Learning Without Barriers

Kaw Academy

Learning Without Barriers

Empowering underserved communities through accessible, Creole-based online education

Cap-Haitien, Haiti

HTI

Hybrid of for-profit and nonprofit

Haiti is in crisis. Gangs control 80% of the capital, 60% of young people are unemployed, and universities have shut down, leaving an entire generation without access to education or economic opportunity. Even when learning is available, most online courses are in English or French, require credit cards, and depend on stable internet—barriers that put them out of reach for most Haitians. Online education platforms like Coursera and Udemy report a 15% course completion rate globally, but in Haiti, it’s close to zero. The issue isn’t a lack of willingness to learn—it’s that existing models aren’t designed for those struggling with financial hardship, language barriers, and unreliable internet access. Meanwhile, the Haitian diaspora sends billions in remittances each year, yet most of it goes toward survival, not long-term solutions like education and job training.

Kaw Academy is a technology-driven e-learning platform designed to make education and job training accessible to Haitians and underserved communities. It eliminates traditional barriers to learning by offering courses in Creole, via WhatsApp, and offline, ensuring anyone can gain digital skills regardless of internet access, language proficiency, or financial limitations. Our platform leverages: - Creole-based instruction—removing language barriers for better comprehension. - WhatsApp integration delivering micro-learning lessons directly through a familiar messaging app. - Offline learning capability allowing students in remote areas to access courses without continuous internet. - AI-powered mentorship providing real-time support and guidance for learners. Learners can enroll in courses covering digital marketing, IT support, cybersecurity, and e-commerce—fields that align with remote job opportunities. The platform uses adaptive learning to personalize content, ensuring students progress at their own pace. Upon course completion, students build a portfolio, get certified, and can access freelance job opportunities through the platform. By integrating mobile-first, AI-driven, and offline-compatible technologies, Kaw Academy transforms how education reaches marginalized communities, bridging the gap between learning and earning in a scalable and sustainable way

Kaw Academy serves Haitians and underserved migrant communities who lack access to education and job opportunities due to language barriers, financial constraints, and limited internet access. Our primary focus is on: Haitian youth (18-35): With 60% unemployment, many young people have no access to traditional education due to school closures and economic instability. Haitians in rural areas: Limited or no internet access makes it nearly impossible for them to benefit from online learning platforms. Recent Haitian migrants: Over 500,000 Haitians who recently arrived in the U.S. under the humanitarian parole program struggle to integrate into the workforce due to a lack of marketable skills and English proficiency. Women and single mothers: Many lack access to traditional education and need flexible, job-focused learning options. Kaw Academy addresses these challenges by providing education in Creole, offering courses that work offline and through WhatsApp, and focusing on digital skills that lead to real employment. By equipping learners with job-ready skills in fields like digital marketing, IT, and cybersecurity, and connecting them with freelance opportunities, we empower them to gain economic independence and break the cycle of poverty.