible corporations and African education donor organisations. Partner organisations can support scholarships or bulk subscriptions for communities or institutions.

We prioritise making EduLab360 affordable for all income levels. To expand our reach, we will strategically price our subscriptions along with a freemium model with limited free material and paid premium choices.

Sustainability: Our price model must support development, platform maintenance, and content creation. Our goal is affordability and financial viability.

Scalability: Our business model should scale as we add users and courses.

Additionally, we will seek funding from African or global social impact educational funding organizations.

EduLab360 is a new endeavour in its early stages of financial sustainability. We have a plan for long-term success. Outlined here is our financial sustainability strategy:

Revenue Diversification: We provide tiered subscription plans for different demands and budgets. Individual learners can get valuable content at an affordable price.

We provide bulk subscriptions at a discount to lower-income schools, NGOs, and government programmes to aid us in gaining traction and improve our brand awareness.

Partnerships: We seek socially responsible corporate and educational donor partnerships. Partners can fund scholarships or bulk subscriptions, boosting our reach and revenue.

Consider Cost and Scalability:

Optional Freemium Model: We may give a limited number of free courses to attract people and demonstrate value. This may turn some users into subscribers.

Strategic Pricing: We will carefully set subscription pricing to accommodate affordability and financial feasibility and target the most needy populations.

Cost optimisation: We allocate resources efficiently and find cost-effective platform maintenance and content creation solutions.

We have run pilot programmes with schools and people that got positive feedback on the value proposition and pricing structure.

we also consider Long-Term Growth Strategy:

Grant Funding: We will apply for funds from African educational organisations.

Expanding and Diversifying Content: As we grow, we can provide more premium courses or specialised content to a wider audience and charge more subscription costs.

User data will be used to analyse user behaviour and course engagement. We will utilise this data to optimise our pricing, content, and marketing for impact and revenue.

EduLab360 believes it can attain financial sustainability with this complex plan. While we're young, our focus on affordability, varied revenue streams, and long-term growth strategies positions us for success and impact.