AI models aren't made equal. Some nonprofits are creating their own tools instead.

As reliance on AI chatbots for learning grows among youth worldwide, a pressing concern emerges: students in developing nations may face significant disadvantages due to lack of access to these technologies. In response, a nonprofit organization is leveraging the very technology that poses this challenge to create a more equitable educational landscape. Education Above All, headquartered in Qatar, argues that most widely-used AI chatbots, developed in Silicon Valley, often overlook the linguistic and cultural nuances vital for non-English-speaking regions. This oversight has the potential to deepen educational inequalities across the globe. However, the organization is turning to AI as a solution. In January 2025, it partnered with prestigious institutions like MIT, Harvard, and the United Nations Development Programme to launch Digi-Wise, a free and open-source AI literacy initiative. This program, designed in collaboration with educators from developing countries, empowers students to recognize AI-generated misinformation, responsibly use AI tools in their studies, and even create their own AI applications. A key component of this initiative is Ferby, a generative AI chatbot developed by Education Above All. Ferby provides users with customized educational resources from the Internet-Free Education Resource Bank, a vast repository of free learning materials. Currently, over 5 million children in India are utilizing Ferby for project-based learning, thanks to a partnership with the Indian nonprofit Mantra4Change. Recently, Ferby has been integrated into the edtech platform SwiftChat, which serves 124 million students and educators across India. Aishwarya Shetty, an education specialist at Education Above All, highlights how Ferby tailors learning materials to fit local contexts, stating, "A teacher in rural Malawi can conduct the same science experiment with ease as a teacher in downtown Doha." This innovative blend of offline creativity and AI efficiency aims to make quality education accessible, even in resource-limited settings. Education Above All is part of a broader movement where organizations utilize AI to address global disparities and work towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Established in 2015, these 17 goals guide nations and organizations in fostering a more equitable and sustainable world. The initiatives by Education Above All primarily align with SDG 4, which emphasizes inclusive and equitable education. Other organizations are also engaging AI to enhance educational opportunities. For instance, Tech To The Rescue connects nonprofits with pro-bono software developers and has initiated a three-year AI-for-good accelerator program to empower NGOs in achieving various UN SDGs. Among the beneficiaries is Mercy Corps, which operates in over 40 countries tackling issues like poverty and climate change. Through the accelerator, it developed an AI strategy tool that aids first responders in predicting disasters and managing resources effectively. The World Institute on Disability AI and the International Telecommunication Union are also utilizing AI to foster support for vulnerable groups and advance the UN SDGs. Innovations such as AI-powered prosthetics from Indian startup Bioniks have transformed lives by enabling individuals to perform everyday tasks independently. While the potential of AI in achieving the SDGs is significant, there are inherent challenges. The technology is predominantly developed by American tech firms, raising concerns about unconscious bias and accessibility for populations in developing regions. Shetty emphasizes the need for localized AI solutions that consider diverse user contexts, including offline functionalities and less resource-intensive delivery methods like SMS. Despite these hurdles, Shetty remains optimistic about AI's role in education. She notes the excitement within the global education community regarding AI applications, from WhatsApp-based tutors for off-grid learners to algorithms that optimize teacher placements. However, she cautions that AI should complement, not replace, human educators, and must genuinely address human challenges to provide real value. "Let machines handle the scale, let humans handle the soul, with or without AI tools," she asserts.