Kitso 2.0 : WhatsApp-Based Learning, Development & Support Platform for Teachers

Introduction

Supported by the Regional Teachers Initiative for Africa (RTIA) Facility, Kitso 2.0 is a WhatsApp-based learning and support platform designed to equip teachers with essential digital literacy, online safety, and professional development resources. Leveraging AI-driven personalised learning, interactive modules, and real-time feedback, Kitso 2.0 enables educators to build their digital competencies efficiently. By using a familiar, low-cost platform like WhatsApp, the solution ensures accessibility even in low-resource settings.

In South Africa, many teachers face challenges accessing professional development resources, digital literacy training, and pedagogical support. While digital tools have the potential to transform education, gaps in access, affordability, and training prevent many educators from effectively leveraging technology to enhance their teaching. There is a need for innovative, scalable solutions that provide teachers with easily accessible and locally relevant digital skills training.

The project aims to enhance teacher training and improve accessibility to digital resources through the development and launch of the Kitso 2.0 AI-powered learning platform. As part of this initiative, 200 000  teachers will receive training in digital literacy, online safety, and  innovative classroom practices. The project will be implemented in  partnership with the South African Department of Basic Education to  ensure that content aligns with national education standards. Teachers  will receive ongoing support through AI-enabled feedback, interactive  quizzes, and peer learning communities. Additionally, the platform will  ensure scalability by incorporating multilingual content and adaptive  learning pathways tailored to different educational needs.

Objectives

Overall Objective: To develop and implement the Kitso 2.0 bot as a WhatsApp-based learning and support tool with AI functionalities, in the service of teachers’ personalised training in digital literacy, online safety, and educational competencies.

Project activities

• Roll out the Kitso 2.0 Bot to a wider audience, targeting 200 000 teachers.
• Teacher Onboarding and Engagement Initiatives: Launch campaigns to onboard teachers and encourage engagement with the Kitso 2.0 Bot.
• A teaching AI assistant is developed and finetuned.
• Continuous Content and Feature Updates: Regularly update the Kitso 2.0 Bot with new content and features.

(Expected) results

• Successful implementation and scaling up of the Kitso 2.0 Bot.
• Increased teacher engagement and competency in digital literacy, online safety, usage of digital tools in the classroom and other competencies.
• Achieving a sustained adoption and usage of the Kitso 2.0 Bot.

Implementing Partners

Enabel, Digify Africa, South Africa Department of Basic Education