Policies

Kolibri

Context and Issue

In many parts of the world, particularly in underserved and remote regions, access to quality education is severely limited due to unreliable, costly, or nonexistent internet connectivity. Traditional educational resources and platforms fail to reach these areas, leaving millions of learners and educators without essential tools for learning and teaching. Recognizing this critical gap, the Kolibri program was initiated to address these issues by creating an adaptable, offline-first learning platform capable of functioning on a wide range of low-cost and legacy devices. This initiative began with the development of a comprehensive product ecosystem designed to support formal, informal, and non-formal educational environments worldwide.

Solution

Kolibri is an innovative set of open solutions designed to support offline learning for the half of the world's population without reliable internet access. Central to Kolibri's solution is its versatile learning platform, which operates on various devices and operating systems, including Windows, Linux, macOS, and standalone Android apps, enabling broad, low-cost adoption by leveraging existing legacy hardware and low-cost devices. The platform supports self-paced learning with tools like a coach dashboard, exam creation, differentiated instruction assignments, and a recommendation tool based on learner progress. Content distribution involves three steps: downloading installers and updates in internet-accessible areas, sharing content peer-to-peer over local networks, and reaching remote communities via "sneakernet." The Kolibri Content Library offers over 80 educational collections of games, books, simulations, and assessments, which can be used as-is or customized to align with local curriculum standards through Kolibri Studio, a cloud-based tool that allows full control over organizing and tailoring educational materials. Supported by comprehensive training resources and a hardware grants program, Kolibri ensures effective implementation, addressing the critical need for quality education in underserved regions and significantly enhancing educational access and equity.

Impact 

Kolibri has significantly impacted global education by providing quality learning resources to over 200 countries and territories, reaching millions of learners and educators in underserved contexts. Notably, in Honduras, the nonprofit organization Shoulder to Shoulder reported substantial improvements in student test scores after adopting Kolibri. The platform supports over 173 languages and offers a diverse array of subjects, including STEM, public health, and life skills, making education more accessible and equitable for underserved communities. By leveraging low-cost and existing devices, Kolibri has enabled broad adoption and effective educational delivery, demonstrating its success in bridging the digital divide and enhancing educational opportunities in low-resource and disconnected environments.

Analysis

Despite its successes, Kolibri faces challenges such as ensuring consistent updates and content delivery in extremely remote areas, where even offline distribution methods like "sneakernet" are necessary. However, the program's design demonstrates strong potential for scalability, as it can adapt to various devices and local contexts. The inclusion of Kolibri Studio allows for tailored educational content, enhancing its relevance and effectiveness. While barriers remain, Kolibri's flexible and innovative approach suggests it can be scaled and replicated in other regions facing similar educational challenges.