Luma Learn Foundation

In many parts of Africa, access to quality education remains an enduring challenge, constrained by overcrowded classrooms, a lack of resources, and a significant digital divide. Yet in the midst of these challenges, Luma is pioneering a new model, one that doesn’t ask learners to change their circumstances, but instead meets them exactly where they are. Luma is a mobile learning platform that delivers personalised educational support in 11 official languages via WhatsApp, transforming the most familiar app on the continent into a powerful tool for education.

At its core, Luma is designed around the daily realities of African learners. There’s no need for expensive devices or high-speed internet, students simply message Luma as they would a friend. In return, they gain access to textbooks, past exam papers, and one-on-one AI-powered tutoring 24/7, all in their home language. This seamless integration into everyday life ensures that learning is not a separate, structured activity limited to schools or institutions, but a continuous, accessible process embedded in daily routines.

What makes Luma so effective is its simplicity. There’s no app to download, no logins to remember, no new interface to learn. Learners use a platform they already trust, in a language they understand, on a device they already own. For students without smartphones, Luma’s nonprofit arm helps close the gap through phone drives, ensuring that no child is left behind. These efforts are part of a broader hybrid model that blends social impact with sustainability. While the core platform scales through technology, the nonprofit entity enables corporations and individual sponsors to support entire schools for a year, bringing learning to those who need it most.

Thousands of learners across South Africa are already using Luma to reinforce classroom lessons, prepare for exams, and build confidence in subjects that once felt out of reach. Whether it’s a student catching up after missing class, or needing help with a tricky concept, Luma offers a level of personalised support that few traditional systems can match. It’s not just about better grades, it’s about restoring a sense of possibility.

Luma is built for everyone involved in a child’s learning journey; parents, teachers, and learners alike. For parents, it’s a chance to help their children with homework or studying. For teachers, it’s a much-needed support system in the face of crowded classrooms and limited time. With Luma, educators have a teaching assistant in their pocket, ready to help reinforce lessons, answer questions, and guide learners through challenging material. As Luma continues to grow, our goal remains simple: to ensure that every child has the tools and the support they need to thrive. No matter where they live or how much they have.