A familiar language.
Spoken Hausa helps children understand each step, while they work towards new skills in reading and writing.
ALMAJIRI · HANTSI
Learn to read,
write and count.
Hantsi is a voice-led learning tool for children outside formal schooling, starting with Almajiri learners in Northern Nigeria.
ROOTED IN COMMUNITYBEGINNING IN NORTHERN NIGERIAGROWING WITH CARE
01 / A DIFFERENT KIND OF BEGINNING
Learning doesn’t have to start
with a written word.
Hantsi is a voice-led learning tool that helps children outside formal schooling build reading, writing, and number skills. It is being developed first for Almajiri learners in Northern Nigeria.
Children learn through short, illustrated lessons on an Android tablet. They listen, speak, tap, and move objects on the screen. Lessons begin in spoken Hausa—a language they already understand—and gradually introduce English while also developing Hausa literacy.
Hantsi supports the Malam, the children’s teacher, who guides the group, encourages participation, and helps when someone gets stuck. It fits alongside existing Quranic learning.
Downloaded lessons and recorded guidance can work without an internet connection. Progress is saved so learners can continue where they stopped and sync when a connection returns. Some speech features still need internet access.
Behind the tablet, Hantsi gives the team tools to create and review lessons, register learners and learning centres, manage devices, and follow learning progress. Field agents help connect the programme with communities by meeting Malams and registering groups for review.
The aim is simple: bring learning closer to children, in a language they know, with people they trust.
Help bring that first step closer02 / ONE SMALL STEP AT A TIME
Listen. Try.
And try again.
Big, clear controls. Spoken guidance. Space to practise. A lesson starts with what a child can do today.
INSIDE HANTSI CHOOSE A STEP
01
Listen
A familiar teacher and spoken guidance give the child somewhere to begin.
A teacher beside them.
The Malam guides the group. Hantsi offers lessons, replay, and simple ways to practise together.
Room for real life.
Downloaded lessons and recorded guidance support learning when connectivity is unreliable. Progress is saved for the next session.
03 / FROM THE STORY TO THE POSSIBILITY
The walk can lead
somewhere new.
0:00 / 0:00
04 / IT BEGINS WITH PEOPLE
You know the place.
You know the people.
That local understanding matters. Field agents help Hantsi meet communities with care, starting with a conversation.
- Meet the Malams.Visit communities, listen, and introduce Hantsi.
- Find places to learn.Help identify the spaces where groups already gather.
- Help with registration.Register Malams and learners for the Hantsi team to review.
BECOME A FIELD AGENT
Help learning reach
your community.
Share your contact details and the languages you speak.
This is an expression of interest. The Hantsi team will review your application and may contact you to talk about next steps.
Only share your own details here. Please leave out children’s names, photographs, and personal information.
A FEW THINGS TO KNOW
Before we begin.
Who is Hantsi for?
Hantsi is being developed for Almajiri and other children outside formal schooling, beginning in Northern Nigeria. Lessons are designed for shared Android tablets, with a Malam supporting the group.
What will children learn?
Children build reading, writing, and number skills through short, illustrated lessons. Lessons begin in spoken Hausa and gradually introduce English while also developing Hausa literacy.
Does it need an internet connection?
Downloaded lessons and recorded guidance can be used offline, and saved progress can sync when a connection returns. Spoken-answer assessment and other online voice features need a connection. Lesson recordings must be prepared and reviewed before use.
Does Hantsi replace the Malam?
No. Hantsi supports the Malam and respects Quranic learning traditions. The Malam helps the group settle, encourages children, and steps in when they need help.
Is Hantsi available now?
Hantsi has working prototypes, including tablet lessons and community registration tools. We are still developing and reviewing the learning content and preparing for field testing. This page is an invitation to learn about the work and express interest in helping.
What happens after I apply?
Your expression of interest goes to the Hantsi team for review. The team may contact you using the details you provide to discuss your community and possible next steps. Applying does not create an agent account or guarantee a role.