Innovative Finance
August 1, 2024
Context
In Tanzania, particularly in rural and crisis-affected regions like the Kigoma district, children face significant barriers to accessing quality education. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these challenges, leading to widespread school closures and leaving many children without alternative learning options. Traditional distance learning programs often fail in such settings due to limited infrastructure, lack of trained teachers, and unreliable electricity and internet connectivity. Consequently, there's an urgent need for innovative solutions that can deliver quality education to these "last-mile" learners who are most at risk of falling behind.
Solution
Pop-Up Learning Tanzania is a fully remote, at-home digital learning initiative designed to provide high-quality education to out-of-school children in hard-to-reach areas. Implemented by the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in partnership with Imagine Worldwide and onebillion, the program equips children with tablets preloaded with adaptive, child-friendly learning software. These tablets, known as "onetab," are designed for ease of use, durability, and offline functionality, and come with solar chargers to ensure usability in areas without reliable electricity. The software personalizes learning by assessing each child's level and tailoring content accordingly, focusing on foundational literacy and numeracy skills in Swahili. Remote support is provided to caregivers to address technical issues, and behaviorally informed messages are used to encourage consistent tablet usage at home. The program aims to reach 1,000 homes and approximately 3,000 children in the Kigoma district.
Impact
The solution has demonstrated the potential to transform educational access for children in remote and underserved communities. By circumventing the need for traditional school infrastructure and trained teachers, the program offers a scalable and cost-effective model for delivering education. The adaptive learning approach ensures that each child receives instruction tailored to their current level, promoting better engagement and learning outcomes. Additionally, the use of solar-powered tablets addresses the challenge of unreliable electricity, further enhancing the program's sustainability and reach. As schools reopen, Pop-Up Learning can serve as a supplemental or remedial tool to support children who have fallen behind, ensuring continuity in education and helping to bridge learning gaps exacerbated by the pandemic.