It all began with a conversation—a conversation with an organization specializing in AI solutions. We asked ourselves: how can PoP benefit from an AI platform tailored to our needs and those of the communities we serve? This question soon evolved into a more ambitious one: is it possible to add an ‘extra team member’ capable of answering questions about our work and providing responses faster than any human could?
If you have been following our work for a while, you know we have never shied away from trying new things. When I first joined PoP, I frequently heard the term “emergent strategy.” This meant that we were always willing to experiment with new approaches to see if they could thrive in our context. So, it wasn’t surprising when we decided to explore the potential of integrating generative AI into our work.
Using data from Ghana’s Education Curriculum and our extensive training materials, we set out to build a customized AI platform. This platform wasn’t just a tool; it was designed to be a virtual colleague—a resource that could understand and respond to the unique needs of our staff and partner schools. As the Programs Coordinator leading this initiative, I felt a deep sense of responsibility and excitement for what lay ahead.
The journey was not without its challenges. We piloted the platform and sought feedback from PoP staff who used it in real-world scenarios. Their insights were invaluable. It guided us in refining the platform’s capabilities—from generating responses for workshop content development to offering tailored support for our teacher support and WASH programs and helping teachers prepare for engaging lessons.
Frequent meetings with the technology team became our ritual, a space where ideas flowed freely, and solutions took shape. Each feedback session brought us closer to our goal: a robust AI platform capable of enhancing every facet of our educational support initiatives. We will continue to test the platform in different stages with a small number of teachers and our staff before its full deployment.
As we stand on the brink of deploying the version we have now, I am filled with anticipation for the impact this AI platform will have. It promises to save up to 10 hours per week for PoP staff by automating routine tasks and reducing costs by an estimated 15%. This will allow us to redirect resources where they matter most—the education of our students. This will enable us to serve a wider range of teachers and students more effectively.
Imagine a world where personalized learning paths cater to each student’s unique needs, where AI-powered resources empower teachers to deliver engaging and effective lessons. The platform is available via the web, WhatsApp, and USSD for those without internet access. We expect to have an offline version by next year. This platform is not just about efficiency; it’s about creating a more supportive environment where educators feel empowered, students thrive, and communities flourish.
I invite you to join us in celebrating innovation in education. Together, let us pioneer new horizons, bridge gaps, and ensure that every child, regardless of circumstance, receives a quality education
Courage Christson Tetteh is a Programs Coordinator for Pencils of Promise Ghana. With 12 years of experience in education, he holds an MPhil in Management Information Systems from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration and a Diploma in Education from the University of Education, Winneba. He enjoys teaching and leading innovation through community development initiatives.
