TextSchool

Ensuring access to quality education for every child is a fundamental right enshrined in the Kenyan Constitution of 2010. Despite this constitutional commitment, the 2014 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS) reveals that nearly one million children in Kenya are not enrolled in school. The majority of these children hail from rural areas and low-income urban settlements.

Even for those children who are enrolled in schools, there is no guarantee that they are receiving quality education. For instance, in Mathare slums, there are only four public primary schools, constituting a mere 9% of the total schools in the area. Conversely, over 85% of the schools are low-cost private institutions characterized by inadequate infrastructure and limited resources. These private schools often hire untrained teachers who provide cheap labor to ensure profitability for the school owners. Moreover, these schools are unable to afford sufficient teaching resources, placing an additional burden on already struggling parents.

This confluence of challenges creates a systemic failure in the delivery of quality education to students in such underserved areas. The dearth of public schools coupled with the proliferation of under-resourced private schools not only limits access to education but also compromises the educational experience of those who are fortunate enough to attend.

Ultimately, achieving universal access to quality education, as envisioned in the Kenya Constitution of 2010 requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses structural, regulatory, and capacity-related challenges. By prioritizing educational equity and investing in comprehensive reforms, Kenya can fulfill its constitutional mandate and ensure that every child has the opportunity to receive a quality education, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status.

This level of reform does not seem attainable in the next 10-15 years, given the focus of the current administration is on achieving affordable housing and universal health care. This ultimately leaves the challenge of improving access to education in the hands of the private sector through local NGOs.

Our commitment at Oasis Mathare is rooted in the belief that every child in Kenya deserves access to quality education, in alignment with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development's imperative to "leave no one behind". To realize this vision, we developed TextSchool - an innovative mobile application designed to enhance educational opportunities for the most marginalized children across Kenya.

TextSchool leverages USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) and SMS (Short Message Service) technologies to provide easily accessible learning materials to students with limited internet and hardware accessibility. This approach ensures that educational content is available to anyone with a basic mobile phone capable of sending and receiving text messages.

Key features of TextSchool include:

1. Access to Learning Materials: Students can access a wide range of educational resources directly through SMS. This accessibility is particularly beneficial for children in underserved communities who may lack access to traditional internet-based learning platforms.

2. Content Management System: TextSchool incorporates a robust content management system that allows for seamless updates to educational content based on emerging needs and challenges. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, TextSchool facilitated community engagement through quizzes aimed at raising awareness about the virus and assessing the community's knowledge levels.

3. Specialized Content Delivery: TextSchool is not limited to standard curriculum materials. It also delivers specialized content, such as mental health resources (e.g., the Beck Depression Inventory), to address critical issues affecting the well-being of students and their communities.

The impact of TextSchool extends beyond conventional educational delivery methods. By leveraging mobile technology, we are bridging the digital divide and ensuring that even the most marginalized children have the tools they need to succeed academically and beyond.

Through initiatives like TextSchool, Oasis Mathare is actively contributing to the realization of inclusive and equitable education in Kenya. By embracing innovative solutions tailored to local needs and leveraging accessible technologies, we are empowering children to unlock their full potential and become active participants in shaping their futures.

Our ongoing commitment is to continue refining and expanding TextSchool to meet evolving educational challenges and to reach even more children who are currently underserved by traditional schooling systems. Together, we can build a future where every child in Kenya has the opportunity to receive a quality education, irrespective of their circumstances or background. Oasis Mathare is dedicated to making this vision a reality—one text message at a time.

The solution, TextSchool, is designed to serve and directly impact children and families in underserved communities in Kenya, particularly those facing barriers to quality education due to limited resources, infrastructure, and access to traditional learning tools. The target population includes:

1. Children in Underserved Areas:

   • Many children in informal settlements of Nairobi lack access to formal education due to factors such as poverty, remote geographical locations, and inadequate school facilities.
   • These children often attend low-cost private schools with limited resources and untrained teachers, leading to substandard educational experiences and poor learning outcomes.

2. Families and Parents:

   • Parents in these communities are often unable to afford quality education for their children and may lack awareness of alternative educational opportunities.
   • Engaging parents in their children's education can be challenging due to competing priorities and limited access to information.

3. Teachers and Educators:

   • Teachers in schools in these locations may lack training, teaching materials, and professional support, impacting their ability to deliver quality education and support student learning effectively.

4. Community Leaders and Local Authorities:

   • Community leaders and local authorities play a vital role in advocating for educational improvements and fostering community engagement in educational initiatives.

The solution, TextSchool, aims to address the needs of this underserved population by providing accessible, mobile-based educational resources and tools that overcome traditional barriers to learning. TextSchool will impact their lives in the following ways:

1. Improved Access to Quality Education:

   • TextSchool will enable children in underserved areas to access educational content and resources via SMS, regardless of their location or access to internet connectivity.
   • This improved access to educational materials will enhance learning opportunities and support academic progress among students.

2. Enhanced Learning Outcomes:

   • By delivering tailored educational content aligned with the Kenyan curriculum, TextSchool will contribute to improved learning outcomes and academic performance among students.
   • Children will have the opportunity to develop essential skills and knowledge needed for future success.

3. Empowered Parents and Families:

   • TextSchool will engage parents and families by providing updates on their children's educational progress and offering resources for supporting learning at home.
   • This engagement will empower parents to take an active role in their children's education and advocate for educational improvements within their communities.

4. Support for Teachers and Educators:

   • TextSchool will complement teachers' efforts by providing supplemental resources and support materials to enhance classroom instruction and facilitate effective teaching practices.
   • Educators will benefit from improved access to educational content and professional development resources offered through TextSchool.

5. Community Engagement and Empowerment:

   • TextSchool will foster community engagement by promoting educational initiatives and empowering local leaders and authorities to advocate for sustainable improvements in education.
   • The solution will contribute to positive social change and empower communities to address educational disparities and challenges collectively.

Overall, TextSchool represents a transformative approach to addressing educational inequities and improving access to quality education for underserved populations in Kenya. By leveraging mobile technology and community partnerships, TextSchool aims to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children, families, educators, and communities, ultimately paving the way for brighter futures and sustainable development within these marginalized areas.

Oasis Mathare and our team are uniquely positioned to design and deliver TextSchool to the target population of underserved communities, particularly in Mathare, due to our deep roots and intimate relationship with the community. Here's why we believe we are the right people to lead this initiative:

Proximity and Community Engagement:
Oasis Mathare is based right in Mathare slums, providing us with firsthand experience and proximity to the challenges faced by residents, especially concerning access to quality education.
Our founder, Douglas Mwangi, was born and raised in Mathare and has a personal understanding of the barriers and struggles that community members encounter, particularly in accessing formal education.
We have established trust and credibility within the community through our longstanding presence and engagement, operating safe spaces for children, a community library, and entrepreneurship empowerment programs over the past seven years.

Community Representation and Participation:
Our team consists of individuals who are representative of and connected to the communities we serve. While some staff may have been recruited from outside Mathare to support organizational capacity, the core team members are deeply rooted in and reflective of the local context.
We prioritize community participation and input in the design and implementation of our initiatives, including TextSchool. Community members are actively involved in shaping program agenda, providing feedback, and contributing ideas to ensure that solutions are relevant, responsive, and culturally appropriate.

Founder's Vision and Personal Connection:
Douglas Mwangi's personal experience growing up in Mathare and facing challenges in accessing formal education inspired the founding of Oasis Mathare and the development of innovative programs like TextSchool.
His commitment to empowering slum children through alternative learning avenues, starting with a community library and expanding into digital education initiatives like TextSchool, coding, and robotics, reflects a deep-rooted passion and understanding of the community's needs.

Organizational Learning and Adaptation:
We continuously learn from and adapt to the feedback and ideas shared by community members to refine our programs and ensure they meet evolving needs.

Our team values inclusivity and collaboration, actively seeking input from diverse stakeholders to co-create solutions that resonate with the aspirations and priorities of the community.

The growth stage was selected because Oasis Mathare has already built and tested significant components of the TextSchool solution, particularly through the successful implementation and utilization of the USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) system. Here's what has been accomplished so far:

1. Establishment of USSD System:

   • Oasis Mathare has developed and deployed a functional USSD system as part of the TextSchool initiative. USSD technology allows users to access educational content and resources via text-based interactions on their mobile phones, making it accessible to individuals with limited internet connectivity or smartphones.

2. User Engagement and Adoption:

   • To date, TextSchool has served over 16,300 users, demonstrating significant engagement and uptake within the target communities.
   • The system has achieved a peak of approximately 350 users per day, indicating a high level of interest and utilization among beneficiaries.

3. Real-World Impact:

   • The utilization of the USSD system for TextSchool has translated into tangible educational benefits for users, including improved access to learning materials and resources.
   • Users are able to access educational content conveniently and affordably, overcoming traditional barriers to quality education in underserved areas.

4. Operational Validation:

   • The successful operation of the USSD system validates the feasibility and effectiveness of the TextSchool approach, demonstrating its potential to scale and reach a broader audience of beneficiaries in need of educational support.

5. Community Feedback and Support:

   • The positive reception and usage statistics of TextSchool reflect community acceptance and endorsement of the solution, highlighting its relevance and impact within the local context.
   • Feedback from users and stakeholders has informed ongoing improvements and enhancements to the TextSchool platform, ensuring it meets the evolving needs of its beneficiaries.

Oasis Mathare has made significant strides in building and testing the TextSchool solution, leveraging the USSD system to deliver educational services to thousands of users in underserved communities. The demonstrated user engagement, operational success, and real-world impact validate the growth stage of TextSchool, positioning it for further expansion, refinement, and impact amplification in collaboration with stakeholders and partners. The achievements to date underscore the potential of TextSchool to transform educational access and outcomes for marginalized populations, marking a crucial milestone in its journey toward sustainable growth and scalability.

Oasis Mathare's engagement with Solve is driven by our commitment to enhancing the impact and scalability of our TextSchool solution, particularly through the development and implementation of robust Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) frameworks, data collection tools, and impact reporting mechanisms. Here's how we envision Solve's support in addressing these critical areas:

1. Development of M&E Framework:

   • Solve can connect us with M&E experts and advisors who specialize in educational programs and technology interventions.
   • Through collaborative workshops and consultations, we aim to co-design a comprehensive M&E framework tailored to TextSchool's objectives, outcomes, and target population.
   • Solve's support will enable us to define clear indicators, set measurable goals, and establish data collection protocols aligned with best practices in impact assessment and program evaluation.

2. Design of Data Collection Tools:

   • Solve's network can provide access to technical resources and toolkits for developing user-friendly data collection tools suitable for TextSchool's SMS-based platform.
   • We will work with experts to design surveys, questionnaires, and feedback mechanisms that capture relevant data on user engagement, learning outcomes, and community impact.
   • Emphasis will be placed on ensuring data integrity, confidentiality, and inclusivity in data collection processes to reflect the diverse needs and experiences of our beneficiaries.

3. Implementation of Impact Reporting:

   • Solve's guidance will support us in translating M&E data into actionable insights and impact reports that demonstrate TextSchool's effectiveness and value proposition.
   • We will leverage Solve's expertise in storytelling and data visualization to create compelling impact narratives that resonate with stakeholders, donors, and partners.
   • By integrating impact reporting into our organizational practices, we aim to foster transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement within Oasis Mathare's operations.

4. Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing:

   • We will engage with Solve's community of practice to share lessons learned, exchange ideas, and collaborate on refining our approach to impact measurement and reporting.
   • By leveraging Solve's network, we can access ongoing support and mentorship to navigate challenges and optimize TextSchool's monitoring and evaluation processes.

Through collaborative efforts with Solve, we aim to build a data-driven culture that informs strategic decision-making, drives programmatic improvements, and maximizes the social and educational benefits of TextSchool for underserved communities in Kenya.

TextSchool stands out as an innovative solution to addressing educational challenges in underserved communities due to its unique approach and transformative impact on learning access and outcomes. Here's what makes TextSchool innovative and how it catalyzes broader positive impacts:

1. Use of USSD Technology:

   • TextSchool leverages USSD technology to deliver educational content via basic mobile phones, making learning accessible to individuals without internet connectivity or smartphones.
   • This approach represents a departure from traditional e-learning platforms, which often require internet access and advanced digital devices, thus reaching a broader demographic and bridging digital divides.

2. Accessibility and Inclusivity:

   • By using SMS-based interactions, TextSchool ensures inclusivity by reaching individuals in remote areas and underserved communities where access to formal education and digital technologies is limited.
   • The solution removes barriers to learning, empowering marginalized populations, including children, parents, and educators, to engage with educational content conveniently and affordably.

3. Tailored Educational Content:

   • TextSchool offers tailored educational modules aligned with the Kenyan curriculum, covering a range of subjects and topics relevant to learners' needs and interests.
   • The platform adapts to users' learning levels and preferences, promoting personalized learning pathways and addressing diverse educational backgrounds and learning styles.

The theory of change for TextSchool is based on a clear understanding of how our activities and outputs directly contribute to short-term and long-term outcomes for our target population in underserved communities.

Activities:

• Development of USSD-Based Platform: We have created a user-friendly USSD platform that allows individuals to access educational content via basic mobile phones.
• Curriculum Development: We have curated educational materials aligned with the Kenyan curriculum, covering key subjects and topics.

Outputs:

• Increased Access to Educational Content: Through TextSchool, users can easily access educational resources regardless of their location or access to internet connectivity.
• Engagement and Interaction: Users actively engage with educational content through quizzes, assessments, and interactive modules.

Short-term Outcomes:

• Improved Learning: Users benefit from enhanced access to educational materials, leading to increased knowledge retention and academic performance.
• Empowerment and Confidence: Learners feel empowered and more confident in their ability to engage with educational content and pursue learning opportunities.

Intermediate Outcomes:

• Educational Advancement: Students demonstrate improved learning outcomes, including higher test scores and academic achievements.
• Community Engagement: Parents and educators become more involved in supporting educational activities and advocating for improved educational resources.

Long-term Outcomes:

• Educational Equity: TextSchool contributes to reducing educational disparities by providing equal opportunities for learning to underserved populations.
• Empowerment and Transformation: Increased access to education fosters long-term empowerment, leading to improved socio-economic outcomes and community development.

We expect TextSchool to have a positive impact on the problem of educational inequality by addressing barriers to access and enhancing learning outcomes among underserved communities. This theory of change is supported by feedback from beneficiaries. As we continue to refine and expand TextSchool, we anticipate further validation of our theory of change through measurable improvements in educational access, engagement, and outcomes among our target population.

The impact goals for TextSchool are centered around transforming education in underserved areas of Kenya, with a focus on improving access, quality, and equity. Our long-term change goal is to contribute significantly to systemic improvements in educational outcomes and opportunities for marginalized populations. Specifically, our impact goals include:

1. Increased Educational Access:

   • Goal: Expand access to quality educational resources for underserved communities, reaching a larger number of learners who lack traditional access to formal education.
   • Indicator: Number of unique users engaging with TextSchool content over time, demonstrating growth in user base and reach.

2. Improved Learning Outcomes:

   • Goal: Enhance academic performance and knowledge retention among learners using TextSchool, leading to measurable improvements in test scores and educational achievements.
   • Indicator: Pre- and post-assessment scores of users to track learning progress and comprehension levels.

3. Empowerment and Engagement:

   • Goal: Empower individuals, including students, parents, and educators, to actively engage in educational activities and advocate for improved educational opportunities within their communities.
   • Indicator: User feedback and engagement metrics, including participation rates in quizzes, surveys, and interactive modules.

4. Equitable Educational Practices:

   • Goal: Contribute to reducing educational disparities by providing equal access to educational resources and opportunities regardless of socio-economic background or geographical location.
   • Indicator: Demographic data on user profiles to monitor representation across diverse communities and populations.

5. Community Impact and Transformation:

   • Goal: Foster positive socio-economic and community development outcomes through increased access to education, leading to long-term empowerment and transformation.
   • Indicator: Qualitative assessments and case studies highlighting stories of impact and community change attributed to TextSchool's interventions.

To measure progress towards these impact goals, we are in the process of instituting a robust Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) structure within Oasis Mathare. This includes:

• Implementing a formal M&E framework that aligns with our impact goals, defining key performance indicators (KPIs) and outcome measures.
• Collecting and analyzing user data, including usage metrics, engagement rates, and user feedback, to assess the effectiveness and reach of TextSchool.
• Conducting pre- and post-assessments to evaluate learning outcomes and academic improvements among users.
• Engaging with stakeholders and community members through surveys, focus groups, and interviews to gather qualitative insights and feedback on TextSchool's impact.

By implementing a comprehensive M&E structure and leveraging data-driven insights, we aim to continuously monitor our progress towards achieving our impact goals and optimize TextSchool's interventions to maximize positive outcomes for underserved communities in Kenya. This approach will enable us to demonstrate the transformational impact of TextSchool and inform strategic decisions to drive sustainable change in education.

The core technology that powers TextSchool, an innovative educational solution developed by Oasis Mathare, is the USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) platform riding on the existing Safaricom PLC telecom infrastructure. USSD technology enables users to access educational content and resources through simple text-based interactions on their mobile phones, without requiring internet connectivity or smartphones. This approach leverages the widespread availability of basic mobile phones in underserved communities, making educational materials accessible to those who may not have access to traditional digital technologies.

3 full time staff

For over 5 years

Oasis Mathare operates as a community-based organization with a focus on providing impactful services and programs to underserved populations, particularly in the area of education through initiatives like TextSchool. Currently, our business model is heavily reliant on donor funding and philanthropic support to sustain our operations and deliver programs effectively. Here's an overview of our current approach:

Key Customers and Beneficiaries:

• Students and Learners: Our primary beneficiaries are children and youth in underserved communities who lack access to quality education. We provide them with educational resources and opportunities through TextSchool.
• Parents and Families: We engage parents and families by empowering them to support their children's educational journey and advocate for improved educational resources in their communities.

Products and Services:

• TextSchool Educational Platform: Our flagship tech based offering is TextSchool, which delivers educational content and resources via SMS-based interactions. This platform provides access to curriculum-aligned materials, quizzes, and learning modules.
• Community Engagement Programs: We offer community-based initiatives such as safe spaces for children, library services, and entrepreneurship empowerment programs to foster holistic development.

Value Proposition:

• Education Access: We address the critical need for educational access and equity in underserved areas by leveraging technology to deliver learning opportunities to those without internet connectivity.
• Empowerment and Community Development: Our programs empower individuals and communities to take charge of their educational journeys and contribute to positive socio-economic change.

Revenue Generation:

• Currently, our revenue model relies on grants, donations, and funding from philanthropic organizations, government agencies, and corporate sponsors.
• We are exploring potential revenue streams such as fee-based services or partnerships with educational institutions to diversify our funding sources and enhance sustainability.

Long-Term Sustainability:

• Our goal is to strengthen organizational sustainability by developing strategic partnerships, enhancing fundraising efforts, and exploring income-generating activities that align with our mission and values.
• We aim to evolve our business model over time to achieve financial independence while maintaining our commitment to serving marginalized populations and driving positive impact.

While our current business model is donor-dependent, we are actively working towards building a more sustainable framework that aligns with our mission to empower underserved communities through education and community development initiatives like TextSchool. By fostering partnerships, exploring innovative funding strategies, and continuously adapting to the needs of our beneficiaries, we aim to achieve long-term impact and sustainability in our operations.

Oasis Mathare is committed to achieving financial sustainability to support our mission of empowering underserved communities through education and community development initiatives like TextSchool. Our plan for financial sustainability involves a combination of diversified revenue streams and strategic partnerships to cover operational expenses and program costs. Here's our approach and evidence of successful implementation:

Revenue Generation Strategies:

1. Grants and Donor Funding:

   • We continue to actively pursue grants and funding opportunities from philanthropic organizations, government agencies, and international development partners.
   • Evidence: Oasis Mathare has successfully secured grants from organizations like the Children's Rights and Violence Prevention Fund ($60,000), and Queen's Commonwealth Trust (GBP 20,000 per year, multi-year) to support specific programs and operational costs.

2. Partnerships and Collaborations:

   • We are forging strategic partnerships with educational institutions, corporate sponsors, and non-profit organizations to co-develop programs and secure funding.
   • Evidence: We have established partnerships with local schools, businesses, and NGOs to leverage resources, expertise, and funding for community projects.

3. Fee-based Services:

   • We are exploring the introduction of fee-based services such as training workshops, capacity-building programs, and consulting services to generate income.
   • Evidence: We have conducted pilot workshops and training sessions that received positive feedback and interest from participants.

4. Social Enterprise Initiatives:

   • We are exploring social enterprise models that align with our mission and generate revenue while creating social impact.
   • Evidence: We have launched pilot projects, such as community-based enterprises and product sales, to test feasibility and market demand.

Progress Towards Financial Sustainability:

• Oasis Mathare has diversified its funding base over the years, reducing dependency on any single donor or funding source.
• We have successfully implemented revenue-generating activities and secured partnerships that contribute to covering operational expenses and programmatic costs.
• Our financial sustainability plan includes long-term objectives to increase earned income through fee-based services and social enterprise initiatives while maintaining a commitment to our social mission.

Long-Term Financial Goals:

• Our goal is to achieve financial self-sufficiency by diversifying revenue streams and building sustainable income-generating activities.
• We aim to establish a balanced revenue model where grants, donations, earned income, and social enterprise ventures collectively cover our operational and programmatic expenses.

We're actively implementing a comprehensive financial sustainability plan that leverages a mix of traditional fundraising, innovative revenue models, and strategic partnerships. While we continue to refine and expand our approach, our progress toward financial sustainability is evidenced by successful grant acquisitions, partnership developments, and pilot initiatives that generate income while advancing our mission of community empowerment and education access. We are committed to transparency, accountability, and long-term impact as we strive towards financial independence and organizational resilience.