Aside developing software for electronics and making life easier, technology has been used to preserve and promote culture as well as other ancient inheritances. This can be seen in Afrotalez, a set of story-telling educational apps that teaches and pass on traditional African Folktales in an entertaining and interactive way. The app also features little puzzles such as object recognition to help with the mental development of young readers.
Afrotalez is one of the apps under Lizzie’s Creations, an organisation created by Elizabeth Kperrun.
Ventures Africa spoke with Elizabeth Kperrun about the creation of AfroTalez and her new interactive novel (app), “Choices.”
Let’s meet you Lizzie?
My name is Elizabeth Kperrun-Eremie. I am 28 years old. I have a Diploma in Mass Communication from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and I am currently studying for a Degree in Business and Entrepreneurial Management. I am a serial entrepreneur; have been since I finished secondary school so I am always involved in one business or the other.
Your app, Afrotalez reminds me of a popular children programme in the 90s “Tales by Moonlight”? Is there any correlation between the two?
Yes, I like to think so. I loved “Tales by moonlight” growing up. I was sad when it wrapped up and there weren’t any programs
filling the gap afterwards. AfroTalez is my way of filling that gap.
Apart from Afrotalez and Choices, have you created another app?
No, I haven’t. Just those two
What has been the traction for your apps?
It’s been relatively smooth sailing so far. AfroTalez has been getting recognition and really good press from the moment the first episode hit app stores in November 2014.
Prior to creating Afrotalez, did you have any an experience coding?
No. I have no coding experience. My partner is the one who brings the tech experience.
What programming tools did you use to develop your apps?
I believe he uses software called “Gamemaker” which has its own unique language: “gml”. It makes development faster.
What is the hardest and favourite part in creating the apps?
My favourite part in the creation process is coming up with the stories to tell. In the case of AfroTalez, it’s like re-living my childhood. In the case of “Choices” it gives me a creative outlet to narrate my thoughts. The hardest part is squeezing out funding to pay for things we need for development.
What inspires you the need to develop apps?
Story-telling inspires me. I love stories; hearing them, reading them, writing them…
How much does it cost in terms of time and value (money) to create apps such as Choices and Afrotalez?
It has cost quite a bit actually. We spend almost all our spare time and spare cash on developing our apps. We are looking forward to the day when a charitable donor or partner will give us the funding we need to face app development squarely and do it with all our focus, energy and passion.
Awards and accolades so far?
Yep. We won the best entertainment and lifestyle app in the 2013 MTN app developer challenge, emerged as finalists in Mobile West Africa 2014 and She Leads Africa 2014. Not forgetting press mentions on most of the major tech blogs in Nigeria and Africa.
What advice do you have for people who want to create their own app?
It might be tough at first, but if it’s something you are passionate about, it is totally worth it.
