A clever local literacy project largely led by student efforts is taking the world by storm and has been chosen to compete in an international competition!
Western Cape, South Africa (04 June 2024) — A literacy project and education start-up led by students and the University of the Western Cape’s Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation is making big strides in the world!
The literacy project named LenoKids began as a way to solve one of South Africa’s most pressing issues while pouring interactive learning, fun and
“It all started with solving a social problem of illiteracy in South Africa, and then later we found that it’s a global challenge. We challenged ourselves in coming up with an innovative solution to address this issue,” says Computer Science Master’s student and LenoKids co-founder Sange Mafinyongwana.
The result? An AI-driven learning platform and WhatsApp application designed with children in mind. There, they can learn the skills necessary for literacy through curated games and activities that range from storytelling skills to vocabulary and comprehension. With a helpful robot pal to make the journey all the more interactive, it’s a tool that’s as fun as it is necessary—especially in countries with under-resourced education facilities.
The project has progressed wonderfully, with February earning LenoKids the opportunity to take part in the Switzerland-Africa AIT Annual Conference and stand tall as an international finalist with Sange representing them well.
Now, LenoKidz is back at it again for another international opportunity—participating in the Hult Prize Bangkok 2024 Summit underway this month!
Only 360 startups were chosen out of a whopping 10,000, and the sky could soon be the limit should they win and advance to the Global Accelerator where a million dollars are up for grabs.
Sources: University of the Western Cape
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google.
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:
Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.
by 