Solution Approach

Our Innovation

Our Simple Idea: Create an AI friend that listens to us and helps us feel better without judgment.

How It Works: Students can chat privately with the AI about their problems.

Outsourced AI: We worked with developers to create the AI that understands how we talk in Kenya.

Privacy First: The AI protects our identity - no one knows who said what.


Scientific Principles

Three Core Technologies

Principle 1: Confidentiality - Students feel safe to be honest when their identity is protected.

Principle 2: Accessibility - Available anytime, anywhere, unlike busy counselors.

Principle 3: Cultural Relevance - AI understands local language and expressions.

Principle 4: Safety Net - Serious problems are flagged for human counselors without revealing identity.


Demo Implementation

How our AI Counseling System Works

Student Interface:

Just like chatting with a friend - safe, private, understanding.

Supervisor Dashboard:

Counselors see problems without knowing who said them - just age ranges.

Flagging System:

If someone is really in danger, the AI tells a counselor without revealing who it is.


Research Objectives

Study Goals
  1. See if students feel more comfortable talking to AI than adults
  2. Test if the privacy protection works as intended
  3. Measure if students feel better after using the system
  4. Check if the AI understands local language and expressions

Methodology

Research Design
  • Developed concept based on student needs in Trans Nzoia
  • Worked with developers to create culturally appropriate AI
  • Implemented privacy protection and safety features
  • Tested with students in local schools
  • Collected feedback on usability and effectiveness

Supervisor Dashboard

Monitoring and Intervention System

Anonymous Monitoring:

Counselors see flagged conversations without student names.

Age Ranges Only:

Only age groups are shown, not individual identities.

Intervention Ready:

Human counselors can step in when needed, respecting privacy.