Tai Academy

Tai

Tai Academy

Tai Academy is a free digital learning platform leveraging the storytelling to equip underserved youth with 21st-century skills.

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

TZA

Nonprofit

Tanzania, home to over 63 million people, faces a critical education crisis. Over 40% of students drop out before completing secondary school, with rural areas experiencing the highest rates (UNESCO, 2021). The student-teacher ratio stands at 1:131, and some classrooms exceed 400 students per teacher (BEST, 2021). Only 30% of students have access to individual textbooks (HakiElimu, 2022), and 50% of students in rural areas lack digital learning tools (UNICEF, 2021). Beyond academic limitations, many youth lack 21st-century skills such as digital literacy, problem-solving, and critical thinking, leaving them unprepared for employment. The digital divide increases inequality, disproportionately affecting youth with disabilities, girls, and marginalized communities. Limited access to technology and localized digital learning content further restricts opportunities for personalized learning. Economic and social factors contribute to high dropout rates and poor learning outcomes, particularly for girls and students with disabilities, who face cultural barriers and financial constraints. Without intervention, millions of young people risk being left behind, lacking the education and skills necessary to secure meaningful employment and contribute to Tanzania’s economy.

Tai Academy is a free, online with offline features digital learning platform that makes education accessible, engaging, and inclusive for underserved youth in Tanzania. It provides curriculum-aligned lessons and interactive storytelling-based content, and gamified learning experiences to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. The platform works on mobile devices, computers, ensuring access even in low-connectivity areas. It integrates multimedia tools such as 3D animations, interactive comics, quizzes, and digital storytelling to simplify complex topics. Tai Academy is designed to be accessible to youth with disabilities, incorporating features like text-to-speech, adjustable font sizes, and text to speech to support diverse learning needs. The solution aligns with Tanzania’s National Digital Skills Strategy and aims to be implemented in public schools, community centers, and youth hubs, equipping students with 21st-century skills such as digital literacy, critical thinking, and problem-solving. By bridging the digital divide, Tai Academy empowers youth with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to succeed in school, work, and life.

Tai Academy serves underserved youth aged 10-24, including secondary school students, out-of-school youth, and youth with disabilities in Tanzania. With 8.7 million secondary school students, at least 4.35 million lack access to digital learning tools (UNICEF, 2021). Additionally, over 40% of students drop out before completing secondary school, leaving 8 million youth without the skills needed for employment (UNESCO, 2021). Youth with disabilities face even greater barriers, with less than 5% accessing education (Human Rights Watch, 2020). Financial constraints, cultural norms, and a lack of inclusive learning tools further limit their opportunities. Tai Academy bridges these gaps by offering a free platform with interactive storytelling and accessibility features and offline functionality. By equipping youth with 21st-century skills, including digital literacy, critical thinking, and problem-solving, Tai Academy expands educational access, improves learning outcomes, and increases career readiness. This holistic approach ensures that underserved youth gain the knowledge, confidence, and opportunities needed to thrive in school, work, and life. The platform is currently on its pilot stage, tested by over 300 youth, ensuring feedback from youth is considered and utilised to improve the functionality and features of the platform.