About us.

Who we are

“We Empower Students and Teachers to Thrive, Creating Lasting, Positive Change in Education.”

Founded in 2013, Shule Direct began as a vision to provide every learner with the opportunity to access quality education. Recognizing the challenges of limited resources, we harnessed the power of technology to create a platform that makes education affordable, accessible, and impactful for million.

DONATE NOW TO SUPPORT OUR WORK

OUR VISION

To provide children and youth with skills, competencies and values to be lifelong learners and to thrive in the digital economy of the future.

OUR MISSION

To improve holistic learning outcomes for children and youth in Africa through the integration of relevant, contextual and engaging digital technology in education.

Core Value.

Integrity
Our view of integrity is assumption of integrity in its wholesomeness, where
there is a harmony between what we think, what we say and what we do based on equity, fairness and honesty
Creative
Fresh ideas, fresh thoughts and fresh execution embody how we seek to achieve our objectives. This is a free space to experiment with what has never been done before.
User-Centered Design
At the heart of Shule Direct, there is the user. Our programs, products and
services are developed with the user in mind. The User is King

Confidentiality
The nature of our operations expects the highest level of confidentiality to protect our intellectual property and that of our partners. When required by
law, or in matters of illegal concerns or upon permission by a partner, Shule Direct will disclose the proprietary information.
Collaborative
We have seen the best results when people from diverse experience and expertise work together. We will share and work with mutual parties to build
our capacity and achieve our objectives.
Innovative
Shule Direct deploys technical knowledge and skills to respond to the most of the society.

Founder’s Story

Founded in 2013, Shule Direct was born out of Faraja’s desire to make a meaningful impact on the education system in East Africa. The platform offers a range of resources, including digital textbooks, interactive quizzes, and video lessons, all tailored to the Tanzanian curriculum. It aims to provide high-quality, up-to-date educational content to students at no cost, using technology to overcome barriers like limited access to textbooks, teachers, and school infrastructure.

Through Shule Direct, Faraja has reached thousands of students across Tanzania and the broader East African region, enabling them to learn at their own pace and in their own time. Her commitment to digital education has led Shule Direct to become one of the leading platforms for online learning in the region.

Achievements and Recognition

Faraja Kotta Nyalandu’s leadership and innovation have not gone unnoticed. As the CEO and founder of Shule Direct, she has been recognized both locally and internationally for her contributions to education and her entrepreneurial spirit.

1. Awards and Recognition: Faraja has received numerous awards for her work with Shule Direct, including accolades from organizations that support women in tech, education, and entrepreneurship. Her achievements have solidified her reputation as a trailblazer in the African education sector.

2. Global Recognition: Her work with Shule Direct has earned her invitations to global forums on education, technology, and entrepreneurship, where she has shared her insights on leveraging technology for educational advancement in Africa.

3. Influence in the Tech and Education Sectors: As a recognized leader in both the technology and education sectors, Faraja is a sought-after speaker and advocate for digital education. She has worked closely with governments, non-profits, and other educational organizations to shape policies that promote the use of technology in education.

4. Empowering Women in Technology: Faraja is also an advocate for gender equality and women’s empowerment, particularly in the tech space. She has been a role model for many young women pursuing careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), showing that it’s possible to lead an innovative tech company while making a positive impact on society.

Read More
Show Less

Recognitions

Best Education Platform (2019)
Builders of Africa Future Award (2019)
System Innovator Award
Apps Africa Innovative Award
Certificate of Education Recognition (2018 & 2021)
CSO Excellency Award (2021)
Impact and Innovation Award (2019)
Hall of Fame – Education Website of the year (2016)

Board of Directors

Dr. Honorati Masanja

Germana Sondoka

Kheri Mbiro

Tahseen Shariff

Our Team

ALL


STRATEGY


OPERATIONS


CURRICULUM & CONTENT


M.E.A.L


FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION

Founder & Co-C.E.O
Faraja Kotta Nyalandu

Co-C.E.O
Iku Mwanjisi Lazaro

Chief Operational Officer
Patience Richard

M.E.A.L Manager
Charles Mwambene

Director Curriculum & Learning Content.
Berthasia Richard

Director of Technical Development
Rajabu Mgeni

M.E.A.L Manager
Charles Mwambene

Advocacy & Community Engagement
Janet Jackson

Founder & Co-C.E.O
Faraja Kotta Nyalandu

Co-C.E.O
Iku Mwanjisi Lazaro

Chief Operational Officer
Patience Richard

M.E.A.L Manager
Charles Mwambene

Director Curriculum & Learning Content.
Berthasia Richard

Director of Technical Development
Rajabu Mgeni

M.E.A.L Manager
Charles Mwambene

Advocacy & Community Engagement
Janet Jackson

Our History

2013

Shule Direct was founded as a social enterprise in response to major challenges in the Tanzanian education system.

 
2014

Launch of our Learning Management System (Elimika LMS) and API.

 
2015

Signed a contract with Tanzania Institute of Education (TIE) to formalize the content review process.

2016

1. Launch of Makini SMS and mobile app.
2. Launch of our first Mobile App (Android) for learning in secondary schools.
3. Launch of Makini SMS learning platform.

 
2017

Launch of our Mobile App (iOS) for learning in secondary schools.

2018

Co-founders of Shule Direct launched an innovation platform for social entrepreneurs, Ndoto Hub.

2019-2023

1. Shule Direct CEO appointed by World Economic Forum as a Young Global Leader.

2. Shule Direct Kids app launch and CEO recognition.

3. Shule Direct Kids app launched as mobile platform for primary school students.
4. The CEO appointed as official Tanzania Emerging Youth Awards (TEYA) 2022 judge.
5. The CEO elected as board member for the Global Campaign for Education .
6. The CEO elected as a board chairperson of TENMET.
7. 10 years ANNIVERSARY (2023)