Tareh

8thGear Hub & Venture Studio stands as an enterprise support organization offering a diverse range of services, including Growth as a Service, Tech Marketplace, Talent Placement, and Co-working space. As a venture studio, we specialize in developing businesses that bridge gaps in various sectors within Nigeria. 

Tareh is an initiative developed by 8thGear to penetrate the most rural villages and communities in Southwest Nigeria. 

We created this initiative to address the needs of the 68% of children and youths who may never access the internet due to their remote locations.

We are addressing problems that revolve around the significant educational disparities and lack of access to digital skills training in rural and underserved communities across Nigeria. Despite the increasing importance of digital literacy in today's world, many children and youth in these areas lack access to quality education and opportunities to develop essential skills.

According to a report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in Nigeria, access to the Internet remains a significant challenge in rural areas, with only 32% of households having access to the Internet compared to 58.2% in urban areas (NBS, 2020). This lack of connectivity severely limits educational opportunities for children and youth in these communities, hindering their ability to access online resources, participate in digital learning platforms, and develop essential digital skills.

Furthermore, the prevalence of poverty and insecurity exacerbates the educational challenges faced by individuals in rural communities. According to UNICEF, Nigeria has one of the world's highest rates of out-of-school children, with over 10.5 million children aged 5-14 out of school, primarily in rural areas (UNICEF, 2020). Poverty often forces families to prioritize basic needs over education, leading to high dropout rates and limited access to educational resources.

Moreover, there is a significant gap in providing STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education in schools across Nigeria. According to a study by the Brookings Institution, less than 30% of primary and secondary schools in Nigeria offer any form of computer education (Brookings, 2019). This lack of exposure to STEAM subjects hinders the development of critical skills needed for success in today's digital economy, limiting opportunities for children and youth to pursue careers in technology, engineering, and innovation.

Our venture studio aims to tackle these challenges by developing innovative solutions that provide access to quality education and digital skills training in these underserved communities. 

Our innovative solution is a mobile education platform equipped with solar panels to power digital devices like laptops, ensuring access to technology in rural communities of the Southwest region of Nigeria. 

Targeting children aged 13 to 25, with a preference for females and people with disabilities, it delivers inclusive education directly to those in need. Tailored learning pathways, comprehensive curricula, and cutting-edge technology integration guarantee equitable opportunities for learners of all ages and backgrounds. 

Through strategic community partnerships, it cultivates a supportive environment for academic and personal growth. Furthermore, by offering sustainable support services such as access to social services and mentorship programs, our solution aims to uplift individuals and families within these communities. 

This sustainable approach not only enhances educational outcomes but also fosters personal development and community empowerment. Through improved access to education and technology, our initiative directly contributes to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). 

By addressing these interconnected issues, our solution catalyzes positive change and paves the way for a more inclusive, prosperous, and sustainable future for the Southwest region of Nigeria.

Growing up in a rural area, I witnessed violence and had to flee my community with my family just to survive. We lacked access to educational tools, leaving us unaware of the endless opportunities beyond our circumstances. It wasn't about intelligence; it was about being situated in an underdeveloped area.

In Nigeria, 68% of children and youth face a similar fate due to their remote locations, deprived of internet access and the chance to realize their full potential. Poverty and insecurity further limit their access to quality education, trapping them in a cycle of disadvantage.

Understanding these challenges firsthand, we created Tareh, meaning "Together" in Hausa. Tareh is more than just a solution; it's a beacon of hope for children aged 13 to 25, especially girls and those with disabilities. Our mission is clear: to ensure that no one is left behind because of circumstances beyond their control.

Tareh's vision is bold yet essential – to bring quality education directly to the doorsteps of those who need it most. By providing access to technology and tailored educational resources, Tareh empowers these underserved children to learn, grow, and thrive despite the challenges they face. Through targeted interventions and support, Tareh aims to break barriers and create pathways to success for the most marginalized members of our society. Together, we can transform lives and shape a brighter future for all.

As a venture studio, 8thGear Hub & Venture Studio has a track record of successfully developing organizations that address critical challenges in the educational sector. Two such organizations have emerged from our studio, each dedicated to bridging the gap in digital skills in Southwest Nigeria.

Haven is an Extra & Co-curricular Childhood Educational Product focused on matching Training Instructors, Content, Curriculum, and Learning Aids for STEAM to Children ages 6-16 in schools across Nigeria.

Innkeeper Talent Accelerator is an upskilling platform that facilitates blended self-paced and instructor-led learning, leveraging world-class locally curated content and mentorship opportunities.

Situated in Lagos, Nigeria, with a branch in Ondo State, we have the strategic advantage of penetrating communities across South-West, Nigeria. Through our physical presence and local connections, we are able to effectively reach and engage with communities, making our impact more significant and far-reaching.

Through these initiatives, we serve to equip individuals, particularly children and youth, with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in today's digital world. We are dedicated to providing quality education and fostering innovation to empower individuals to become financially independent.

Based on our portfolio companies, we have successfully bridged the digital divide by providing training to over 2,000 children and youths combined in Southwest Nigeria. Through our initiatives, we have been able to impart essential digital skills and educational opportunities to these individuals, empowering them to thrive in today's digital age.

During our interactions with students, we identified a significant portion of the population who would never be able to access the opportunities we provide to those who can physically access our training centers. Recognizing this disparity, we developed Tareh to address the needs of underserved communities, particularly those in remote areas with limited access to educational resources and technology.

Tareh aims to provide quality education and digital skills training directly to the doorsteps of these individuals, ensuring that no one is left behind due to circumstances beyond their control.

We are applying to Solve because we believe that our mobile education solution, Tareh, has the potential to transform education in rural and underserved communities across Nigeria. Tareh is specifically designed to address the lack of access to quality education and digital skills training in these areas by bringing educational resources directly to the doorstep of those who need it most.

However, implementing Tareh presents specific challenges. As a mobile education solution, we face financial constraints in acquiring and maintaining the necessary technology and infrastructure to operate effectively in remote areas. 

Additionally, there are technical challenges in delivering digital education resources via mobile platforms, especially in areas with limited connectivity and electricity access. Furthermore, legal and cultural barriers may impact our ability to operate across different regions and communities.

We believe that Solve can help us overcome these barriers by connecting us with partners who can provide both financial and technical support tailored to the unique needs of our mobile education solution. This could include funding to acquire mobile learning units, expertise in developing offline digital content, and guidance on navigating legal and cultural considerations in diverse communities.

By collaborating with Solve, we aim to accelerate the implementation of Tareh and reach more children and youth with the education and digital skills they need to thrive in today's world. 

Our solution, Tareh, stands out for its innovative approach to addressing the educational disparities in rural and underserved communities across Nigeria.

Unlike traditional educational models that rely on physical infrastructure like schools or internet connectivity, Tareh leverages mobile technology to bring personalized learning directly to individuals' doorsteps.

What makes Tareh truly innovative is its mobility and adaptability. By utilizing mobile learning units equipped with technology and educational resources, Tareh can reach even the most remote areas with limited infrastructure. This innovative approach enables us to bypass traditional barriers to education, such as lack of access to schools or internet connectivity, and deliver high-quality educational content directly to those who need it most.

Additionally, Tareh's focus on personalized learning sets it apart from traditional one-size-fits-all educational approaches. Through Tareh, learners have access to tailored educational resources that cater to their individual needs, interests, and learning styles. This personalized approach not only enhances the effectiveness of learning but also empowers individuals to take ownership of their educational journey.

Tareh's expansion across Nigeria, particularly into rural areas, aims to empower children and youth with skills that enable them to become problem solvers and catalysts for positive change in their communities.

A compelling case study supporting this approach is the story of William Kamkwamba, famously known as "The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind." Growing up in a rural village in Malawi, William faced significant challenges accessing education and resources. However, his innate curiosity and determination led him to teach himself about wind power by reading books borrowed from a local library. With this knowledge, William built a windmill from spare parts, providing electricity for his family and eventually bringing irrigation to his community during a severe drought.

William's story exemplifies the transformative power of education and skills development in rural communities. Despite limited resources, his ingenuity and problem-solving skills enabled him to create innovative solutions to pressing challenges, ultimately improving the lives of those around him.

Similarly, Tareh aims to nurture a generation of young innovators like William by providing them with access to quality education and skills training. Research studies have shown that initiatives promoting critical thinking, problem-solving, and digital literacy skills in youth can lead to increased innovation and positive social impact (OECD, 2018).

By empowering children and youth with these essential skills, Tareh not only addresses immediate educational needs but also cultivates a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship that can drive sustainable development and prosperity in communities across Nigeria. Through Tareh, we aspire to unlock the potential of every child and youth, fostering a generation of changemakers who will shape the future of their communities and beyond.

Additionally, Tareh's impact extends to creating pathways for employment and economic growth. By equipping youth with valuable skills, such as digital literacy and problem-solving abilities, we aim to enhance their employability and empower them to pursue fulfilling careers, contributing to the socioeconomic development of Nigeria as a whole.

Impact Goals for Tareh:

Goal 1: Increase Access to Quality Education: Our primary impact goal is to increase access to quality education for children and youth in rural and underserved communities across Nigeria. We aim to ensure that every child has the opportunity to receive a quality education, regardless of their geographical location or socioeconomic background.
Goal 2: Foster Skills Development: We aim to foster the development of essential skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, and digital literacy, among children and youth. These skills are crucial for success in today's rapidly changing world and are essential for individuals to thrive academically, professionally, and personally.
Goal 3: Empower Youth as Change Agents: Tareh seeks to empower youth to become active agents of change within their communities. We aim to instill in them the confidence, leadership abilities, and sense of responsibility needed to identify and address local challenges, driving positive social impact and sustainable development.
Goal 4: Promote Economic Empowerment: Our solution also aims to promote economic empowerment by increasing youth employability and creating pathways to sustainable livelihoods. By equipping youth with valuable skills and opportunities, we aim to contribute to poverty reduction and economic growth in Nigeria.

Measuring Progress:

To measure our progress towards these impact goals, we are tracking several key indicators:

1. Number of Beneficiaries Reached: We track the number of children and youth who have accessed our educational resources and participated in our programs to ensure we are reaching our target population.
2. Educational Outcomes: We measure educational outcomes such as literacy rates, numeracy skills, and academic performance to assess the impact of our interventions on children's learning and development.
3. Skills Development: We assess the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and digital literacy skills among participants through pre- and post-program assessments and feedback mechanisms.
4. Community Engagement: We monitor community engagement and participation in our programs, including the involvement of parents, teachers, and local leaders, to ensure the sustainability and relevance of our interventions.
5. Employment Opportunities: We track the number of participants who transition to further education, training programs, or employment opportunities as a result of their participation in our programs, measuring our contribution to youth economic empowerment.

The core technology powering Tareh is a combination of mobile learning units and digital educational resources, leveraging modern technology to address educational disparities in rural and underserved communities.

Mobile Learning Units: Tareh utilizes custom-designed mobile units equipped with solar panels, laptops, tablets, and internet connectivity solutions. These mobile units are designed to be easily transportable and adaptable to various environments, allowing us to bring education directly to remote communities without access to traditional educational infrastructure.

Digital Educational Resources: Within the mobile learning units, we provide access to a wide range of digital educational resources, including interactive learning modules, e-books, educational videos, and software applications. These resources cover a diverse array of subjects, including literacy, numeracy, science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM), tailored to the specific needs and interests of learners.

Software and AI Integration: Tareh incorporates software applications and artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to personalize learning experiences for individual students. AI-driven adaptive learning platforms assess each student's strengths, weaknesses, and learning preferences to deliver customized learning pathways and recommendations, optimizing learning outcomes.

Community Engagement Platforms: Tareh also utilizes SMS technology and community engagement platforms to facilitate communication between learners, instructors, parents, and local community members. SMS reminders, notifications, and feedback mechanisms enhance the effectiveness of our programs and promote ongoing community participation and support.

Sustainability and Traditional Knowledge: In addition to modern technology, Tareh embraces sustainability principles and traditional knowledge systems. Our use of solar-powered mobile units reduces our environmental footprint, while incorporating indigenous knowledge and cultural practices enriches the educational experience and fosters a sense of cultural identity and pride among learners.

4 full-time staff

3 part-time staff

At Tareh, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for all team members. Our approach to diversity and inclusion encompasses various dimensions, including gender, ethnicity, culture, and background. Here's how we ensure diversity and inclusion within our team:

Diverse Leadership Team: Our leadership team reflects our commitment to diversity, with a balanced representation of gender and diverse backgrounds. Currently, our executive team comprises 75% female executives, demonstrating our dedication to gender diversity at the highest levels of our organization.
Continuous Learning and Development: We prioritize ongoing learning and development opportunities for our team members to enhance their understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion. For example, we recently participated in the Value for Women training program, which equipped us with valuable insights into gender-inclusive business practices. Additionally, one of our colleagues had the opportunity to attend a conference in Kenya focused on diversity and inclusion, further enriching our knowledge and perspectives.
Gender Balance Initiatives: We are proactive in implementing initiatives to promote gender balance within our organization. This includes actively recruiting and retaining talented individuals from diverse gender backgrounds and ensuring equal opportunities for career advancement and leadership roles.
Inclusive Workplace Culture: We strive to create a welcoming and inclusive workplace culture where all team members feel respected, supported, and valued. This includes fostering open communication, actively soliciting and incorporating diverse perspectives, and celebrating the unique contributions of each team member.
Equitable Policies and Practices: We have established equitable policies and practices to minimize barriers to opportunity for all staff members. This includes policies related to recruitment, promotion, compensation, and professional development, ensuring fairness and transparency in all aspects of employment.
Community Engagement: We actively engage with our broader community to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion both internally and externally. This includes collaborating with local organizations and stakeholders to address systemic barriers and promote social inclusion.