Selected
Re-engaging Learners

Lakou Kajou's Eksploratoryòm

Science in your pocket! Fun, engaging distance learning for Haitian students.

Team Leader
Suzanne Cole
Science in your pocket! Fun, engaging distance learning for Haitian students.

The Problem

Haitian children entering the fifth grade in September 2022 have never had a year of school without significant disruptions due to health emergencies, civil unrest, natural disasters, and gang violence. Distance education is an on-going need. Technological solutions must be creative because electricity and internet access is limited.

The Solution

Lakou Kajou's Eksploratoryòm takes Haitian children on a journey of exploration, engaging them with interactive science lessons that can be delivered when school is unavailable, even in remote locations.

Rather than using the didactic, top-down learning approach typical in Haiti, Eksploratoryòm builds children's understanding through captivating stories that are relatable and fun. In one lesson, a girl learns about vertebrates when she takes care of a puppy; she discovers it has a backbone and so does she! The culturally-relevant stories, games, and songs match the Haitian Ministry of Education's national science curriculum and drive skill building in social-emotional wellbeing, health, and literacy.

Lakou Kajou's Eksploratoryòm is partnering with Viamo, a leading provider of interactive voice response (IVR) applications, to distribute Eksploratoryòm in remote areas of Haiti. Using a regular mobile phone (Internet access isn't required), families call a central number to hear audio lessons and students can respond to questions.

Stats

Lakou Kajou's Eksploratoryòm has engaged 14,000 students through its partner school network.

What is the name of your organization?
Blue Butterfly
What is the name of your solution?
Lakou Kajou's Eksploratoryòm
Provide a one-line summary or tagline for your solution.
Science in your pocket! Fun, engaging distance learning for Haitian students.
In what city, town, or region is your solution team headquartered?
Port-au-Prince
In what country is your solution team headquartered?
—
What type of organization is your solution team?
Nonprofit
Film your elevator pitch.
—
What specific problem are you solving?
Haitian children entering the fifth grade in September 2022 have never had a year of school without significant disruptions due to health emergencies, civil unrest, natural disasters, and gang violence. Distance education is an on-going need. Technological solutions must be creative because electricity and internet access is limited.
What is your solution?
Lakou Kajou's Eksploratoryòm takes Haitian children on a journey of exploration, engaging them with interactive science lessons that can be delivered when school is unavailable, even in remote locations. Rather than using the didactic, top-down learning approach typical in Haiti, Eksploratoryòm builds children's understanding through captivating stories that are relatable and fun. In one lesson, a girl learns about vertebrates when she takes care of a puppy; she discovers it has a backbone and so does she! The culturally-relevant stories, games, and songs match the Haitian Ministry of Education's national science curriculum and drive skill building in social-emotional wellbeing, health, and literacy. Lakou Kajou's Eksploratoryòm is partnering with Viamo, a leading provider of interactive voice response (IVR) applications, to distribute Eksploratoryòm in remote areas of Haiti. Using a regular mobile phone (Internet access isn't required), families call a central number to hear audio lessons and students can respond to questions.
Who does your solution serve, and in what ways will the solution impact their lives?
Eksploratoryòm is targeted to early primary learners (1st and 2nd grades) in Haiti where distance learning opportunities are especially needed due to the high frequency of school closures. Our IVR implementation of Eksploratoryòm will reach children in the South of Haiti, which continues to be severally affected by an earthquake that hit in August 2021. The lack of gas due to gang activities limits efforts to stabilize the region. Food insecurity and child malnutrition are on the rise. Eksploratoryòm will not only educate these underserved children, but it will also provide them with a sense of hope and security . Eksploratoryòm’s stories meet objectives around socio-emotional learning, providing much needed support to children. We have evidence that our strategy works. A randomized controlled trial conducted by the University of Maryland, found that viewers who watched Lakou Kajou made learning gains in all the areas of the curriculum tested.

Organization Type:
Nonprofit

Headquarters:
Port-au-Prince, Haiti

Stage:
Growth

Working In:
Haiti

Solution Website:
lakoukajou.ht

Solution Team:
Suzanne Cole
Suzanne Cole
Co-Executive Director, Operations