Gamifying the classroom: How Lena is turning Nigeria’s curriculum into immersive games
Tech • 3h ago
**The Revolution in Nigeria's Classrooms: How Lena is Making Learning Fun Again**
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, two young Nigerians, Danny Ombeh and Faruk Bilesanmi, embarked on a journey that would change the face of education in Nigeria. Their startup, Lena, is a testament to the power of innovation and the need to rethink the way we learn. By transforming the traditional curriculum into immersive games, Lena is making waves in the edtech sector and leaving a lasting impact on the lives of Nigerian children.
**From Freelance Projects to a Game-Changing Idea**
Ombeh and Bilesanmi's partnership began with freelance projects on Fiverr, where they honed their skills and tested their abilities. However, it was their shared desire to solve meaningful problems and a personal history of struggling with traditional learning methods that eventually led them to create Lena. Their mothers, both teachers, had witnessed firsthand the limitations of current educational tools, and this sparked a conversation that would change the course of their lives.
**A Game of Attention**
Lena's founders believe that attention is the most valuable currency in education. In a market flooded with video lessons and quiz apps, Lena stands out by being built as a game from the ground up. The platform is designed to engage children in a way that makes them forget they are studying. By harnessing the power of games, Lena is helping children master foundational subjects like maths, literacy, and science in a fun and interactive way.
**A Personal Mission**
For Ombeh, the creation of Lena is deeply personal. Growing up, he struggled to focus in traditional classroom settings, and this lack of foundational focus hampered his studies in aerospace engineering. He believes that Lena is built for children like his younger self, whose imaginations extend beyond the classroom and need a different entry point into learning.
**The Future of Learning in Nigeria**
Lena's innovative approach to education has the potential to revolutionize the way Nigerian children learn. By making learning fun and engaging, the platform is helping to bridge the gap between the curriculum and the child's natural curiosity. As the startup continues to grow and evolve, it's clear that Lena is paving the way for a brighter, more interactive future in Nigeria's classrooms.