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EDUCATION IN THE RURAL AREA

Every individual in Africa deserves access to educational resources that cater to their unique circumstances, regardless of their location, economic status, gender, or background. 

HOPEWHEELS

An untraditional learning experience for those in need.
Purpose
This project focuses on educational programs in remote and impoverished areas of Guinea. The goal is to provide opportunities for those eager to learn but lacking resources, and financial support, and facing obstacles in the real world.
Timeline
2023/11 —— 2024/03
Project Type
Social Impact Design
System Design
Service Design
Contribution
Individual Work
Tools
Arduino
Blender
Procreate

Why This is Important

Poverty: A Major Challenge to the African Rural Educational System Development and the Way Forward By Donatus Okeowhor1, Joel Ogechukwu Okoh, Anthony Baakel and Ogochukwu Judith Okolo.
Status Quo in Africa
In Africa, schools in impoverished regions face significant challenges due to limited resources, including inadequate funding, outdated technology, and poor infrastructure. This lack of resources perpetuates educational inequalities, preventing students in these areas from accessing quality learning opportunities. As a result, a cycle of low quality education continues, driven by factors such as inexperienced teachers, overcrowded classrooms, and a lack of specialized programs. This situation will further worsens the disparities between wealthy and disadvantaged communities.
Education is Critical
Education is critical because it is one of the most powerful tools for reducing poverty and inequality and lays the foundation for sustained economic growth. For Africans, access to quality education improves health, empowers women and equips individuals with the skills needed to participate in the global economy. Educated people can better manage health and nutritional needs, contributing to higher levels of social and economic development in their communities.
What Is Blocking Africa’s Educational Paths?
Poverty is a major barrier to education in Africa, especially in rural areas. The lack of resources, qualified teachers, and infrastructure are critical issues. This scarcity of resources compounds the challenges students face, often leading to high dropout rates and a cycle of poverty that can continue for generations.
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Technical Education
Urgent investment is needed in technical, vocational education and training to meet development needs effectively.
There is a critical shortage of qualified teachers, necessitating an additional 17 million by 2030 to achieve educational goals.
Teacher Shortage
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There are approximately 105 million children of primary and secondary school age who are out of school in Africa in 2019.
Access to Education
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Many children struggle to read or comprehend simple texts by age 10.
Learning Challenges
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Addressing disparities in education access is crucial, particularly for children from impoverished families.
Education Equity
Investing in education is crucial for harnessing Africa's youthful demographic for economic progress.
Young Population
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It is crucial to show them the great possibilities beyond their immediate environment and invite them to explore a world of opportunity and discovery.

How can we ensure young minds in Africa have access to education that's free, equitable, and within their reach?

Facts About Africa

MAMOU GUINEA

Barriers to Education
Direct costs Indirect costs
Local attitudes
Distance to school
Crisis and instability
Health and nutrition
Poor quality content
Poor quality processes
National legal framework
Poor quality environment  
Poor legal enforcement of education policies
Lack of national budgetary allocation to education
School isolation from the national education system

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When investigating education in Africa, I was drawn to Mamou, Guniea's high poverty rates and a youthful population with significant enrollment in primary education but low average years of schooling. Despite these challenges, there remains a strong inclination towards academic and vocational education. However, numerous barriers block their access to formal education. This is why it's important to provide comprehensive educational support designed to accommodate their specific needs. 
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9 yrs old

to school every day

She walks

13 miles

Zuri

9M girls aged 6 to 11 in Africa will never go to school, compared to 6 million boys.

1/5 of children age between 6 &11 are out of school.

25% of pre-primary teachers in sub-Saharan Africa are trained.

2% of households have a computer.

The dropout rate in South Africa is 40% before completing grade 12.

33% of households have electricity.

The mean years of education for the population aged 20 is 1.29

93% of households have a phone.

The major library known in Guinea is situated in the capital city of Conakry, which was established in 1958. Other small libraries are in local schools and communities, but are less common.
Low Literacy Rate
The literacy rate in Guinea as of 2021 was 45.33%​​.
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Solutions for Low literacy Rate
Audio and Visual Materials
Incorporate audiobooks, educational videos, and visual storytelling resources in the library.  These can be especially helpful for those who cannot read or are learning to read.
Literacy Programs
Offer literacy classes and workshops as part of the library services.  These could be tailored for different age groups and learning levels.

LIMITED LIBRARY RESOURCES

EXPERT VIEW

Fei Wang
He has lived in Guinea for over 10 years and supported a Guinea boy to attend school.
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Joseph Congo Wamulong
Students are afraid of teachers because teachers will extort money from students after school and punish them when they are not satisfied with them.
Rich families pay tutors for extra lessons, while poor children receive unequal education.
Teachers are unprofessional and irresponsible. Lectures are usually short, and classes are not taught seriously, so students will pay for extra tutor lessons to learn.

EXISTING PRODUCTS ANALYSIS

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Community Engagement
Accessibility
Sustainability
Interaction
Cost Effective
Educational Impact
Community Engagement
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Radio and TV-based education reaches students without internet or computer access, using local languages and addressing broader educational needs like health and well-being.
Radio&TV based Education
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This is a portable and secure box that holds 40 tablets filled with preloaded lessons and games. It's designed to enhance learning in low-income communities where resources are scarce.
BRCK Eduction’s Kio Kit
Literacy Bridges Talking Book
This audio device is designed for people with limited literacy. It provides easy access to educational content in any language on demand, making critical information and learning materials easily accessible in an audio format.
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The Mobile School
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The Mobile School provides education to street connected youth via mobile carts filled with educational materials and games, making learning accessible and fun.

How to deliver knowledge in Africa efficiently and cost-effectively?

Products need to adapt to various cultures and languages for relevance and effectiveness.
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Customizable Content
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Ensure accessibility and sustainability by providing affordable options that can accommodate various community sizes.
Scalability&Affordability
Adding games and quizzes makes learning more interactive and effective.
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Engaging Formats
Feedback Tools
Include assessment and feedback mechanisms to track progress and tailor teaching methods.
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Cost vs Quality
Using radio and TV for education is affordable but balancing this with quality is essential.
Technology's Cons
Technology faces challenges in maintenance, costs, and training needs.
Flexibility
Consider learning flexibility, allowing study at one's own pace and time.
Accessibility Challenges
Long distances to schools, poor infrastructure, and socio-economic issues.

Challenges

Theories

Vygotsky's Sociocultural Theory
Facilitate group learning sessions to encourage collaborative knowledge sharing.

Integrate local stories and cultural practices into learning materials
Gardner's Multiple Intelligences Theory
Provide resources that cater to different intelligences such as books, puzzles, maps, musical instruments, sports equipment, and nature kits.

Establish a sports corner with information on global sports events.
Constructivism Theory
Equip the library with interactive tools such as educational games, puzzles, and DIY science kits to promote hands-on learning.
Self-Determination Theory
Choose learning materials that align with learners' interests and cultural backgrounds. Implement a feedback system to acknowledge achievements and motivate learners.

CONCEPT

Education is no longer an unattainable dream; instead, it will come to you and provide you with nourishment.
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The "HopeWheels Library" combines the mobility of a vehicle with the functionality of a traditional library, creating a dynamic and versatile learning environment. 
It is a testament to innovation in education, offering a library that is not only a repository of books but also a hub for community learning and engagement. This concept ensures that education is accessible, engaging, and responsive to the needs of the community it serves.
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Financially Sustainable

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The vehicle stays in a station for 2 days until traveling to the next village.

Every village will have a fixed station that the library will stop and stay at. The station will be set up in the center of the town making it accessible for everyone to come.
Develop a system for managing books and materials, including checkouts, returns, and inventory.
Coordinate with local community leaders and schools for visit schedules.
Organize special events or educational programs to attract and engage users.
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Regularly collect feedback.
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How It Works

Community pays for everyone’s free access.
Community Membership
Personal Membership
Sell Educational Materials
Organizations, schools and publishers.
Individuals pays for their own membership.
Stationary, posters, or branded merchandise.
Donations from Worldwide
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HOPEWHEELS LIBRARY STATION

Bulletin Board
A community board for announcements and educational opportunities.
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Cultural Art
Invite local artists to decorate the library exterior with culturally relevant art.
Nature-Inspired Elements
Create a peaceful learning atmosphere with natural elements.
Outdoor Learning Enviorment
A shaded outdoor area with seating for classes or storytelling sessions. 
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Customizable Shelves
Adjustable bookshelves that can be secured during transit and easily accessed when stationary.
Foldable Furniture
Foldable desks and seating maximize space and flexibility for individual or group study.
Multi-Funcational Spaces
Designate versatile areas within the vehicle, such as a reading nook that can also be used for workshops.
Interactive Play Area
A corner with educational toys and materials that encourage exploration and hands-on learning.
Safety and Accessibility
Safe play area with soft, durable materials and age-appropriate design.
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Literacy Programs
Provide French and Susu lectures to enhance literacy.
Curriculum
  • A structured schedule with daily themes—literacy days for adults and story days for children.
Trained Educators
  • Collaborate with local teachers or trained volunteers.
Materials
  • Literacy workbooks, flashcards, and other learning materials.
Community Outreach
  • Announce sessions in advance through local community channels and station billboard.
Incentive Programs
  • Implement a reward system for consistent attendance or literacy milestones.
Accumulation of stickers can redeem different  rewards.
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Touch Points Design

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Audio Books
A preloaded offline devices offer education for non-literate and auditory learners.
Audio Book Section
  • Audio book section for both children and adults.
Curated Audio Books
  • A diverse collection of audio books in both local dialects and common languages.
Security Measures
  • Audio players are placed in lockable cases to prevent loss or theft.
Maintenance
  • Regularly update audiobook content and check equipments.
Listening Sessions
  • Create a cozy space for group audio book experiences.
Attractive Playbacks
  • External speaker system plays audio book excerpts to attract passersby.
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Interactive Books 
Interactive content can help children learn and develop critical thinking skills.
Experiment Kit Station
  • Set up safe and age-appropriate experiment kits with clear instructions.
Selection of Kits
  • Offer STEM kits covering various topics and age groups.
Showcase Event
  • Host interactive storytelling and science sessions to demonstrate resource usage.
Peer-to-Peer Learning
  • Encourage older kids to guide younger ones, fostering leadership & cooperation.
An engaging educational tool designed to teach children the importance of personal hygiene.
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Reading Achievement Stickers

The design of these two stickers draws inspiration from African culture, effectively capturing the essence of youth dynamics. They serve as a powerful incentive for fostering consistent reading habits and active participation in library activities. 
The accumulation of these stickers can be exchanged for tangible rewards such as nutritious snacks, educational materials, and athletic products.
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Luminous Feature
The sticker is made of a fluorescent material that emits a green glow in the dark, highlighting HopeWheels' features and illuminating pathways for enhanced visibility and safety.
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Audio Book Snippets
Visitors can enjoy listening to audio books in two separate areas. The first area features table that is designed for the height of adults, and the other one is for children. Both spaces provide a cozy atmosphere where listeners can fully immerse themselves in their chosen audio books.
Audio Book Section
Audio players are installed on a vehicle's exterior wall, playing a short snippet at different heights to grab the attention of passersby. The audio presents an exciting part of the story, ending on a cliffhanger or intriguing question, encouraging listeners to visit the HopeWheels Library.
Interactive Play Area
This is a designated area for children to learn, explore, and experiment. It is decorated with furniture that prioritizes children's safety and filled with age appropriate content and play kits. Children can enjoy their playful world in this corner.
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VEHICLE DESIGN

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AUDIO PLAYER PROCESS

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Record
Record audio book snippets in common languages and local dialect.
1
Download
Download pre-recorded audiobook snippets to the player.
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2
3
Read
Intrigued by the content of an audiobook, go to the library, find the corresponding book and read it.
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5
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Play
Audio player programmed to automatically plays audio when an approach is sensed.
4
Audience
Wait for library vistitor to discover the audiobook section.
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AUDIO PLAYER DEVICE

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Audio Player
Ultrasonic Sensor
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MP3
Mega Board
Channel Relay
Arduino
float checkdistance_2_3() {  
  digitalWrite(2, LOW);  
  delayMicroseconds(2);  
  digitalWrite(2, HIGH);  
  delayMicroseconds(10);  
  digitalWrite(2, LOW);  
  float distance = pulseIn(3, HIGH) / 58.00;    delay(10);  
  return distance;
}
  float checkdistance_4_5() {  
  digitalWrite(4, LOW);  
  delayMicroseconds(2);  
  digitalWrite(4, HIGH);
  delayMicroseconds(10);
  digitalWrite(4, LOW);  
  float distance = pulseIn(5, HIGH) / 58.00;    delay(10);  
return distance;
}
Checking distance
void setup() {  
  Serial.begin(9600);  
  pinMode(2, OUTPUT);  
  pinMode(3, INPUT);  
  pinMode(4, OUTPUT);  
  pinMode(5, INPUT);  
  pinMode(6, OUTPUT);  
  pinMode(7, INPUT);  
  pinMode(8, OUTPUT);  
  pinMode(9, INPUT);  
  pinMode(10, OUTPUT);  
  pinMode(11, INPUT);  
  pinMode(12, OUTPUT);  
  pinMode(13, INPUT);  
  pinMode(14, OUTPUT);  
  pinMode(15, INPUT);  
  pinMode(16, OUTPUT);  
  pinMode(17, INPUT);  
  pinMode(18, OUTPUT);  
  pinMode(19, OUTPUT);  
  pinMode(20, OUTPUT);  
  pinMode(21, OUTPUT);  
  pinMode(22, OUTPUT);  
  pinMode(23, OUTPUT);
if (checkdistance_2_3() < 20) {    
    if (b) {      
       digitalWrite(19, HIGH);      
       delay(1000);      
       digitalWrite(19, LOW);      
       b = false;
     }  
   } else {    
     if (!b) {      
        digitalWrite(19, HIGH);      
        delay(1000);      
        digitalWrite(19, LOW);      
        b = true;     }
if (checkdistance_4_5() < 20) {
    if (b2) {      
digitalWrite(21, HIGH);       delay(1000);      
digitalWrite(21, LOW);      
b2 = false;
    }
  } else {
    if (!b2) {
      digitalWrite(21, HIGH);       delay(1000);
      digitalWrite(21, LOW);               b2 = true;
When the detection distance is less than 20, turn on the relay to trigger mp3 playback. Determine whether it is triggered. If triggered, music is turned off.
Initialize the transmitting and receiving ports of the ultrasonic sensor.

Testing

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INTERACTIVE
PLAY KIT

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This booklet is designed to teach children the importance of personal hygiene.
Engaging Educational Tool
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The illustrated booklet comes with a unique filter lens that reveals hidden elements. As children flip through the pages, they see depictions of Aminata's daily life; however, when they view the same scenes through the lens, hidden germs and bacteria are unveiled.

This interactive feature not only enriches the reading experience with an element of surprise but also serves as an educational tool, helping children understand how germs spread and the importance of hygiene in preventing illness.
It includes germ simulation powder for hand washing demonstrations, a UV light to reveal 'germs', and materials to create homemade soap.

The kit also contains an illustrated booklet explaining the science behind basic hygiene practices like brushing teeth, washing hands, and bathing.
Interactive Booklet
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USER JOURNEY

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Advertise the arrival of the Hopewheels library through community announcements, local schools, word of mouth, social media, flyers, or posters.
Awareness
1
First Interation
The library arrives at a designated station in the user's village or nearby area.
2
Orientation
Library staff explains how the library works, and provide information about memberships, book borrowing policies, and other services.
3
Borrow Books
They check out books to take home, following the library's borrowing system. Or they can stay at the station and learn onsite.
5
Exploration
People browse books, read in the library, or participate in any ongoing workshop or event.
4
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Engagement
Participate in library organized workshops and community events.
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7
Return the borrowed materials at the next visit and write suggestions for improvement.
Feedback
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Continued Use
Library staff explains how the library works, and provide information about memberships, book borrowing policies, and other services.
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WHAT IS
HOPEWHEELS LIBRARY?

Unlike traditional libraries, the HopeWheels library travels to different locations, making it accessible to people in rural areas. It offers tailored content and services, saving the effort of searching. The library is flexible enough to change and adapt based on specific needs.

The HopeWheels library actively engages with the community through workshops, educational programs, and community events. This fosters a sense of ownership and participation among the people.
Untraditional library 
The HopeWheels library is a convenient store-like resource for people in the community to find and purchase educational materials they desire. It caters to everyone, whether they are students, young or old. Anyone with a desire to learn can find something that interests them here.
Knowledge fuel stop for everyone

The perfect art is in your mind...

© 2024 by Angie He

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