Afrikalearns

Competence-based curricula are essential for equipping learners with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in their chosen careers and meet the demands of the labor market. 

However, the current education system faces numerous challenges, including inadequate teaching resources, outdated curricula, and a lack of alignment with industry needs.

The scale of this problem is considerable, affecting a large segment of the Tanzanian population. 

Furthermore, the curriculum's inadequacies, including outdated content and a lack of alignment with industry needs, contribute to the competency gap among graduates. Despite efforts to reform the education system, such as the establishment of competence-based education frameworks, the implementation remains inconsistent, hindering students' ability to acquire relevant skills. 92.7% of final year students feel that university programs do not adequately prepare them to deliver quality and sustainable services to the community, and a significant portion (74.5%) believes that difficulty in acquiring life skills stems from poor secondary education background, Mbua F.M., Salema V., & Mandila T. (2022). In the workforce, a disconnect exists between academic credentials and actual job performance, with employers highlighting the need for practical skills over theoretical knowledge.

The problem persists due to several factors. Firstly, there is a lack of prioritization of soft skills development in youth education. According to this study, which highlighted the importance of soft skills in enhancing employability, a substantial number of students graduate from high school and university without the necessary soft skills. This lack of soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, significantly diminishes their readiness for the job market. Traditional teaching methods often focus on academic knowledge rather than practical skills, leaving students ill-prepared for the demands of the modern workforce. Additionally, the examination systems in high schools and universities primarily assess content knowledge, neglecting practical competencies.

Moreover, the shortage of skilled educators and trainers exacerbates the problem. Without fresh teaching minds in universities and vocational training institutions, there is a limited capacity to deliver high-quality, competence-based education. Additionally, the disconnect between educational institutions and the labor market further widens the competence gap, as graduates are not equipped with the skills demanded by employers.

The consequences of this problem are far-reaching. A significant portion of Tanzanian youth graduate from high school and university without the skills necessary to secure gainful employment or contribute meaningfully to the economy. As a result, unemployment rates remain high, and many graduates are forced to accept jobs below their qualifications or engage in informal sector activities.

Our platform empowers young workshop trainers to bridge the competency gap by facilitating peer learning workshops that focus on STEM skills and 21st-century soft skills essential for success in the modern workforce.

At AfrikaLearns, passionate young trainers can leverage their expertise and interests to design and conduct workshops tailored to address specific skill deficiencies prevalent among high school and university students. By providing a platform for these trainers to share their knowledge and facilitate interactive learning experiences, AfrikaLearns facilitates a collaborative approach to skills development that complements traditional education systems.

Our solution operates at the grassroots level, starting with schools and communities, where trainers conduct free workshops to gain experience and refine their facilitation skills. This approach not only benefits workshop participants by equipping them with practical skills but also empowers young trainers to develop leadership, communication, and teaching abilities.

One of the key features of AfrikaLearns is the opportunity for young trainers to earn income and receive certificates as they conduct workshops and demonstrate their expertise. By incentivizing participation and recognizing the contributions of young learners, AfrikaLearns fosters a supportive environment that encourages continuous learning and skill development.

Furthermore, AfrikaLearns acknowledges the importance of recommendation letters for young people seeking scholarships, internships, and job opportunities. Upon completing a set number of workshops, participants can request recommendation letters that serve as valuable endorsements of their skills and knowledge, enhancing their competitiveness in the educational and professional landscape.

In addition to empowering individual learners, AfrikaLearns contributes to the broader goal of aligning education with the evolving needs of the job market. By emphasizing critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and digital literacy, our workshops address the skills gap identified in the 2023 Education and Training Policy, thereby enhancing the employability of Tanzanian youth.

AfrikaLearns operates as a dynamic and adaptable platform, continually evolving to meet the changing needs of students, educators, and employers. Our modular design allows for flexibility in workshop content and delivery, ensuring relevance and effectiveness in addressing emerging skill demands.

Afrikalearns serves multiple groups within Tanzanian communities, providing targeted and impactful solutions to address the educational and skills gaps that currently exist.

Low-Income Parent Groups:

Afrikalearns offers affordable competence-based workshops and lessons for students, prioritizing long-term skill development over short-term examination marks. This approach benefits low-income parents who cannot afford expensive subject-based tuitions that iterate the same theoretical concepts taught in school. Afrikalearns provides practical applications of topics through animations, group experiments, and presentations, making learning engaging and effective. This approach not only aids students in understanding complex subjects but also helps them develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Educational NGOs:

There are over 850 NGOs supporting education in Arusha City alone, with most focusing on training youth in various skills. Afrikalearns supplies competent local trainers to NGOs, offering beneficiaries sustained and relevant skill-building opportunities. Unlike foreign volunteers who may lack familiarity with local education systems, Afrikalearns' trainers understand the context and curriculum, making them more effective in creating a lasting impact on students' education. This approach helps NGOs deliver more impactful and sustainable educational programs to their beneficiaries.

Schools:

Afrikalearns collaborates with schools to bridge the gap in competence-based learning and soft skills education. Many schools struggle to implement practical skills due to teacher training gaps and high student-to-teacher ratios. Afrikalearns provides young trainers skilled in STEM and 21st-century learning methods to offer students practical and engaging learning experiences. This approach supports teachers by alleviating some of their workload and enhances students' understanding of complex subjects, fostering a more effective learning environment.

Competent Students:

Afrikalearns provides high school and university students with opportunities to stand out in competitive academic and job markets. Through workshops and lessons in STEM, 21st-century skills, new technologies, and science practicals, students gain valuable experience and enhance their CVs. Afrikalearns offers these students access to resources and mentorship, allowing them to prepare workshops, conduct trials, and receive certificates and recommendation letters upon successful completion. This process helps students secure university placements, internships, and employment opportunities.

Impact on Lives:

The impact of Afrikalearns on the lives of these groups is multifaceted. By providing practical and competence-based education, students gain skills relevant to the job market, enhancing their employability and career prospects. Parents benefit from affordable and effective educational support for their children, fostering a culture of lifelong learning and curiosity. NGOs gain access to skilled trainers who can create sustained impacts on their beneficiaries' education and development. Schools benefit from the introduction of innovative teaching methods and practical learning experiences for their students, ultimately leading to improved academic performance and a more robust education system.

Afrikalearns combines deep domain knowledge of competence-based learning, practical STEM education, and soft skills training with innovative tech solutions to empower high school and university students and graduates in Arusha, Tanzania. Led by Rukia Hatibu, the Head of the Science-In-To-Use (SITU) Department at Arusha Science School, Afrikalearns is an initiative under the SITU department. The initiative is grounded in Rukia's firsthand experience observing the effectiveness of peer learning and the impact of competence-based education.

Leadership and Expertise:

• Rukia Hatibu leads the initiative with a profound understanding of the educational landscape, having launched the SITU department in 2020. She observed the critical need for soft skills training and practical STEM education in high schools and has since worked closely with students and teachers to conduct workshops that share valuable competencies with younger children in rural areas. The SITU department trains students in New Age Technologies such as Robotics, 3D Printing, VR/AR, AI, IoT, and Programming. Students are also given classes in Entrepreneurship, Public Speaking, and Professional Use of Digital tools and the Internet e.g. CV and Email writing as well as LinkedIn. 

• Dedicated Teachers and Students: Afrikalearns is supported by a team of dedicated teachers and students from Arusha Science School. Teachers provide intensive training and support for the practical learning of STEM subjects (going deep in the application of topics in projects as well as understanding concepts in Laboratories) while students play a central role in delivering workshops and lessons to their peers and younger children.

Government Recognition:

• Ministry of Education Collaboration: The Ministry of Education has recognized Arusha Science's commitment to competence-based learning and selected the school as a model for the implementation of the curriculum nationwide. Afrikalearns plays a key role in this collaboration by providing insights and feedback from its experience in implementing innovative educational methods.

Impact and Reach:

• Peer Learning and Engagement: Afrikalearns capitalizes on the power of peer learning, a highly effective approach that allows students to take pride in sharing their knowledge with their peers. This fosters a supportive and engaging learning environment that boosts students' confidence and promotes a love for learning.

• Community Outreach: Afrikalearns extends its reach beyond Arusha Science School, conducting rural after-school projects for Maasai children and providing workshops in multiple schools. This commitment to community engagement helps bridge the educational gap in underserved areas and promotes equitable access to quality education. Rukia launched AIDIM ("I can" in Maasai") to realize this goal.

Continuous Improvement and Multischool Pilots:

• Feedback-Driven Iteration: Afrikalearns's approach is grounded in continuous improvement, informed by student feedback and multischool pilots. This iterative process ensures that the platform remains aligned with students' needs and maximizes the impact of competence-based learning.

Afrikalearns launched its Minimum Viable Product (MVP) in late July 2023 and has since made significant progress in engaging high school students and schools in the Arusha region. In the first week, 30 high school students from our own school (Arusha Science School) were onboarded, and we have since expanded our reach to over 150 signups, primarily consisting of high school students.

We conducted a pilot during a public holiday in August, where three schools utilized their free trials on STEM and soft skills workshops in Robotics, Space Discovery, Sports, Computer Literacy and Entrepreneurship. 200 students were reached in total.

This round provided valuable insights into the program's effectiveness and areas for improvement. We received two key pieces of feedback from the in-person trial:

1. Interactive Training for Student Trainers: It became clear that student trainers would benefit from more interactive courses on how to effectively conduct their specific workshops. Providing these courses will ensure that the workshops are engaging and informative for the participants.

2. Parent Engagement: Parents appear more receptive to the value of the workshops compared to schools. Students trust their parents' judgment, which suggests that targeting parents may be an effective strategy for gaining support and participation in the program.

In December 2023, we partnered with our first NGO to conduct a confidence-building workshop for young girls. This marked the first time our Afrikalearns student trainers ventured beyond STEM-related workshops. We also secured our first non-academic booking when a small business hired a student trainer to teach their administrative staff basic computer literacy. These pilot experiences provided valuable feedback that will guide our future development and expansion.

Through the MIT Solve community, we hope to receive support in defining and tracking impact metrics to assess the effectiveness of our programs and continuously improve them. Assistance with developing a long-term fundraising plan for sustainability beyond the pilot stages will enable us to scale our solution and impact more students across Tanzania.

Growing exposure through speaking opportunities and media coverage will help us to reach a wider audience and gain support for our mission. Additionally, we seek assistance in refining our business models to accurately price the value Afrikalearns provides to different users, such as schools, NGOs, and parents, ensuring our programs are accessible and affordable.

Technical Barriers: As we expand our operations, we seek mentorship from partners with expertise in technology and innovation. User experience is of great importance to us and we would benefit from technical advice, or direct support to address these challenges and improve the platform's functionality.

Financial barriers: To expand reach and improve the platform, Afrikalearns needs help with the following:

1) Developing and maintaining the digital platform

2) Compensating student trainers, and 

3) Creating high-quality resources for workshops.

Community-Centered Approach: Afrikalearns harnesses the power of community by bringing parents and students together to contribute to the learning experience. By organizing workshops in local settings, Afrikalearns ensures that all students, including those in low-income households, have access to peer learning at an affordable rate. This approach fosters a sense of community engagement and support.

Leveraging Skilled Students: Afrikalearns taps into the potential of enthusiastic and skilled students, who act as peer trainers and mentors. This innovative use of young talent not only provides relatable role models for younger students but also offers the opportunity for older students to develop leadership and teaching skills. This peer-led approach brings fresh perspectives and new methods of teaching.

100% Competence-Based Learning: Afrikalearns focuses on competence-based learning, a departure from traditional rote memorization and crowded tuitions. Students are engaged in hands-on activities, group projects, and interactive lessons that promote critical thinking and real-world application of knowledge. This approach helps students develop essential skills and prepares them for the demands of the modern world.

Inclusive and Equitable Access: By offering workshops and lessons in a community setting, Afrikalearns ensures equitable access to quality education. Students from diverse backgrounds, including those in rural areas or from low-income families, can participate in learning experiences that might otherwise be out of reach.

Addressing Gaps in Existing Solutions: Many EdTech solutions focus on online classes, which can exclude students in areas with limited internet access. Afrikalearns bridges this gap by providing in-person workshops and activities that cater to the needs of students in all regions. This makes learning more accessible and impactful for a wider range of students.

Focus on Competence Development: Unlike traditional tuition programs that prioritize memorization and exam preparation, Afrikalearns emphasizes practical skills and soft skill development. This focus on holistic learning ensures students not only master academic subjects but also acquire essential life skills and competencies.

Collaboration with Schools and Parents: Afrikalearns works closely with schools and parents to ensure a cohesive learning experience for students. By collaborating with existing educational institutions and involving parents in the learning process, Afrikalearns creates a supportive network that enhances students' educational journeys.

Afrikalearns is not just an educational solution; it's a movement towards a more inclusive, equitable, and practical approach to learning. By capitalizing on the strengths of community, peer learning, and competence-based education, Afrikalearns is poised to disrupt traditional educational paradigms and empower students for success in the modern world.

Inputs: Afrikalearns provides STEM workshops, 21st-century skills, soft skills training, subject-specific practical skills, and career guidance to Tanzanian youth. These activities are conducted by well-trained students who deliver workshops in inner-city communities and other underserved areas, reaching those who may not have access to quality education.

Outputs: The immediate outputs of Afrikalearns' activities include:

• Improved skills development in various subjects and fields, especially STEM.
• Easy access to peer learning, fostering a collaborative and supportive learning environment.
• Competence and confidence building in STEM subjects and other skills areas.
• Enhanced understanding of content rather than mere memorization, encouraging critical thinking and problem-solving.
• Easing the burden for parents, NGOs, and schools by providing access to quality content and practical sessions.

Outcomes: The longer-term outcomes expected from Afrikalearns' program include:

• Competent and confident Tanzanians who are better equipped for international jobs, university admissions, and skill-demanding positions.
• Increased awareness and appreciation of soft skills in youth, which are essential for success in the modern workforce.
• Bridging the gap in gender representation in STEM and other technical fields, empowering young women to pursue careers traditionally dominated by men.

Afrikalearns' theory of change is supported by evidence from third-party research and evaluations, which show that practical, hands-on learning experiences can improve students' understanding and retention of subject matter. Additionally, data from interviews with participants and community stakeholders indicate that the program has a positive impact on learners' confidence and aspirations.

Through regular feedback mechanisms such as surveys and focus groups, Afrikalearns can continuously assess the effectiveness of its activities and make adjustments as needed. This ongoing evaluation ensures that the program remains responsive to the evolving needs of its target population and continues to provide impactful learning experiences.

Goal 1 (This year): Use lessons learned from the pilot program to supply well-trained students who can deliver workshops in inner-city communities.

Measuring Progress: Afrikalearns will track the number of workshops delivered in inner-city communities, the diversity of the student trainers, and the overall satisfaction of participants. Surveys and feedback forms will assess the impact on the students' confidence, skills, and knowledge gained from the workshops.

Goal 2 (This year and next five years): Afrikalearns certificates become a recognized credential for students to use as a valid source in their CVs, aiding them in future employment and educational opportunities.

Measuring Progress: Monitor the number of certificates awarded and how these certificates positively impact students' career and educational prospects. Follow-up surveys with employers and educational institutions can help assess the recognition and value of these certificates.

Goal 3 (Next five years): Expand workshop services beyond STEM and education to introduce arts and other skills-based sessions for visitors, creatives, and adults.

Measuring Progress: Track the variety and number of new workshops offered, including attendance rates and participant satisfaction. Surveys can measure how these new offerings contribute to a broader set of skills and interests in the community.

Goal 4 (Next five years): Expand Afrikalearns' services beyond education into the health and technical skills sectors.

Measuring Progress: Afrikalearns will monitor the number of health and technical skills workshops conducted, their impact on participants' skills and knowledge, and partnerships formed with healthcare professionals and technical experts. Assess the long-term outcomes for workshop participants, such as improved health awareness and technical competence.

Goal 5 (This year and next five years): Integrate AI for monitoring and evaluating feedback from workshops and customer experience to improve Afrikalearns' outputs.

Measuring Progress: Track AI's performance in analyzing feedback and making data-driven recommendations. This includes assessing the speed and accuracy of AI-generated insights and how effectively they are implemented to improve the overall experience for Afrikalearns users.

Alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goals:

• Target 4.3: Monitor the participation rates of youth and adults in formal and non-formal education and training programs. Assess the impact of Afrikalearns workshops on increasing access to quality education for all.
• Target 4.4: Measure the proportion of youth and adults with ICT and other skills obtained through Afrikalearns' programs. Conduct surveys and track participants' progress in using these skills for employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.
• Target 4.7: Evaluate the extent to which global citizenship education and sustainable development are integrated into Afrikalearns' workshops. Analyze how participants gain knowledge and skills to promote sustainable development and cultural appreciation.
• Target 4.b: Track the volume of scholarships or funding flows for students to pursue higher education and technical training through Afrikalearns. Assess the impact of these opportunities on students' long-term educational and professional goals.

The core technology behind Afrikalearns includes several key components:

1. Online Marketplace: Afrikalearns operates as an online marketplace where skilled youth can list their offerings, and parents, schools, and NGOs can book them for workshops. This marketplace provides a convenient way for customers to connect with skilled trainers and access a wide range of educational and training opportunities.

2. User Profiles: The platform allows skilled students to create profiles where they can list their skills, qualifications, and availability. This information helps match them with interested customers and facilitates the booking process.

3. Compensation System: Afrikalearns offers a unique compensation system that rewards trainers based on their dedication and referrals. Trainers conduct three unpaid workshops to build their reputation and gain experience. By referring friends and completing unpaid workshops, they can begin earning after two unpaid workshops.

4. Payment Terms: Once trainers complete their unpaid trials, Afrikalearns links them with paying groups of learners, such as schools, universities, or other organizations seeking their specific skills. Payment terms are clearly defined for each workshop.

5. USSD Service: For those without access to smartphones or the internet, Afrikalearns offers a USSD service that allows customers to dial a number and receive a call back about available services. This feature enhances accessibility and ensures that customers can find workshops near them.

6. Offline and Online Capabilities: Afrikalearns is designed to operate in both online and offline environments, depending on the availability of internet access. This flexibility allows the platform to serve users in various locations, including rural areas.

7. Future Development: While the platform is still in its infancy, Afrikalearns plans to expand its features in the future to leverage the capabilities of a modern-day marketplace. This includes potential AI-driven features for improved customer experience and more personalized workshop offerings.

This marketplace model allows groups to book students for workshops, whether for one-off events or continuous sessions on weekends, especially for boarding students.

Full Time: 1  / Part Time: 2

Teaching Staff at Arusha Science Training Students on Practical STEM Skills: 20

3 years divided as follows:

Internal Idea Inception (Afrikalearns within Arusha Science School): 

January 2021 - June 2023

Official Project Pilot Launch to Outside Community: August 2023 - Present

As a program from Arusha Science, we are rooted in the school's ethos of pushing for female staff in leadership positions and creating an equitable work culture.

Gender Diversity: We understand the disparities women face in STEM fields and are actively working to close that gap. Afrikalearns' leadership team prioritizes the inclusion of women in decision-making roles and other key positions, ensuring their voices are heard and valued. We strive to create an environment that supports the professional growth and advancement of women within our organization.

Diverse Leadership: Our leadership team includes individuals from various backgrounds and experiences, reflecting the cultural and ethnic diversity of the communities we serve. This diversity enriches our decision-making processes and brings a wide range of perspectives to the table.

Inclusive Design: We engage with key stakeholders, including students, parents, and community stakeholders, to understand and address their specific needs and challenges. By incorporating their input into our planning and development processes, we can ensure better outcomes for everyone involved.

Ongoing Communication: We maintain open communication channels such as surveys, focus groups, and community meetings. These feedback mechanisms allow us to listen to and understand the evolving needs of our community, enabling us to continuously improve and adapt our program.

Expansion to Non-STEM Workshops: As Afrikalearns expands beyond STEM-related workshops to include arts, health, and technical skills sessions, we embrace the opportunity to bring more diverse skill sets to our team. This expansion allows us to reach a broader audience and serve more varied community needs.

Inclusive Culture: We strive to create an inclusive work culture where every team member feels respected and valued. By recognizing and addressing the intersecting forms of discrimination, we ensure that everyone has equal access to opportunities and a safe space to express their unique perspectives.

Our Key Customers and Beneficiaries include:

1. Students and Young Trainers: Our platform provides an opportunity for young trainers to earn income by conducting workshops in their areas of expertise. We focus on training and upskilling students to conduct workshops and share their knowledge with their peers and other community members.

2. Parents and Schools: Parents and schools can access a database of skilled youth trainers and book workshops tailored to their needs. This includes workshops in STEM, arts, health, technical skills, and more. This service is valuable as it offers diverse, accessible, and engaging learning experiences for students, enabling them to acquire relevant skills for their future.

3. Community Organizations and NGOs: Organizations and NGOs benefit from the ability to book workshops on demand, allowing them to address specific community needs and goals efficiently. For instance, they can hire young trainers for health education sessions or technical skills training.

Our Products and Services are;

• Workshops: We provide a range of workshops in various fields, including STEM, arts, health, and technical skills. These workshops are designed and delivered by young trainers who are carefully selected and trained.

• Marketplace for Educational Opportunities: Afrikalearns serves as a marketplace, connecting young trainers with potential clients such as schools, parents, and organizations seeking workshops.

• Certification and Credentialing: Trainers receive certifications for their participation and successful delivery of workshops, enhancing their CVs and future opportunities.

How we provide products and services:

• Online Platform: Our digital platform serves as a hub for booking workshops and connecting trainers with clients. Users can browse available workshops, review trainers' profiles, and schedule sessions.

• USSD Service: For those without access to smartphones, we offer a USSD service that allows customers to dial and receive information on available workshops and book sessions.

Why our customers need this; 

• Access to Quality Learning: Parents, schools, and organizations benefit from high-quality, tailored workshops that supplement traditional education and provide students with valuable, hands-on experiences.

• Affordable and Convenient: Our model offers affordable workshops and training opportunities, making education and skill-building more accessible to a broader audience.

• Empowering Young Trainers: Young trainers gain valuable experience, income, and credentials by participating in our program, preparing them for future careers and opportunities.

Afrikalearns plans to achieve financial sustainability through a combination of grants, service fees, and strategic partnerships. Here are the key components of our plan and evidence of success so far:

1. Grants and Funding: In 2023, Afrikalearns was awarded a $23,000 U.S. Embassy Public Diplomacy Grant, providing a strong foundation to support our initiatives and growth. This grant has been instrumental in helping us pilot our programs, gather insights, and scale our offerings.

2. Service Fees: We generate revenue through service fees charged to schools, NGOs, parents, and community organizations that access our platform to book skilled young trainers for workshops. This marketplace approach provides a sustainable revenue stream as we expand our user base.

3. Partnerships: We are forming strategic partnerships with educational institutions, community organizations, and other stakeholders to broaden our reach and share resources. These partnerships also create opportunities for sustained income through collaborative projects and services.

4. Diversified Offerings: Afrikalearns plans to expand its services beyond education into areas such as health and technical skills workshops. This diversification allows us to cater to a wider range of customers and creates additional revenue streams.

5. Earnings for Trainers: By compensating trainers for their workshops, we foster a community of skilled educators who contribute to the platform's success. As trainers earn through our marketplace, they are more likely to continue offering services and bringing new users to the platform.

Evidence of Success:

• The $23,000 grant from the U.S. Embassy has demonstrated external validation of Afrikalearns' potential and has enabled us to make progress in our pilot programs.
• Arusha Science School is an International Certificate For Digital Literacy - ICDL Africa Accredited Test Center, where all students take on this training. This makes the students in the Afrikalearns platform fully equipped with Internationally recognized digital skills and well-prepared workshop trainers. 
• Our initial service fees from booking skilled trainers have shown early signs of generating revenue and supporting operational costs.
• Our partnerships with schools and community organizations have expanded our reach and facilitated access to a larger customer base.