Digital directory helps connect teachers with learners in need of academic support

Sandton-based tech start-up Khula Africa Innovation Projects has launched a digital directory enabling local teachers to connect with learners in need of academic support.

The Smartpozi platform (smartpozi.com) enables teachers to promote their teaching services and boost their income by connecting with learners online, telephonically or through face-to-face sessions. Learners can also access lessons from the safety and comfort of their home (pozi).

Teachers advertise the subjects or languages they teach and days and times when they are available for lessons. Teachers’ contact details are only made available to registered learners and parents to protect their privacy. Once connected, learners pay teachers directly for lessons using whatever method is convenient for them.

Khula Africa Innovation Projects was founded by Siyabulela and Lungile Bomvu, both of whom hail from the Eastern Cape.

The start-up is dedicated to creating innovative projects to help accelerate the continent’s growth into the digital age.

Siyabulela said with the pandemic causing a massive disruption in the education landscape in South Africa, they identified a new way of educating by creating Smartpozi to ensure that learners received the support they needed to achieve their goals.

Siyabulela added that the project was inspired by the spirit of Ubuntu and her mother’s passion for education.

“My mother, Vatiswa Simelela, a retired single mother, was a teacher for over 30 years and always expressed the value of being educated to my sisters and me. Growing up, I also learned the essence of Ubuntu – the importance of giving back and lending a helping hand,” said Siyabulela.

She said her experience at Margaret McNamara Education Grants, a non-profit organisation affiliated with the World Bank Group, inspired the creation of the start-up and specifically Smartpozi. During her work for the NPO, Siyabulela was a member of the selection committee that reviewed and selected women from developing countries who would receive grants to further their education and benefit their communities. She also learnt how technology helped communities in many areas including education.

“With Smartpozi, we are working to see that every child, in every corner of South Africa, is able to access quality academic support. We want to break down barriers, get teachers sharing skills across communities and help every child fulfil their dreams.”

Details: www.smartpozi.com