Traditional education often relies on rigid systems that measure children’s abilities through standardised metrics such as test scores and memorisation. While this approach provides a basic framework, it usually fails to recognise the diverse talents that make each child unique. As a result, many children experience boredom or inadequacy when their strengths are overlooked. This disconnect contributes to a global dropout crisis, leaving millions of young minds behind. Addressing this issue requires a new approach prioritising individual growth over uniform evaluation. Wiem Ben-Mahmoud, a Tunisian entrepreneur and founder of KidzRise, recognised the limitations of conventional education early in her career.
With her expertise in digital management and business systems, she envisioned a solution that would transform how children learn and develop. In 2023, she founded KidzRise, a tech startup based in Sousse, Tunisia. The platform uses artificial intelligence to identify and nurture each child’s unique abilities, providing them with the tools they need to thrive academically and socially. In such a short time, the company has expanded to Qatar, London, the USA, and Germany.
KidzRise uses an innovative AI-powered system to personalise each child’s learning journey, making education both engaging and effective. It starts with an interactive quiz that uncovers a child’s unique strengths—creativity, problem-solving, or leadership. Based on these insights, the platform crafts customised skill-building programmes that help transform potential into practical abilities.
KidzRise celebrates milestones with badges and certificates to keep children motivated and boost their confidence. Parents also play a vital role in receiving real-time progress updates to foster a nurturing and supportive learning environment.
The urgency for such solutions is evident. According to UNESCO, over 250 million children worldwide are out of school, and many more are at risk of dropping out due to disengagement. Mahmoud’s approach shifts the narrative from fixing weaknesses to empowering strengths. By making learning enjoyable and affirming, KidzRise enhances academic performance and instils self-confidence, preparing children to face future challenges with resilience.
The impact of KidzRise is already making waves. Ahmad Khalil, a lawyer from Egypt, shared her experience:
“Seeing our child’s eyes light up when they engage with the platform is priceless. The way KidzRise celebrates their talents, whether it’s art, problem-solving, or math, is a game-changer. We’re excited about the future!” She said.
Testimonials highlight the platform’s ability to adapt to diverse cultural and educational settings, underscoring its promise as a global solution.
KidzRise has also gained international recognition, with notable presentations at events like Web Summit Qatar and London Tech Week. Most recently, it was selected by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) for its Global Learning Challenge. Again, Ben-Mahmoud recently won Most Promising Entrepreneur at AfricArena for KidzRise.
These achievements reflect its potential to scale and meet the educational needs of children worldwide. Collaboration with parents and schools remains a priority, ensuring the platform evolves to address the challenges of varied communities.
Education should transcend imparting knowledge, creating opportunities for children to grow, discover, and excel. Through KidzRise, Wiem Ben-Mahmoud is reshaping the concept of learning into an experience where each child’s unique abilities are nurtured and celebrated.
