In the quest for greater and more effective access to education for children, M-Shule stands out as an innovative educational platform, using mobile technology to improve learning for primary school pupils in East Africa. How is this Kenyan startup helping to bridge educational gaps and provide equitable opportunities for disadvantaged learners? We explain in this Fanaka Story.
Providing greater access to education
Born out of a desire to combat school failure in sub-Saharan Africa, M-Shule was founded in 2016 in Nairobi by Claire Mongeau and Julie Otieno. This educational platform offers personalised learning programmes to help each student reach their full potential. The educational solution takes advantage of simple but effective mobile technologies to deliver personalised educational content.
Using SMS as its main technological tool, it overcomes the obstacles associated with Internet access, which is often limited or non-existent in rural and disadvantaged areas. This approach enables millions of pupils without a smartphone to benefit from interactive lessons directly on basic mobile phones.
By exploiting mobile networks, M-Shule is making education accessible to low-income families, bypassing infrastructure limitations while extending the reach of educational resources.
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Improving the quality of education through AI
Personalisation is at the heart of the M-Shule model. Using artificial intelligence algorithms, the platform adjusts the level of lessons according to students' performance. This technology makes it possible to track progress, offer ongoing assessments and provide instant feedback. This encourages greater engagement and improves learning efficiency.
By promoting equal access to quality education, the start-up is making a direct contribution to a number of areas Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) These include quality education, gender equality, industry - innovation and infrastructure, reducing inequalities, and partnerships to achieve the objectives.
Reinforcing fundamental skills
M-Shule is committed to developing students' essential skills, particularly in languages and mathematics. Its interactive lessons promote tailored learning that is accessible at all times, enabling students to continue their education outside traditional school hours.
By integrating parents and teachers into the learning process, M-Shule provides home reinforcement, stimulating collaboration for a holistic and enriching educational experience.
After a conclusive pilot phase with almost 400 pupils in 15 schools in Nairobi in 2017, M-Shule was officially launched in January 2018. Building on this initial success, Claire Mongeau now aims to roll out the platform on a large scale in Kenya and then across the continent, incorporating ever more innovative features.
With its inclusive technology and solutions tailored to the needs of marginalised communities, M-Shule is redefining access to education in East Africa. It is a concrete response to educational challenges and a symbol of hope for a future where every child, whatever their circumstances, can fulfil their potential.
