Why did you create this innovation?

Siyavula addresses the poor mathematics performance of secondary school students across Africa. OECD analysis has shown that improvements in Mathematics strongly correlate with economic growth. For African youth to thrive in the future world of work, they require access to effective and scalable interventions that will open the doors of opportunity to tertiary studies and in-demand careers.

How does your innovation work in practice?

Siyavula’s approach enables mastery-based learning through adaptive feedback and formative assessment over existing mobile infrastructure. This initiative provides access to pedagogically-sound content and instruction in class with practical STEM exercises. Siyavula’s world-class software for secondary school Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry optimises a student’s learning through practice using a bank of generative questions created by educational specialists. Siyavula’s machine-learning algorithm sequences questions appropriately, and incorporates the latest research into cognitive science and motivation. Students are incentivised to take ownership of their own learning, develop a portfolio of their STEM skills, and acquire digital learning skills while in secondary school. The platform enables students to generate a mastery certificate, and connect their portfolio to bursary, internship, learning and employment opportunities. The online practice is delivered via any internet-enabled device. Partnerships with Pan-African mobile networks allow students access without needing mobile data.

How has it been spreading?

Siyavula provides more than two million secondary school students in Africa access to the adaptive learning software and open online textbooks, to develop their Mathematics and Science skills, and improve school performance. Siyavula presents a curriculum-independent structure for self-study, with localised curricula for South Africa, Nigeria and Rwanda. At the moment, Siyavula is mapping the curriculum in Uganda and Ghana as part of their growth.

If I want to try it, what should I do?

Access the platform via www.siyavula.com. Register for free as either a learner or teacher. For full teacher functionality, contact mark@siyavula.com for verification. Curriculum alignment to any English-speaking country in Africa can be initiated via partnership with the Siyavula Foundation. For more information, contact alexandra@siyavulafoundation.org.