Two students of Texas Christian University, Happy Niyorurema and Mame Niang, have developed a technology that delivers educational content through ordinary voice calls, a breakthrough designed to tackle learning barriers caused by poor internet access and limited smartphone use across many parts of the world.
The innovation, which recently earned global recognition in Dubai, allows users to access an artificial intelligence-powered learning system using basic mobile phones, eliminating the need for internet connectivity or advanced devices.
Explaining the concept, Niyorurema noted that discussions around artificial intelligence often assume users are online, whereas about 2.9 billion people worldwide—mostly in developing regions—still lack internet access. He said the team built its own large language model and deployed it on telephony infrastructure rather than web platforms, enabling access through simple calls.
Niang added that the system is intentionally designed for simplicity, stressing that learners can connect using even the most basic phones. According to her, the pilot phase has already commenced in Rwanda, with expansion plans underway for Senegal, Zambia and other African markets.
The developers said the solution could significantly widen educational access in underserved communities by removing technological barriers that have long limited participation in digital learning.
