Frequently Asked Questions
Tech & Data
Who has the rights to the data?
What technology does Edulution use and how does data flow?
At each Edulution Learning Centre you will find:
A laptop - which which hosts the courses, content, assessment tests, coach tools and a database that captures and store learner activity.
A wifi router - that enables the tablets to connect to the laptop of the local network. The router is not connected to the internet and no connection is required for the session to take place.
Tablets for each learner (and coaches) - learners log in with their unique user id and are guided by the software and facilitated by the coach to engage with appropriate exercises and videos the Edulution foundational courses. When the learner is ready, they sit an assessment test.
Power solution (including solar when needed) - it is essential the centre has stable power in order for it operate. Robust and stable power solutions have been developed and well tested.
Edulution Technology Overview and Data Flow

Data Collection: At month end learning activity data is automatically extracted from the local database and sent to the Edulution Central Database. This is the only time the laptop needs to be connected to the internet and for less than 5 minutes.
Reporting and Analytics: learner activity data is then automatically summarised and analysed and made available in filterable dashboards to all relevant stakeholders (funders, quality assurance, coaches, headmasters etc)
Upgrades: At the same time the centre laptop is sending data at month end any low bandwidth upgrades to the laptops are automatically done. Bigger upgrades are done by sending a USB stick to the centre.
Managing and Supporting the Hardware: Edulution has developed a bespoke inventory management system which tracks, monitors and reports on all technology deployed in the field. Many of our centres are in hot, dusty and remote rural locations. Our hardware has to be tough and we need to be able to fix it when it goes wrong.
What if there is no internet connectivity?
Learning sessions take place offline. The centre laptop, through a wifi route, enables the tablets to connect to the laptop of the local network. The router is not connected to the internet.
How is learner data uploaded to the central database?
Our communication platform is able to disseminate information seamlessly and effectively between the centres, our hub and sponsors.
What analytics and reporting is available to funders and stakeholders?
Measurement, analysis and management are pre-requisites for effective scaling of the Edulution program. Edulution understands that all stakeholders need clear, effective and regular reporting.
Learner activity (attendance, topics covered, assessments) is uploaded monthly from the centres from which insightful dashboards are generated and made available to all relevant and authorised stakeholders, including funders, quality assurance, coaches etc.

The ‘filterable’ dashboards in the online portal provide:
- Comprehensive reporting for all stakeholders
- High-level summaries by centre and detailed activity per learner
- Analytical reports to monitor, evaluate and analyse activity and effectiveness
Courses
Can the content be updated or changed in the future?
Who has the rights / or who owns the content?
Can the programme work anywhere?
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More than 50% of our centres are operating in rural or peri-urban settings -
More than 25% of our centres operate at community schools -
More than 50% of our centres are powered by solar -
Edulution opened 3 centres at government schools in Mayukwayukwa Refugee Camp
What course content does Edulution use?
Our numeracy program uses Khan Academy Lite and other tablet apps. Learners engage with videos, practice exercises and play games to strengthen mental agility, learn digital and numeracy skills and build maths confidence. For our literacy program, Cambridge-accredited IXL provides the core content supported by assorted apps. Any preferred or locally developed content can be added to the existing courses.
How are the Edulution numeracy and literacy courses structured?
For both numeracy and literacy 'catch up' courses Edulution runs two programs:
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The Learner Journey program for Grade 4 to 6 learners
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The Grade 7 revision program for Grade 7 learners
Both programs run simultaneously in the centres but with two different methods of control and implementation for the different groups.

The Learner Journey
Learners use tablets to do their initial assessment test and start at the beginning regardless of their grade. Facilitated by the coach and guided by the software, the learner engages with appropriate interactive exercises and videos on their course, working at their own pace to achieve mastery before being assessed again. If they demonstrate mastery by getting more than 75% they then move on to the next course.
The combination of human facilitation enabled by technology is essential for learning effectiveness as technology alone cannot do it.
Learners engage with the programme for 3 to 4 hours a week in groups of 30 to 40 learners per session and are served by 2 coaches. The coaches, guided by ‘live’ analytical data dashboards, facilitate effective learning.
Coaching
Why don’t you train teachers to become Edulution Coaches?
What role will the teachers play in the long-term future of the program?
How can the program help upskill teachers?
Coaches are paid based on activity and performance and outcome-based metrics, why is different to how teachers are paid?
What does it take to be a Coach?
Edulution has a rigorous coach selection process. Prospective Coaches must have successfully passed Grade 12, but no tertiary qualifications are required. The young men and women who apply to Edulution are often shy, reserved individuals who believe they have nothing to offer. Edulution’s bespoke human development process focusses on nurturing selfbelief, accountability and proactiveness. The results of the training are remarkable.
Coaches are selected from the local communities where our rural and urban centres are located wherever possible. One coaching job is created for every 120 learners enrolled on Edulution’s programs. As coaches gain accreditation and a proven track record, they earn more money, manage and train new coaches and centres. Earnings are based on actual learner activity and progress – the data that is recorded real time is the basis for the coaches’ earnings.
Other
What has been learnt since starting in 2015?
The Edulution team has acquired a lot of experience and operational expertise and some key lessons have been learned;
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Evidence consistently validates the core idea – that learners learn better when actively engaged, self-paced, progressing towards mastery in a supported environment. -
Technology cannot solve problems alone; it must be enabled by skilled facilitators -
Change takes time, patience and humility as early adopters create the evidence base for a solution’s wider inclusion in the formal education system -
Solving the education crisis is possible, when partnerships form between education innovators, local community and government -
Edulution Learners appear to gain far more than improved numeracy and literacy results – they become confident and self-directed in many areas of life -
There is abundant potential for success in each and every individual encountered: from Learner, to Coach, to Partners.
What and why is Edulution a social enterprise?
“A social enterprise is a cause-driven business whose primary reason for being is to improve social objectives and serve the common good.”
Social enterprises bring a business-like approach to a sector that typically isn't business-like – not because profit is their purpose but because it is the way to sustain transformation. Social enterprises can provide income generation opportunities that meet the basic needs of people who live in poverty. Income earned is reinvested in their mission. Unlike NPOs or NGOs, successful social enterprises do not depend on philanthropy in the long term - they can sustain themselves. As a result, social enterprise models can be expanded or replicated to other communities to generate more impact.
At this stage in the evolution of the business, Edulution is reliant on donor funding and is loss making. The organisation has been set-up as a social enterprise, in line with the long-term vision to build a sustainable business that can transform learning in Africa – at a scale that has meaningful impact.