FoondaMate, or “study buddy” in Zulu, has become a vital resource for middle and high school students in emerging markets, providing educational support through Meta Llama.
With over 3 million users, FoondaMate offers AI-enabled assistance via WhatsApp and Messenger, aiding students with their studies, especially in environments where individualized attention is scarce, and resources are limited.
FoondaMate offers a bot designed for student support
In classrooms with large student populations and limited resources, FoondaMate fills a crucial gap. Students turn to FoondaMate to clarify concepts, improve English skills, access study materials, and prepare for exams. Founded by Dacod Magagula and Tao Boyle, FoondaMate leverages Meta Llama 2 and now Meta Llama 3 to enhance conversation flow and tone, adapting responses to different levels of comprehension and incorporating local language, slang, and emojis.
Magagula’s own experience inspired FoondaMate’s creation, having navigated through under-resourced schools where textbooks were scarce. Now, students can add FoondaMate as a friend on messaging platforms to access educational support anytime, anywhere.
Insights and impact
Since its launch in 2020, FoondaMate has gathered valuable insights into how students in emerging markets learn and engage. Its largest user bases are in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Nigeria, with over 100 million questions asked to date. According to Boyle, FoondaMate has contributed to a significant uplift in students’ grades, with a 30% increase in university eligibility among users in South Africa.
FoondaMate’s affordability and ease of use make it accessible to students who might otherwise struggle to afford study tools. Llama’s open-source nature allows for tone training and deployment at scale, aligning perfectly with FoondaMate’s mission of equal access to education.
Natural conversations for effective learning
FoondaMate focuses on delivering educational content in a conversational and engaging manner, mimicking the texting style of teenagers. This approach resonates well in regions where multiple languages are spoken, and slang and emojis are commonly used. By incorporating Meta Llama, FoondaMate ensures that interactions feel natural and relatable to its young users.
Trust and safety
Integrating Llama into FoondaMate was a gradual process, with a focus on maintaining trust and safety in interactions. Starting with non-educational conversations, the team gradually expanded Llama’s use, ensuring it aligns with educational contexts while infusing personality into conversations. The team appreciates the trust and safety mechanisms provided by the Llama community.
Excitement for learning
For many students, FoondaMate represents their first interaction with technology tailored specifically for their needs. Most users lack access to computers at home or school, making FoondaMate their introduction to educational technology beyond social media. The team’s goal is to make interactions with FoondaMate feel like chatting with a knowledgeable friend, sparking excitement about technology and learning.
FoondaMate’s success lies in its ability to engage students and make learning accessible, regardless of their circumstances. As students increasingly interact with technology like FoondaMate, the potential for equal access to quality education continues to grow, bringing Magagula and Boyle’s vision closer to reality.
Featured image credit: FoondaMate
