Ubongo is a social enterprise that leverages the power of entertainment, the reach of mass media, and the insights of kid-centered design, to bring effective, localized learning to African families at low cost and massive scale. Ubongo entertains kids to learn and love learning: building brains, and building change. Over 17 million families in Africa learn with Ubongo monthly via TV, radio and mobile phones. Broadcasting for free on TV or radio in 11 African countries and 4 languages, Ubongo's vision is to equip Africa’s next generation with the educational foundation, critical skills, and positive mindsets to change their own lives and communities for the better.
Why We Invested
Access to quality education for millions of children in Africa is limited. School systems, even the most well-funded, are failing with unengaging and rigid teaching and families have little access to supplementary resources available outside of the formal school system. Ubongo seeks to transform learning for kids in Africa by bringing them a fun and interactive way to learn. Ubongo's cartoon ‘Ubongo kids’ and ‘Akili & Me’ teaches mathematics, English and science through local, animated stories and original songs to primary and pre-primary age children. The series is watched by millions of households in East Africa every week.
I can't wait to see how a generation of kids who grows up with Akili and Ubongo Kids, goes on to change their communities and our continent.
Nisha Ligon, Co-Founder and CEO, Ubongo