Team Yyeni is driving educational transformation in Namibia through innovative AI technology. Created for the 2023 Tech4Good Global Competition, their project aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). Yyeni’s approach reimagines the traditional role of teachers, turning them into coaches who guide students through personalized, one-on-one instruction tailored to each learner’s unique needs and pace.
The Yyeni Approach: A Vision for Personalized Learning
Since their Tech4Good win in January 2024, Vitalis and his team have worked diligently to advance Yyeni’s development. A key part of this journey has been an analytic study measuring AI’s impact on student performance. This study, launched in August after overcoming regulatory hurdles, involves 88 Grade 10 students—33 of whom receive personalized, AI-driven instruction through Yyeni across six subjects. Early results show that these students are demonstrating significant improvements in internal assessments, providing encouraging evidence for the project’s effectiveness.
Commercializing Yyeni: Building Momentum and Revenue
In addition to educational impact, Team Yyeni has started commercializing their platform, gaining nine paying subscribers and generating approximately $7,000 in revenue. Several students have transitioned to full-time homeschooling with Yyeni, using it to prepare for the rigorous Cambridge International Examination with notable progress.
Addressing Challenges and Introducing “We Learn Centers”
Despite Yyeni’s success, integrating the platform into traditional classrooms has been challenging, primarily due to the high costs of devices like iPads and MacBooks. In response, the team shifted their focus from individual classroom implementation to establishing “We Learn Centers.” These centers will serve both high-performing and struggling students, providing them with two years of AI-powered education designed to elevate their skills to a global standard. Partnerships with oil companies have funded two centers, with plans underway to open three more. The long-term goal is to expand AI-driven learning accessibility as technology costs decline.
The Inspiration Behind Yyeni
Vitalis joined the Tech4Good competition driven by a passion for global innovation and the potential for financial support to bring his vision to life. Marisha, another core team member, felt deeply motivated by her own experiences in Namibian schools. Observing high failure rates and a lack of personalized support, she was inspired to work toward a solution that addresses educational disparities in her country.
Insights for Future Tech4Good Participants
The Yyeni team’s journey offers valuable lessons for aspiring Tech4Good participants. Vitalis emphasizes the importance of approaching projects as sustainable tech startups, advising teams to focus on creating products that users love and are willing to pay for. He encourages rapid iteration based on user feedback and advises teams to be practical and goal-oriented.
Marisha highlights resilience as a key quality. Her advice to future participants: continuously refine your work and push forward, even when obstacles arise.
Shaping the Future of Education
Through their groundbreaking work, Team Yyeni is setting a new precedent for education in Namibia and beyond. Their journey demonstrates how AI can bridge educational gaps and foster a more equitable learning environment. As Yyeni expands and more We Learn Centers are established, the team is not only transforming education in Namibia but also inspiring future innovators to harness technology for social impact.
Trash Yyeni
Participation Year: 2023
Country: Namibia
Program: Tech4Good Program 2023
Contributors
Danton Kipkurui, Interviewer & Writer
My name is Danton Kipkurui. I’m a Global Ambassador for Huawei Seeds for the Future. I represent a blend of leadership, insatiable curiosity, and a heartfelt commitment to societal betterment. Previously, I played a pivotal role as an Executive Support Coordinator at Youth Opportunities Organization, where I orchestrated initiatives aimed at empowering underrepresented youth in STEM fields. Through events and content creation, I endeavor to ignite passion and inspire the next generation of STEM leaders. I completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical and Telecommunications at Moi University.
I combine technical prowess with a profound belief in the transformative power of technology for the greater societal good.
- LinkedIn: Danton Kipkurui
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