Technology to help bridge the digital divide
Collaboration with Yeltic and TIST
For several years DEFI has collaborated with Yeltic and The International Small Group and Tree Planting Program (TIST) to develop the Yeltic/TIST mobile education app. This app is deployed across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and India within TIST’s network of 250,000 farmers. This app is a powerful step towards poverty alleviation and sustainable development.
Our nomination for the 2025 Bett award in Transformation Impact recognises the app’s ground-breaking impact in educational technology.
What makes this app transformational?
The Yeltic/TIST app redefines learning access for under-served adult learners in rural communities across East Africa and Southern India by:
Bridging the education gap |
Providing quality, accessible education tailored for rural communities in the Global South. |
Offline functionality |
Designed for regions with limited internet access, it works seamlessly offline. |
Multi-language support |
Available in Swahili, English, and Tamil to break down language barriers. |
Localized AI-powered content |
Utilises AI to adjust video narration for local accents and language nuances. |
Low-power optimization |
Operates on low-power devices, ideal for areas with limited electricity. |
Scalable BYOD model |
Uses the widespread access to mobile phones, making it both sustainable and scalable. |
Our people developing the app
Dr Kevin Martin
Managing Director
