California’s Silicon Valley is known as the birthplace of big tech companies like Facebook, Google and Twitter.  

It’s also the home of Alaina Srivastav, a high school junior who wants to change the lives of students around the globe with a free online learning platform she designed. 

“I’ve always loved working with kids,” she said, noting that she’s been tutoring young students since she began ninth grade. 

Alaina has also always loved reading and writing, and she learned to code at a young age. When COVID-19 hit and began affecting schools worldwide, especially in places without easy access to technology and reliable internet, Alaina realized she had the skills to create a platform where students could still learn and remain socially distanced.  

Now, Alaina has built an online schooling program that is straightforward and intuitive. It works on both desktop computers and mobile devices, but ideally students will use some type of tablet to access their curriculum. Alaina can also tailor the platform to fit the needs of schools and students based on age and education level.

Once her platform was designed, Alaina set out to connect with nonprofits who might be able to benefit from the tool. One of those organizations was Africa Hope Fund. 

“The schools in Zambia need more resources than ever right now, and a program like this could make a big difference in their education,” said Carol Van Bruggen, CEO of Africa Hope Fund. 

Carol also introduced Alaina to Ian Macallan, CEO of Project Luangwa, which supports about 15 schools in the South Luangwa Valley of Zambia. Ian is hopeful about the new tool, and said the demo shows how user-friendly the platform is with the ability to pre-load curriculum for each grade and subject. That piece will be important because consistent internet access and mobile data is challenging in the South Luangwa Valley.

“I think it’s got a lot of potential if we can get the funding to get it off the ground,” Ian said. He expects a supply of 100 tablets would get the platform up-and-running in the local schools, with room for expansion.

Project Luangwa has already piloted an online platform for mathematics curriculum at some of its schools, according to Ian, and Alaina’s program offers a broader scope to expand that offering. 

Donations will be key to make this project possible. In addition to the funds needed for tablets, there is also a need for tech support to load the tablets with the material and a need for staffing to oversee the roll-out for students. 

“The potential impact this could have is really big,” Ian said. 

Alaina recognizes the power of knowledge and technology that she and her fellow students in the Silicon Valley have. 

“We have always been surrounded by technology. We’re known to be radical with our ideas and opinions. We wouldn’t have those ideas without good education,” she said.