Hunu has been selected as part of the 2024 cohort of the MIT Solve Global Challenge fellowship. The winners selected from a pool of over 2,200 applications from 130 countries, are addressing pressing challenges in health, learning, climate, and economic prosperity and building upon traditional knowledge and technology to meet the needs of indigenous communities.
The company received $10,000 in unrestricted funding from MIT Solve and undisclosed funding through the AI for Humanity Prize from the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation. In addition to this financial support, Hunu will participate in a nine-month program to scale its impact and will be eligible for further funding from Solve Innovation Future, a philanthropic venture vehicle.
Founded in 2020 by Rudolph Ampofo and Efua Gambrah-Sampaney, Hunu improves learning outcomes for children with neurodevelopmental conditions like autism and ADHD by facilitating collaboration between behavior therapy providers, parents, and teachers. The platform integrates technology with in-person support to help children develop essential skills in communication, social interaction, and academics.
The Challenges Facing Neurodivergent Children in Africa
In Africa, children with neurodevelopmental conditions face significant educational barriers. The World Health Organization estimates that 1 in 160 children globally is on the autism spectrum, but in Africa, many remain undiagnosed. Over 95% of neurodivergent children in low- and middle-income countries, including those in Africa, do not receive the necessary treatment or educational support.
According to UNESCO, fewer than 10% of children with disabilities in Africa attend primary school, with neurodivergent children being the most excluded. Most schools in Africa are ill-equipped to support neurodivergent learners, as many teachers lack the necessary training to manage neurodiverse classrooms. As a result, children with autism or ADHD often struggle to thrive in traditional educational settings.
Hunu’s Role in Transforming Education
Hunu directly addresses these challenges by offering a collaborative platform that links educators, parents, and therapy providers. This platform allows behavior therapy providers to offer remote therapy services and work closely with both parents and teachers to support the learning process. By facilitating this cooperation, Hunu aims to provide personalized support that helps children with neurodevelopmental conditions succeed academically and socially.
Hunu’s inclusion in the MIT Solve Global Challenge underscores its potential to transform education for neurodivergent children in Africa. By bridging gaps in access to quality education and therapy, Hunu is helping to create a more inclusive future for children with special needs across the continent.
