
Globally recognised, and in partnership with the United Nations Special Envoy for Education, the Tutudesk provides the answer to the classroom desk shortage crisis experienced in schools in developing countries. Functional literacy – the ability to read and write – is almost impossible to achieve without a dedicated writing surface – a school desk. Over 95 million children in schools across sub-Saharan Africa have no access to a classroom desk and the prospect of compromised literacy development. Tutudesk offers children their very own workstation creating immediate, high impact and positive change in an instant, under any learning conditions. Made from a robust child-friendly blend of polymers, Tutudesk is designed to last the duration of a learner’s school career. At $0.018 per day / over three years, Tutudesk is a unique and portable solution to our most disadvantaged children, offering a sense of worth, dignity and ownership over and above the literacy and academic improvements. The Tutudesk Campaign aims to deliver at least 20million Tutudesks to leaners by 2025. With over 1,5million desks already in the hands of children and more than 3,000 school handovers conducted, Tutudesk is a proven solution to a literacy development and general infrastructure crisis. Tutudesk directly addresses Donor requirements in the following ways:
- Sustainability (long product lifespan, international developing country relevance)
- Portability (for use at home and school)
- Low cost (fractional cost when compared to traditional furniture, incl. distribution, durability, functionality etc.)
- Speed to market / Scalability
- Effectiveness and Relevance, relative to intended usage environment
The Tutudesk Campaign operates with a set of goal-orientated solutions including:
- The provision of infrastructure to established, but under-resourced education systems
- The provision of infrastructure to areas experiencing overcrowded or stressed education structures
- The provision of portable infrastructure to children in nomadic or displaced environments
- The immediate provision of infrastructure to children in extraordinary circumstances, set on by conflict and natural disaster, to assist in creating a safer environment
Imprinting on the Tutudesk supports:
- Literacy and appropriate age education development
- Health, safety, equality and human rights education
- Environmental care information
Archbishop Desmond Tutu proud to join Emergency Education Coalition
Amway Tutudesk Handover
Space maker 5000
MySchool Tutudesk Handover
Space maker 5000
TUTUDESK IMPACT
- Handwriting
- Learner Experience
- Classwork and Homework
- Teaching
- Classroom Situation
TUTUDESK AND THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
Tutudesk is uniquely positioned to assist donor organisations and development agencies globally, with specific reference to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Tutudesk is the able to assist directly and indirectly with 6 of the 17 SDGs:
SDG 4: Quality Education
Tutudesk Provision: Continuing the provision of a dedicated writing surface to children in developing and poor regions supporting literacy development and instant education infrastructure
SDG 5: Gender Equality
Tutudesk imprinted messaging: Education of girls and women’s rights imprinted on the surface of the Tutudesk
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
Tutudesk provision: “Education is not simply a moral imperative—it is the smart choice. Every dollar invested generates US$ 10 to US$ 15 in returns” – UN Education First
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
Tutudesk Provision: “A 0.1% increase in a country’s education quality can, over 40 years, raise its per capita income by 23%” – The Global Partnership for Education -2015
SDG 13: Climate Action
Tutudesk imprinted messaging: Responsible environmental care education printed on the surface of the Tutudesk
SDG 17: Partnership for the Goals
Tutudesk Provision through Partnerships and Networks: “A successful sustainable development agenda requires partnerships between governments, the private sector and civil society. …a shared vision, and shared goals that place people and the planet at the centre, are needed at the global, regional, national and local level.” – United Nations Sustainable Development Goals – 2015
TUTUDESKS IN DISASTER & CONFLICT AREAS


