Dorcas Wepukhulu
Champions embrace ASb Apps in educational spaces
The ASb Reader and Story Maker Apps present a unique opportunity for children to positively interact with technology, fostering literacy development. To ensure effective utilisation of these Apps across various settings, Saide collaborates with tech platforms and suppliers of devices.
Following the Story Maker App’s recognition as the Winner of Winners at the 2021 Tech4Good Awards, Saide entered into a collaborative partnership with the Lenovo Foundation in 2022. Working closely with seven ASb Champions across Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, and Nigeria, each Champion, equipped with five Lenovo Tablets and a data stipend, supported both a library and a school in utilising the ASb Apps with children.
Expanding the initiative in 2023, Saide increased the number of Champions to 10, with one new champion from each of Ethiopia, Ghana, and South Sudan added to the team. Additionally, a Champion Coordinator for West Africa was contracted by Saide to strengthen the team. The original seven Champions received five more Lenovo Tablets to extend their reach to a second library and school. Meanwhile, each new Champion received five Lenovo Tablets and a stipend to collaborate with a library and a school, aided by ongoing support from ASb East and West Africa Coordinators.
Group reading, Taraba, Nigeria
The impact
Through the tireless efforts of these Champions, over 9,000 children (4,000 in 2022 and 5,000 in 2023) have actively engaged in diverse literacy activities. In 2023 alone, they engaged with 400+ local language storybooks. The feedback speaks volumes—children immersed in read-aloud session and retelling stories in their local languages, highlighting heightened interest in reading and creative expression. Their efforts have led to improved reading, identifying struggling readers, and enhancing storytelling abilities among children. In Ghana, the ASb Champion arranged reading clinics. Children were organised into groups of seven based on their reading fluency and ability and took turns reading stories to their peers. To switch things up a bit, and make them more fun for the children, the Champion asked the children to retell the story they had read, but changing the beginning, middle or ending of the story.
Feedback on ASb Apps reflects literacy enthusiasm
Feedback from children, teachers, librarians, and parents underscores the profound impact of the ASb Apps. Children expressed excitement in creating and sharing stories through the App, while educators praised its role in fostering creativity and storytelling skills. Parents and librarians noticed increased interest in reading and writing among young learners.
What children in Zomba, Malawi say?
I loved creating my own stories and drawing pictures for them!
I want to use the App more often to make even cooler stories!
What teachers and librarians say?
The Apps are great tools for fostering creativity and storytelling skills.
Some learners needed a bit more guidance initially, but they quickly got the hang of it.
The Story Maker App has engaged children in storytelling like never before.
We have seen increased interest in reading and writing among our young visitors.
What parents in Kenya say?
My child has been so excited about using the App to create stories at home.
It is a wonderful way for kids to channel their creativity in a digital age.
I appreciate the educational aspect of the App; it is both fun and informative.
Child-created stories: Nurturing Creativity
Children's imaginative stories, facilitated by the ASb Maker App, reflect their growing literacy skills and confidence. Beyond individual growth, community uptake has surged, with education partners investing in devices to empower more children in their literacy journeys. Initiatives like Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC's) donation of 30 tablets to Gwale Model Primary School in Nigeria and Olivine Academy's purchase of 50 tablets in Kenya testify to the Apps' profound impact on education.
Dr Also introduces Gwale teachers to the use of the new tablets
The following three covers are just a few examples of stories that children created and that have been published on the Maker App.
Nigeria
Kenya
Malawi
Future Endeavours
Looking ahead, Saide plans to evaluate the expanded use of ASb tools in libraries by Champions, aiming to design informal assessment tools to measure their effectiveness. The goal is for libraries and schools to recognise ASb’s pivotal role in fostering children’s agency in their literacy development.
The ASb initiative continues to empower children, educators, and communities, bridging the gap between technology and literacy development.
Olivine Acadamy - story reading on the Reader and creation on the Maker App