Imagine running your home like a small democracy, with a constitution, agreed-upon rules and a system for resolving disputes.

That is the idea behind Civilized University, an app being developed by Secunda resident Isaac Tau, who wants to help families create a more structured and peaceful home environment, reports the Ridge Times.

The 40-year-old father believes that treating a household like a small institution can help family members understand their responsibilities, settle disagreements and learn values that extend beyond the home.

Tau’s idea grew out of his own childhood experiences. Although his father was present during his formative years, his mother later took sole responsibility for running the household.

“My mother had a strong hand in the house, but when she died, there was no structure defining who was responsible for what,” said Tau.

The experience prompted him to consider how families could establish clear rules and responsibilities instead of relying on one person to maintain order.

He envisages every household becoming a learning environment where family members can develop into responsible citizens who contribute meaningfully to society.

Civiliszed University allows users to create what Tau describes as a mini-civilisation based on their family, with a constitution setting out how the household should function.

The app will provide a constitution template and guidelines for establishing a system of justice within the home. Once the rules have been agreed upon, family members sign a pledge to uphold the constitution.

“I aim to equip families with the knowledge and guidance to deal with everyday issues, such as a child acting out, a broken plate and much more, without anger or violence,” he explained.

Tau also applies the principles behind his idea in his own household.

Contract to develop the app

To develop the concept further, Tau entered the Build with Gemini XPRIZE, an international AI competition.

Although Civilized University was still being developed, he began receiving opportunities to present the concept to individuals and institutions in Cape Town, where he spent roughly two weeks.

Among those he approached was the 4th Industrial Revolution Incubator (4IRI).

The institution offered Tau a contract that would provide office space and equipment to help him develop Civilised University into a user-friendly app.

Tau is now preparing to cycle to Cape Town to promote Civilized University and a second project, Split Seconds. He cycles daily to prepare for the journey.

He credits his family and partner for helping him pursue his ideas.

“I would not have been able to pursue these ideas and projects without the support of my family and my partner, Portia Mokoena.

“Their support has been an important part of this journey, and I want the story to recognise that this has not been a journey I’ve undertaken alone.”

A second idea to get Secunda cycling

Split Seconds is a community project that Tau conceived in a light-bulb moment.

He noticed that some people in Secunda have bicycles they no longer use, while others would like to cycle but cannot afford or access a bicycle.

His idea is to create a platform that connects bicycle owners with people who want to rent their bicycles.

“The user pays the bicycle owner directly to rent the bicycle for a set number of laps around the duck pond area. I envision a kiosk where the bicycles can be dropped off and collected,” Tau explained.

Tau plans to set off for Cape Town on 2 November and has invited others to join him on the journey.

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