There is a big need for education content that is interesting, interactive and relevant to the learners hence the popularity of startups such as Ubongo kids from Tanzania. Ubongo kids is an interactive edu-cartoon that teaches math through fun animated and catchy songs.Founded in July 2013, Ubongo Kids creates fun, localized edutainment for learners in Africa using the simple technology that they have. The startup help learners understand concepts, rather than memorizing them and they use catchy songs and captivating imagery to make sure they never forget.The startup broadcasts in Kiswahili on TBC (Tanzania’s national TV station) and digital TV (Star Times) across East Africa however they are working on the English version which will be released towards the end of the year. Viewers can interact live via SMS while they watch, answering multiple choice questions about what they’ve just watched and receiving feedback from their favorite cartoon characters.
Since January 2015, the startup has had 1.4 million unique viewers with over 600,000 viewers every Saturday on TBC. The show is broadcasting in 4 other East African countries namely; Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda and Burundi.Ubongo Kids team receiving an award after winning PIVOT East 2014 in the Mobile Entertainment category
Last month, Ubongo was named among the two startups that won seed investment of USD $75K from Pearson. The startup was also a winner in PIVOT East 2014 in the mobile Entertainment category. PIVOT East is a regional startup competition and conference held annually since 2011.
The startups has attracted partnerships from organizations like; TBC1, NTV, Startimes, Tigo, Edume, BuniTv, YouTube Edu among others.Ubongo Kids is hoping to release their first digital book and DVD in 2015 and also add a radio series and an Android application. They are also building an interactive mLearning platform in partnership with Edume and also hoping to launch Ubongo Kids English this year.
For more information and update on Ubongo Kids, visit their website, like their page on facebook and follow them on twitter @UBONGOtz. You can also watch the episodes on their Youtube channel.
Ubongo is Africa's leading producer of kids' edutainment. As a non-profit social enterprise we create fun, localised and multi-platform educational content that helps kids learn, and leverage their learning to change their lives. We reach millions of families across Africa through accessible technologies like TV, radio and mobile phones.
