Meet Alumni:

Daniel Thomas

2022 3M Young Scientist Challenge Finalist
2025 Alumni Grant Recipient

Daniel was awarded the Science in Your Community Grant for their work on Mwalimu (Swahili for Teacher). Mwalimu is a low-cost Raspberry Pi device designed to bring offline educational access to remote and developing areas with little or no internet access.

About their Project

Mwalimu is a low-cost, portable device that brings educational content to communities without internet access. Built with a Raspberry Pi, it creates a local WiFi network that lets users access millions of articles, thousands of books, medical resources, and environmental lessons—no internet needed.

Inspired by their work with other educational initiatives, they created Mwalimu to make learning accessible in remote areas. Prototypes have already been tested in Cameroon, and they are working to expand distribution to schools, libraries, and community centers around the world—ensuring that knowledge reaches those who need it most.

What was the inspiration behind your project?

The idea for Mwalimu (Swahili for Teacher) started from my work with a youth-led environmental conservation initiative that focuses on reducing litter pollution in waterways through community cleanups, education, and technology-driven solutions. Over the last six years, this work has removed over 42,000 lbs. of waste, saving taxpayers 6.2 million dollars, engaged thousands of volunteers, and expanded to over 100 cities. Through this program I have been able to create and offer over 150 environmental education videos, podcasts, blogs, and three published books.

I realized that many in rural and developing regions didn't have access to reliable internet, therefore couldn't access my online environmental education materials. This led me to create an affordable, portable offline solution to deliver STEM and environmental education, making sure knowledge reaches those most affected by environmental changes.