YIDA Youth Initiative (YIDA) is a refugee-led and youth-led charitable NGO formed to promote sustainable living among refugees by providing quality education and financial inclusion, primarily targeting youth and children in the Kyaka II refugee settlement. YIDA offers early childhood education and primary education to refugee children and those in host communities through school construction and teacher training. Additionally, YIDA provides soft skills training to entrepreneurial refugees and offers startup capital within the refugee settlement and host communities to foster business development, thereby creating employment opportunities.

Since 2014, YIDA has been educating refugee children, focusing on Early Childhood Education (ECD) and lower primary levels. Annually, YIDA educates over 900 refugee children, providing hot meals as the only primary ECD institution in the refugee community that offers meals to learners. YIDA operates two schools in the Kyaka II refugee settlement: Youth Initiative Kindergarten (ECD) and Youth Initiative Primary School.

In response to the increasing demand for education and emerging technologies, YIDA has adopted technology as a methodology for delivering quality education. In 2024, YIDA partnered with Learning Equality to implement Kolibri, a tablet-based learning program supporting access to numeracy and literacy lessons. Kolibri is an offline platform that can be accessed without internet data, making it suitable for YIDA schools located in remote areas with limited internet and power access.

While the program provides an opportunity for AI access to learners, it is not without challenges. For example, each child at Youth Initiative Primary School is expected to have a tablet, which is costly.

How AI Can Be Used at YIDA Schools

As YIDA strives to provide quality education, embracing AI technology is essential, as it has been proven to enhance educational delivery.

Personalized Learning

AI systems analyze individual student performance to tailor educational content according to their unique learning styles and paces. For instance, platforms like DreamBox and Smart Sparrow adapt lessons in real-time, allowing students to master concepts at their own speed (Owoyemi & Owoyemi, 2024). This personalized approach not only boosts confidence but also helps identify areas where students need improvement.

Administrative Efficiency

Teachers benefit from AI through the automation of grading and scheduling, significantly reducing their workload. Tools such as Gradescope provide consistent grading for assignments, enabling educators to focus more on teaching rather than administrative tasks (Owoyemi & Owoyemi, 2024).

Engaging Learning Experiences

AI enhances classroom engagement by integrating gamified content and interactive learning tools. Programs like Kahoot! utilize AI to create adaptive quizzes that respond to student input, making learning more dynamic and enjoyable (Owoyemi & Owoyemi, 2024). Moreover, initiatives like the MIT Media Lab's curriculum introduce children to AI concepts through hands-on activities, fostering an early understanding of technology (Owoyemi & Owoyemi, 2024). As AI continues to evolve, its role in primary education is expected to expand, promoting both digital literacy and critical thinking skills among young learners.

Early Detection of Learning Disabilities

AI can assist in the early detection of learning disabilities by analyzing data from children's activities to identify patterns that may indicate issues such as dyslexia or dyscalculia. Tools like Lexplore use AI and eye-tracking technology to detect reading difficulties early, allowing for timely intervention (JetLearn, 2025).

Support for Teachers

AI reduces the administrative burden on teachers, enabling them to focus more on direct educational interactions with students. It automates tasks such as grading, report generation, and lesson planning, streamlining workflow and decreasing teacher burnout. This allows educators to dedicate more time to engaging with their students and providing individualized support (Teachflow, 2023).

Inclusive Learning Environments

AI fosters inclusive learning environments by accommodating diverse learning needs, including those of children with disabilities. Customized learning aids can help ensure that all children have equitable access to education, addressing various challenges they may face (HeyCoach, 2024).

Challenges Expected While Embracing AI in YIDA Schools

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in educational settings, particularly at Youth Initiative Primary School and Youth Initiative Kindergarten (YIDA schools), presents numerous opportunities for enhancing teaching and learning. AI can significantly assist teachers in lesson planning, support inclusive education, and facilitate the early detection of learning disabilities. However, several challenges must be addressed to fully realize these benefits.

• High Costs of Accessing AI Tools: One of the primary challenges is the high cost associated with accessing AI tools. Implementing AI technologies often requires substantial financial investment in software, hardware, and training. These costs can be prohibitive for many educational institutions, particularly those operating on limited budgets. As a result, schools may struggle to provide equitable access to advanced educational tools, potentially widening the gap between students who have access to these resources and those who do not (Mendoza, 2025).
• Network Issues: Another significant hurdle is network connectivity. Reliable internet access is crucial for the effective implementation of AI in classrooms. In many regions, including areas served by YIDA schools, inconsistent or inadequate internet connectivity can hinder the use of AI tools. This limitation not only affects the ability to deliver lessons effectively but also impacts students' engagement and learning outcomes (Open Access Government, 2025).

Additional Challenges

• Teacher Training: A lack of adequate training for educators on how to effectively integrate AI into their teaching practices can limit the technology's potential benefits (British Council, 2024).
• Ethical Concerns: Issues such as data privacy, algorithmic bias, and over-reliance on technology pose ethical dilemmas that need careful consideration (eSchool News, 2024).
• Student Engagement: While AI has the potential to personalize learning experiences, there is a risk that students may become overly dependent on technology for answers, which could undermine their critical thinking skills (Illinois College of Education, 2024).

In conclusion

While AI holds great promise for enhancing educational experiences at YIDA schools through improved lesson planning and support for inclusive education, addressing the associated challenges—such as high costs and network issues—is essential for successful implementation.

References

Owoyemi, A., & Owoyemi, J. (2024). Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Sustainable Youth Development. Retrieved from https://www.changesforhumanity.org/projects/yida

HeyCoach. (2024). AI for identifying learning disabilities early. Retrieved from https://blog.heycoach.in/ai-for-identifying-learning-disabilities-early/

JetLearn. (2025). How AI can help identify and support learning disabilities. Retrieved from https://www.jetlearn.com/blog/how-ai-can-help-learning-disabilities

Teachflow. (2023). The role of AI in addressing learning disabilities. Retrieved from https://teachflow.ai/the-role-of-ai-in-addressing-learning-disabilities/

British Council. (2024). AI in education: how to navigate the opportunities and challenges. Retrieved from https://internationalschools.britishcouncil.org/blog/ai-in-education-how-to-navigate-the-opportunities-and-challenges

eSchool News. (2024). 5 obstacles AI can help schools overcome. Retrieved from https://www.eschoolnews.com/digital-learning/2024/04/16/5-obstacles-ai-can-help-schools-overcome/

Illinois College of Education. (2024). AI in Schools: Pros and Cons. Retrieved from https://education.illinois.edu/about/news-events/news/article/2024/10/24/ai-in-schools--pros-and-cons

Mendoza, A. (2025). Embracing AI in Education: Tackling the Challenges. LinkedIn. Retrieved from https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/embracing-ai-education-tackling-challenges-alfonso-mendoza-jr-m-ed--uabqc

Open Access Government. (2025). Navigating the future of AI in schools: Transforming challenges into opportunities. Retrieved from https://www.openaccessgovernment.org/navigating-the-future-of-ai-in-schools-transforming-challenges-into-opportunities/187808/