What's next for StuddyBuddy SA
Inspiration
In Durban, I saw Grade 10-12 learners failing Agricultural Sciences and Maths because textbooks use foreign examples. I wanted to build a tutor that speaks their language - using KZN soil, soccer, and real SA life. That's StuddyBuddy SA.
What it does
StuddyBuddy SA helps South African Grade 10-12 students pass school:
- Explains CAPS topics in simple English + Zulu mix
- Uses Qloo Taste API to verify student interests and personalize lessons
- Example: Soil components 5% organic, 45% mineral, 25% water, 25% air - explained with local farm soil
- Works on cheap phones, no data heavy
How we built it
- Frontend: Next.js / JavaScript
- Backend: Qloo API - hackathon.api.qloo.com/v2/insights with signal.interests.tags
- We call Qloo to verify tastes, then generate CAPS-aligned lessons
- Deployed on Vercel, GitHub public
Challenges we ran into
- Confusing Amapiano (music) with our school focus - we fixed it to be purely for SCHOOL
- Qloo API authentication with x-api-key header
- Making it work offline for rural learners
- Small screen in Durban - coding on phone
Accomplishments that we're proud of
- Built a working tutor that helps REAL Grade 10 learners answer Agricultural Sciences P2 Question 3 correctly
- Successfully integrated Qloo API as CORE personalization engine, not just add-on
- Created 100% CAPS-aligned content for SA schools
- Submitted to both Qloo Hackathon and Meta VR Start Hackathon
- Made it accessible for township and rural students
What we learned
- How to use Qloo's taste graph for education, not just entertainment
- How to write Devpost stories and elevator pitches under 200 characters
- Meta Start Program registration process
- Importance of cultural relevance in SA education
What's next for StuddyBuddy SA
- Add Grade 10-12 Maths, Life Sciences, Physical Sciences full CAPS
- Add voice in Zulu
- Build VR version for Meta Horizon Worlds - virtual Kasi classroom
- Partner with KZN schools for pilot
Built With
- caps
- javascript
- nextjs
- openai
- qloo
- vercel
