Afinidata
Nowadays apps are created for all sorts of purposes, and early childhood development is no exception. While the intentions behind an app development are noble, this digital tool is frequently designed in a fashion that is both distant and disconnected from its main users. Afinidata, on the other hand, has an innovative design. This totally free of charge app provides an accessible alternative where a virtual tutor guides the caregivers and offers them recommendations about games, care practices and other evidence-supported interactions. Unlike other virtual apps that provide general information on care and childrearing, Afinidata adjusts to each child’s progress phase and offers personalized recommendations.
Problematic
In Latin America and the Caribbean, a large number of girls and boys do not have access to adequate levels of interaction with their caregivers. In order to promote suitable caregiving and childrearing practices, a number of strategies have been implemented in the region through home visits or training sessions for caregivers at specialized early childhood development centers. While these interventions have proved to be beneficial, they can be expensive and hard to scale up. Despite the technological advances, there is still a need to develop tools that guarantee quality information delivered in an attractive, user-friendly format for caregivers.
Solution
Artificial intelligence once seemed like a thing of the future, but it is already being used now for the benefit of children. Afinidata provides a virtual tutor that recommends caregivers activities and games selected following early childhood development principles. The virtual tutor collects information on children development and uses algorithms to select the activities that are most suitable to meet their necessities. Caregivers have no need to download new applications and can access the virtual tutor free of charge through Facebook, using the chat facility to send a message to Afinidata. After receiving information on the child, the virtual tutor suggests playing activities and other interactions that can be performed using common household resources.
Evaluation and Impact
In process. A random allocation experiment will be performed in order to assess the role of an interactive tool like Afinidata in the development and wellbeing of girls and boys in developing nations. The experiment will take place in Peru and will include the participation of 2,400 families.