PalmPay, a leading fintech company in Nigeria, is actively working to bridge the financial literacy gap in the country [257a80ac]. The company has an extensive network of Mobile Money Agents who are trained to educate marginalized communities and provide access to financial services. These agents serve as an onramp to the financial system, exposing people to financial products and facilitating transactions for 13 million Nigerians monthly. PalmPay also offers personalized assistance in English and local languages to bridge the digital divide. The company is actively seeking partnerships to further promote financial literacy and aims to leverage its platform and resources to amplify the impact of financial education. The MoonShot by TechCabal conference recently brought together thought leaders in African tech to discuss opportunities in the continent's digital economy [257a80ac].
PalmPay, an African-focused fintech company, highlights the importance of building customer trust in the FinTech industry in Africa [942458e1]. Chika Nwosu, Managing Director of PalmPay Nigeria, emphasizes the need for transparency in digital payment platforms and offers recommendations to build customer trust, including investing in customer care training, providing 24-hour customer service, protecting customer data, and promoting financial literacy. Nwosu also addresses data privacy concerns and emphasizes the need for financial service providers to enhance customer care skills. The 2024 RegTech Africa conference focused on bridging the data trust gap for last-mile access to digital financial services in Africa [942458e1].
Power Learn Project (PLP) has released its 'Decoding the Future of Tech in Africa: 1 Million Developers for Africa Impact Report 2022-2023' in Nigeria [59aaa156]. The report aims to showcase the transformative journey of each learner and solidify PLP's position as the top EdTech in Africa. The launch event was attended by representatives from tech companies, government, banks, and foundations. PLP's Country Lead in Nigeria highlighted the importance of meeting the demand for digital skills and creating opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship in the digital economy. The graduation ceremony for over 5000 learners across 5 countries in Africa is scheduled for December 1, 2023 in Nairobi, Kenya [59aaa156].
In a remarkable achievement, two Nigerian missionary schools, Welkin International Schools and Baptist Mission School, have emerged as the first and second-best secondary schools in the 2024 World Mathematics Tournament (WMT) [aafc6b0b]. The competition, organized virtually by the Mathematics for Life Foundation, saw the participation of 590 secondary schools from 33 countries. This year's edition is the fourth edition of the tournament. The success of Welkin International Schools and Baptist Mission School in the tournament highlights the excellence of Nigerian students in mathematics and STEM fields. The students' achievement is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and the quality of education provided by these schools. The Vice Chairman of the Parents/Teachers Association (PTA) of Benin Mission School commended the award-winning students and called for more investment in the education sector, recognizing the importance of nurturing and supporting young talents in Nigeria [aafc6b0b].
A South African mathematics teacher gained online popularity with a viral video of her unique lesson [0e80088c]. The video of the teacher conducting a math lesson using innovative techniques has gathered many views, along with thousands of likes and comments on TikTok. The teacher showcased her block methods step by step, explaining her innovative approach to multiplication. While some viewers praised the teacher's creativity and expressed their intention to use her strategy with their own students, others found the method too complicated for young learners. The video sparked conversations about the role of innovation in education and the importance of tailoring teaching methods to meet the diverse needs of students. Overall, the video received mixed reactions from viewers, highlighting the ongoing discussions surrounding the evolving landscape of education in South Africa and beyond [0e80088c].
Omar Kilani, a 12-year-old pupil at Dubai British School Jumeirah Park, is set to become the youngest person to complete his A-level maths exam [b196aa3c]. Kilani previously achieved an A* in GCSE maths exams in 2022. He achieved a perfect score of 100 in an A-Level maths module ahead of the final exam. Kilani plans to sit his triple-science GCSE exam by the end of the next academic year and pursue university-level courses in subjects including maths, physics, and aerospace engineering in the UK. He enjoys challenging himself and wants to enter a prestigious university. Kilani's passion for maths started at a young age, and he received extra exercises and challenges from his teacher. With the help of a university student in the UK and a teacher at his school, Kilani completed the syllabus within six weeks and sat the exam in January. He plans to study something related to statistics in the future and is also passionate about physics, chemistry, and biology. Kilani's mother, Rula Atallah, initially helped him prepare for his A-Level exams but found it difficult. Kilani's achievement has been praised by the principal of his school, who called him a talented mathematician and a superstar.
On February 22, over 150 Police Athletic League (PAL) participants from PAL Centers throughout the City, including the Edward Byrne Center, competed in a fun-filled day of games and laughter at PAL’s annual Tournament of Champions event held at PAL’s Edward Byrne Center in South Jamaica [e702cf03]. The city-wide, all-STEAM event was comprised of 11 competition rounds, with participants competing in various challenges, ranging from math puzzles, engineering creativity, and engaging in critical teamwork. Youngsters from the Edward Byrne Center celebrated their first-place win at the tournament. PAL participants in grades 5th through 8th worked within age groups and earned medals and ribbons in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) Challenges including: Ping Pong Catapult – using two plastic cups, cardboard, and rubber bands to build a ball launch; Egg Drop Challenge – engineer, design and build a lander that protects a raw egg that’s dropped from a height; and Brain Teasing Math Problems – exercise brain power by working together to solve fun and challenging math puzzles. The Tournament of Champions is an annual PAL event, fostering better understanding and relationships by bringing together young people of different ethnic and cultural backgrounds. PAL encourages youngsters to develop athletic and educational skills, and the sportsmanship qualities of discipline, fair play, and healthy competition. Founded in 1914, New York City’s Police Athletic League is a nonprofit organization that provides recreational, educational, cultural, and social activities to 15,000 children and teens annually.
M-PESA Foundation, in collaboration with Zuri Health and Lions SightFirst Eye Hospital, has invested Sh77 million towards free medical camps in 12 counties in Kenya [beb9287f]. The Foundation aims to bring healthcare services closer to the people and address health concerns such as malaria and cholera. The medical camps have already been held in Lamu, Nairobi, Kakamega, Mombasa, Meru, Kisumu, Trans Nzoia, Narok, Nyandarua, Garissa, Kirinyaga, and Machakos counties. The latest medical camp was held at Drive In Primary School in Mathare, Nairobi County, where more than 5,000 residents accessed various health services. The Foundation also distributed mama packs to new mothers at Mathare North Hospital. Zuri Health provides technology solutions at the camps, offering patients free follow-up consultations with doctors via SMS and WhatsApp for up to six months [beb9287f].
In recent developments, the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago has received praise for its effective issuance of Electronic Money Issuer (EMI) licenses, with WamNow Technologies Ltd receiving provisional registration on December 1, 2024 [4efed4da]. Dalton Fowles, Mastercard’s country manager for Jamaica, Trinidad, and Tobago, noted that while the region is 'a little behind' in digital transformation, there is significant potential for growth. Credit card usage in Jamaica has seen a 50% increase over five years, indicating a shift towards digital payments. Mastercard aims to enhance digital payments and financial inclusion in the Caribbean, with Mayra Vivacqua emphasizing the necessity for consumer education on digital transactions [4efed4da].
JAM-DEX, a digital Jamaican dollar, has fallen flat despite its potential. Lessons can be learned from M-PESA, a mobile money transfer service in Kenya. M-PESA's widespread adoption is due to its simplicity, accessibility, and affordability. JAM-DEX relies heavily on smartphone apps and internet connection, creating a barrier for many Jamaicans. JAM-DEX should integrate the qualities of M-PESA, making it accessible on any mobile phone and free from data charges. By prioritizing simplicity, accessibility, and affordability, an inclusive system can be created for all Jamaicans [fcf3201a].