Khula African Innovation Projects is a tech start-up that has launched an edutech platform, Smartpozi, a digital directory for SA teachers which will enable them to connect with pupils who need academic support.
The easy-to-use platform enables teachers to extend their services and boost their income by connecting with pupils needing academic support through online, telephonic or face-to-face lessons from the safety and comfort of their own pozi (home).
The founders of Khula Africa Innovation, Siyabulela, 34, and Lungile Bomvu, 40, are both originally from the Eastern Cape.
“Khula Africa Innovation Projects is dedicated to creating innovative projects to help accelerate Africa’s growth in the digital age,” Siyabulela said.
“With the pandemic causing a huge disruption in the education landscape in SA, we identified an opportunity for a new way of educating. We established Smartpozi to ensure pupils get the support required to achieve their goals.”
She said teachers could publicise the subjects they taught, and the days and times that they were available for lessons.
“For privacy purposes, teachers’ contact details are made available only to registered pupils and parents, who can search for the teacher who suits their grade and subject requirements.
“Once connected, pupils pay teachers directly for lessons, using whichever method is convenient for them.”
Siyabulela is a mother of two who works as a HR consultant in Washington DC, America, finalising her communications degree at the University of Maryland.
Lungile is a senior IT officer: enterprise architecture in Washington and has a strong background in digital transformation — the adoption of the latest technologies to replace manual or outdated technologies in our business and daily lives.
“My mother, Vatiswa Simelela, was a teacher for more than 30 years and always expressed the value of being educated to my sisters and me,” Siyabulela said.
“Growing up, I also learnt the essence of ubuntu; the importance of giving back and lending a helping hand.”
Siyabulela has worked with the Margaret McNamara Education Grants (MMEG), a non-profit organisation affiliated to the World Bank Group.
As a member of the selection committee, she got to review and select women from developing countries who receive grants to further their education to the benefit of their communities.
Through her work at MMEG she learnt how technology helps communities in many areas including education.
This experience inspired the creation of Khula Africa Innovation Projects and specifically Smartpozi.
“With Smartpozi we are working to see that every child, in every corner of SA, is able to access quality academic support,” she said.
“We want to break down barriers, get teachers sharing skills across communities and help every child fulfil his or her dream.”
To enrol as a teacher or register as a student, visit www.smartpozi.com
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