In a rapidly evolving global landscape, three Ethiopian women entrepreneurs are making significant strides in children’s education by blending technology, culture, and innovation. Spread across Germany, Switzerland, and Ethiopia, Tayech Berihun of LayuToys, Selamawit Mindaye of Lijinet, and Nigist Goytom of HaHu Scripts are empowering the next generation through interactive learning tools that celebrate Ethiopian heritage while embracing modern educational methodologies.
Tayech Berihun: Bridging Cultures with LayuToys in Germany
Based in Germany, Tayech Berihun grew up navigating the complexities of being bilingual and bicultural. This personal journey inspired her to found LayuToys, a company dedicated to creating educational toys that preserve language and foster cultural pride among Ethiopian children in the diaspora.
“Our goal is not just to make toys but to create bridges between cultures,” says Berihun. LayuToys’ flagship product, AHADU, is a talking flashcard toy that teaches both Amharic and English. Children insert flashcards into AHADU, which then displays the word visually while pronouncing it in both languages. “By engaging multiple senses, AHADU makes language learning intuitive and fun,” she adds.
Since its launch, AHADU has received acclaim from parents and educators for filling a crucial gap in bilingual education. “It’s more than a toy; it’s a tool that helps children connect with their roots and gain the cognitive benefits of multilingualism,” Berihun notes.
Looking ahead, LayuToys plans to expand its offerings to include other Ethiopian languages like Afaan Oromo and Tigrinya, as well as European languages such as German. “We want every child to see themselves in our products and feel proud of their heritage,” she says.
Selamawit Mindaye: Cultivating Minds with Lijinet in Ethiopia
Operating from Ethiopia, Selamawit Mindaye recognized a lack of culturally relevant content for Ethiopian children and decided to take action. She launched Lijinet, a YouTube channel that blends entertainment with education. “The fact that my kids couldn’t find local content that aligns with their culture and language motivated me to start Lijinet,” Mindaye explains. The channel, whose name means “childhood” in Amharic, took three years to develop and aims to become a comprehensive kids and family brand.
Lijinet features animated African folktales in collaboration with Book Dash, introducing children to stories that reflect their everyday experiences and impart moral lessons. The channel also offers interactive videos teaching the Ethiopian alphabet and the ancient language of Ge’ez. “We want to promote linguistic diversity and make learning accessible and engaging,” says Mindaye.
Beyond storytelling and language lessons, Lijinet includes brain teasers, riddles, and DIY arts and crafts segments to stimulate cognitive development and creativity. “Our mission is to provide a holistic educational experience that is both fun and enriching,” she adds.
Available for subscription on YouTube, Lijinet is quickly becoming a valuable resource for parents and educators seeking quality educational content rooted in Ethiopian culture.
Nigist Goytom: Gamifying Literacy with HaHu Scripts from Switzerland
Based in Switzerland, Nigist Goytom is the visionary founder of HaHu Scripts, the first interactive mobile app to gamify learning of Amharic and Tigrigna languages. In response to alarming literacy rates in Ethiopia—where 90% of 10-year-olds struggle to read a sentence—Goytom and her team at Ha Hu AG introduced HaHu Scripts to address these educational challenges.
“Literacy is the foundation for individual empowerment and societal development,” says Goytom. Launched in 2021, HaHu Scripts offers intuitive writing and listening practices, over 300 illustrated vocabulary cards, and a storytelling section featuring beloved childhood stories and songs. By turning language learning into a game, the app makes education accessible and enjoyable for over 25,000 users worldwide.
Understanding the importance of offline learning, Ha Hu AG has also published Amharic and Tigrigna educational posters. “We aim to provide a comprehensive learning experience that extends beyond the digital realm,” Goytom adds.
The team is committed to expanding the platform by adding Ge’ez as a third language and consistently generating high-quality educational content in multiple Semitic languages. “Our vision is to preserve Ethiopia’s cultural and linguistic heritage while addressing the educational challenges faced by our youth,” she states.
HaHu Scripts is available for download on Android and iOS devices, and the team encourages community support to further their mission of eradicating illiteracy in Ethiopia.
A Global Collective Vision for the Future
These three ventures—LayuToys in Germany, Lijinet in Ethiopia, and HaHu Scripts in Switzerland—embody a shared commitment to enhancing children’s education through culturally relevant and innovative solutions. By leveraging technology and storytelling, these Ethiopian women entrepreneurs are not only preserving their rich heritage but also equipping the next generation with the tools they need to thrive in a globalized world.
“The impact we’re making goes beyond education; it’s about empowering children to be proud of who they are,” says Tayech.
Selamawit echoes this sentiment: “We want to inspire a love for learning and a connection to culture that lasts a lifetime.”
Nigist adds, “By combining technology with cultural preservation, we’re paving the way for a brighter and more equitable future for Ethiopian children everywhere.”
As they continue to break new ground, these entrepreneurs serve as a testament to the transformative power of combining tradition with innovation. Their work not only addresses immediate educational needs but also lays the foundation for a more inclusive and culturally diverse future.
