What is the name of your organization?
Côte d'Ivoire Drone Academy
What is the name of your solution?
SankofaSky: Learning to Soar
Provide a one-line summary or tagline for your solution.
Empowering (African) Ivory Coast youth through innovative drone technology, blending tradition with the future of education
In what city, town, or region is your solution team headquartered?
Grand-Bassam, Côte d'Ivoire
In what country is your solution team headquartered?
Cote d'Ivoire
What type of organization is your solution team?
For-profit, including B-Corp or similar models
Film your elevator pitch.
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What specific problem are you solving?
SankofaSky is addressing the challenge of limited access to quality, hands-on education and technological training in many African communities, particularly in rural areas. Across the continent, millions of youth lack the opportunity to engage with modern technologies such as drones, which are becoming essential tools in industries like agriculture, engineering, and environmental science. This technological gap leaves students unprepared for future job markets, limiting their potential and impeding Africa’s growth.
In Côte d'Ivoire, and much of West Africa, the education system faces challenges including outdated curricula, limited access to technology, and underdeveloped infrastructure, with only 1 in 3 students having access to digital learning tools. Globally, over 600 million youth are not achieving basic proficiency in reading and mathematics, according to UNESCO, with many lacking the exposure to STEM fields necessary for future success.
SankofaSky tackles this by providing innovative drone-based learning experiences, fostering digital literacy, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Our solution empowers students to engage with technology, bridging the gap between education and employment, and preparing them to lead in a rapidly changing global landscape
What is your solution?
SankofaSky is an innovative educational platform that uses drone technology to enhance learning in African classrooms. By integrating drones into the curriculum, we provide hands-on experiences that allow students to learn about modern technologies like drone operation, data collection, and analysis.
Our solution uses a combination of drones, sensors, and software to offer practical, real-world lessons in subjects such as engineering, environmental science, and geography. Students learn how to operate drones, analyze aerial imagery, and use drones for various applications like mapping, agriculture, and disaster management.
Through our easy-to-use platform, students and teachers can access guided lessons and tutorials, along with drone kits and equipment. The technology works in both urban and rural areas, making it scalable and adaptable to different environments. SankofaSky empowers students with digital skills, helping them become leaders in technology, while connecting them to their cultural heritage and local challenges.
In short, SankofaSky is more than just a drone training program—it’s a tool for innovation and a stepping stone toward a brighter future for Africa’s youth
Who does your solution serve, and in what ways will the solution impact their lives?
SankofaSky serves young students, particularly those in underserved rural and urban areas of Côte d'Ivoire and across Africa, who have limited access to modern educational tools and technologies. These students, often from low-income families or communities with underdeveloped infrastructure, are typically underserved in terms of exposure to hands-on learning experiences and cutting-edge technologies like drones.
Currently, many students are confined to traditional, theoretical education, with little access to practical learning that aligns with the demands of today’s job markets. Our solution addresses these needs by providing them with opportunities to learn drone operation, data collection, and problem-solving skills that are directly applicable to industries such as agriculture, engineering, and environmental science.
By engaging with SankofaSky, students will gain digital literacy and critical thinking skills that open doors to new career opportunities and innovative fields. The solution will empower them to not only participate in Africa's growing technological landscape but also drive social change by using drones to solve local challenges, such as resource mapping or agricultural optimization. This transformative education will impact their lives by giving them skills for the future, increasing their employability, and empowering them to contribute to their communities and beyond.
