Building a Sustainable Digital Learning Future
Education is evolving worldwide, yet millions of students in under-resourced communities still lack access to digital learning tools. The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), home to over 100 million people, represents both a challenge and an opportunity for educational transformation.
At TrueLeap, we are committed to building sustainable digital education ecosystems—not just providing a software platform but creating long-term EdTech solutions through the combination of hardware infrastructure, educational content, training, and analytics. Our digital education partnerships with faith-based schools are critical to this approach. A key element of this initiative is working hand-in-hand with Catholic schools in DRC, particularly the Catholic Schools Association, which plays a vital role in shaping education for underserved communities.
This commitment was the driving force behind Dr. Sandip Bordoloi’s recent visit to Kinshasa, where he witnessed firsthand the transformative potential of digital transformation in schools.
A Firsthand Look at the Digital Transformation in the DRC
Dr. Bordoloi, CEO of TrueLeap, visited Kinshasa for the first time, hosted by Akili Digital, a key partner in rolling out TrueLeap Technology Labs. His objectives?
- Inaugurate smart classrooms in Africa with state-of-the-art digital learning labs.
- Assess the impact of digital education initiatives in emerging markets.
- Strengthen digital education partnerships for long-term sustainability.
“Africa is changing. Kinshasa is changing.
The DRC is changing—for the good, for the better.”
More than just school infrastructure development, he observed a shift in society, aspirations, and people’s mindset towards technology and education:
“We see the opportunity to participate in this growing economy and contribute to fundamental changes as people adapt to new technology and education systems. We are very glad to be here, bringing our knowledge and resources to Kinshasa and taking part in this growth.”
The Catholic Church as a Strong Partner for Lasting Impact
In the DRC, the Catholic Church has long been a cornerstone of the education system, providing quality education for underserved students. Many Catholic schools face challenges such as outdated learning resources and a lack of digital learning tools, making TrueLeap’s partnership with the Commission of Schools Conventional Catholics essential in modernizing education.
Monsieur Abbé N’tungu Bisibu Noèl, Head of the Commission of Schools Conventional Catholics in DRC, shared his appreciation for the work being done:
“We are working for schools to improve learning tools for the children and improve the quality of education in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It has been a pleasure to work with Dr. Sandip and TrueLeap Inc. I’m really impressed with the quality of work they are doing everywhere, especially the work they are doing for us.”
This faith-based digital education initiative ensures that the TrueLeap Technology Labs are not just well-equipped but also deeply integrated into the local education system, reaching students who need it the most.
Dr. Bordoloi emphasized the importance of collaboration, comparing it to a four-legged chair:
“If one leg is weak, the entire structure collapses. But together—TrueLeap, Akili Digital, the Parents Association, and the Catholic Schools Coordination—we create a strong foundation for education in the DRC.”
By working with the Catholic Church’s vast network of schools, TrueLeap ensures that blended learning models reach even the most remote and underserved areas, providing students with modern e-learning solutions while respecting local values and traditions.
A World-Class Digital Learning Ecosystem in Kinshasa
TrueLeap’s vision goes beyond merely supplying computers. Sustainability in EdTech is at core of our approach.
After seeing the newly established labs firsthand, Dr. Bordoloi expressed his excitement:
“The way these labs have been developed and the sustainable approach used in their building—these are world-class. You could be proud of this kind of lab in any Western country. In fact, most schools in the U.S. do not have labs like the ones we are building here in Kinshasa.”
Key Elements of TrueLeap’s Sustainable Approach:
Infrastructure – High-quality classrooms with reliable power and connectivity.
Training – Equipping teachers, students, and technicians with digital literacy skills.
Software & Content – Developing curriculum-aligned digital learning materials.
Ongoing Support – Providing long-term maintenance and technical assistance.
“Anyone can donate computers, but that’s not what we are doing here. We are creating a sustainable system that includes infrastructure, content, software, training, and research. It’s a holistic approach, and we are confident this model will be successful in Congo, across Africa, and in any emerging country.”
A Sustainable, Localized Approach to Digital Education
School-Based Carpentry Workshops
Instead of importing furniture, school-based workshops are manufacturing desks and tables for the labs, involving both students and local artisans.
“This reduces costs, supports local economies, and ensures long-term sustainability.”
School-Based Carpentry Workshops
A key reason why past EdTech solutions in Africa failed is poor school infrastructure. TrueLeap is addressing this before introducing digital tools:
First, ensuring proper walls, roofing, electricity, and power supply
Then, introducing computers, e-learning software, and labs.
“One of the most important things people overlook is the actual infrastructure of the classroom itself. You cannot implement a digital classroom without a properly built structure. If the walls, ceilings, electrical wiring, and power supply are not up to standard, bringing in computers is futile.”
“We provide training—not just for students and teachers, but also for maintenance teams. If a computer breaks, you don’t want to wait six months to fix it—you want it repaired the next day.”p to standard, bringing in computers is futile.”
A Promising Future for Digital Learning in Africa
“Before coming here, my impression of the DRC was different. Now, I see endless opportunities. This is just the beginning. TrueLeap is committed to making a lasting impact.”
This initiative in the DRC is just one step in TrueLeap’s larger global mission—to redefine education in emerging markets through technology, partnerships, and sustainable solutions.
“Let’s pray for success—and work hard to achieve it.”
Join Us on This Mission
At TrueLeap, we believe that education is the key to unlocking human potential. Stay connected as we continue expanding digital education in Africa and beyond. Want to get involved? Whether you’re an educator, investor, or tech innovator—we’d love to collaborate.
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