In a recent interview conducted at the African Bank GEW Hackathon hosted at 22 On Sloane, Palesa Ntshanga, co-founder of Fundani, shared valuable insights into the innovative educational chatbot platform. The interview took place amidst the engaging atmosphere of the Kgalema Motlanthe Foundation’s initiative to expose students from Jules High School and Fort Hare High School to the world of technology through the hackathon.
Fundani’s Mission: Bridging Educational Gaps
Fundani, an educational chatbot designed for high school learners, aims to enhance understanding of challenging concepts and provide easy access to question papers. The platform is a valuable resource for students seeking assistance with their studies and exam preparation.
A User-Friendly Experience
Ntshanga explained the user experience, detailing how students can interact with Fundani via WhatsApp. By initiating a conversation and expressing a need for question papers, learners can access a curated list of papers, ensuring a streamlined and user-friendly process. The interview also touched upon the challenges of manually sorting question papers to avoid errors and ensure accuracy in the educational materials provided.
Integration of AI and OpenAI Collaboration
Fundani’s integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and collaboration with OpenAI were key highlights. The chatbot has been endowed with a unique personality, mirroring that of a teacher. Ntshanga emphasized the importance of demystifying AI for the older generation, highlighting its role in enhancing convenience and simplifying daily tasks.
Current Focus and Future Plans
Fundani is currently tailored for matriculants, with plans to expand its scope to other grades pending sponsorship. The interview shed light on the financial challenges faced by the team and their search for sponsors to support the ongoing operations of the chatbot. Ideally, Fundani envisions partnerships with organizations, including the Department of Education, to ensure widespread accessibility without burdening learners financially.
The Hackathon Experience and Future Prospects
Ntshanga reflected on Fundani’s journey since participating in the hackathon, noting that the recognition and opportunities received have been instrumental. The interview revealed that Fundani has garnered interest from potential partners and collaborators who recognize the platform’s potential to revolutionize educational support.
Connecting with Fundani
For those interested in utilizing Fundani’s services, Ntshanga provided details on how to connect with the chatbot. Users can visit the Fundani website (fundani.co.za) or contact the chatbot directly via WhatsApp at 076 095 1795.
Conclusion
Fundani’s commitment to addressing educational challenges through innovative solutions was evident throughout the interview. Palesa Ntshanga’s passion for leveraging technology to empower learners showcased the potential impact of Fundani in shaping the future of education. As the platform continues to evolve and expand, its founders remain dedicated to providing accessible and high-quality educational resources for students across South Africa.
