The EdTech Monday November Edition is happening this Monday evening with a topical discussion on “Establishing an E-learning Platform with Locally Relevant Content”
The show brought to you courtesy of the Mastercard Foundation, Rwanda ICT Chambers, will be aired live on ktradio (96.7FM), on KigaliToday Youtube Channel and Twitter-X Space from 6-7PM.
Rationale:
The Rwandan EdTech ecosystem has experienced significant growth over recent years,underpinned by a strong policy framework and public-private partnerships aimed at advancing digital learning.
However, a critical gap persists in providing e-learning platforms
that feature locally relevant content tailored to the cultural, linguistic, and contextual needs of Rwandan learners.
According to the EdTech Landscape in Rwanda report by Laterite andMastercard Foundation, only 25% of surveyed EdTech solutions were explicitly designed with content that reflects local realities. This lack of localization often results in disengagement among learners and reduces the efficacy of digital tools.
A focused investment in creating locally relevant e-learning content is essential to bridging this gap,ensuring the education system aligns with Rwanda’s development goals, such as those outlined in Vision 2050.
Moreover, the challenge of integrating local languages and culturally relevant materials into e-learning platforms remains a barrier to equitable access. Statistics reveal that 56% of Rwanda’s primary school population are more comfortable learning in Kinyarwanda, yet few digital platforms provide resources in this language.
Leveraging Rwanda’s growing community of EdTech innovators, as highlighted by the ICT Chamber, presents an opportunity to design platforms enriched with local content while promoting partnerships with curriculum developers and cultural experts.
Additionally, data from the 2023 Africa E-Learning Market report indicates that e-learning platforms incorporating localized content achieve up to 40% higher engagement rates compared to generic solutions, underscoring the value of context-driven learning tools.
Pupils use specialised e-learning gadgets
Therefore, sustainable scaling of locally relevant e-learning platforms requires addressing structural challenges, including limited internet connectivity and affordability.
While initiatives like the Smart Classroom Program have expanded digital infrastructure, only 38% of rural schools in Rwanda have reliable internet access, hampering equitable adoption.
Policymakers and EdTech stakeholders must prioritize affordable,offline-compatible solutions to broaden reach. For example, partnerships with
telecommunications companies to subsidize data costs or deploy zero-rated platforms could mitigate financial barriers.
Rwanda’s EdTech ecosystem, with its strategic alignment and strong policy backing, is well-positioned to pioneer innovative e-learning solutions that integrate locally relevant content, ultimately transforming the educational landscape and fostering sustainable development.
Considering this status quo, three (3) Panelists will lead the discussions to highlight key challenges in developing or integrating locally
relevant content into e-learning platforms, and how they can be addressed but also look into possible solutions and interventions to bridge the current above-mentioned gaps.
Soma Rwanda partners launch a literacy month in September calling for integrating local content in e-learning
The panelist will include: Angela Rugo, the Managing Director, Rwanda Education Quality Improvement Program (RwandaEQUIP), Vincent Nyirigira, Ag. Director of Digital Content & Instructional Development, Rwanda Basic Education Board (REB) and Niyonizeye Abdulrahman, the Co-founder & CEO, SmartClass Ltd.
Here are some other key questions that the panel will tackle and ignite dialogue among listeners across the country.
How can EdTech platforms balance global standards with local cultural and linguistic relevance when designing e-learning content, innovative approaches to integrate local languages, such as Kinyarwanda, into digital learning tools
How partnerships between EdTech innovators, policymakers, and educational
institutions help create and sustain locally relevant e-learning platforms, and the role of teachers and educators in curating or contributing to
localized content.
What role should the government and private sector play in financing the
development of locally relevant e-learning platforms and the current barriers to ensuring equitable access to locally relevant e-learning content for students.
