Technology has connected us more than ever. WGI is taking advantage of that to spread literacy to every part of the globe.
Official global press announcement of the launch of Lyra on GE’s website.
The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 forced WGI to halt all in-person programming, bringing the organization to a standstill. In response to this unprecedented challenge WGI called on long standing partner, General Electric, to find a solution.
Together with GE, WGI launched Lyra, an innovative mobile app designed to teach the same literacy skills that were previously delivered at in-person programs. GE provided mobile designers, developers, global PR support and more. This was significant as at the time GE was one of the largest companies in the world.
Users showcase version one of Lyra
From 2020 through 2022 WGI focused on rolling out the first version of Lyra across the globe. This rollout included a remote school in Telangana, India, where Lyra became an integral part of classroom learning. However, Lyra's initial launch encountered several design and technological challenges that limited its impact. Issues such as the app's initial design not being well-received and the lack of sufficient lessons were identified, highlighting the need for significant improvements.
Screengrabs of version one of Lyra
More determined than ever to see impact, we returned to the drawing board to rebuild Lyra from the ground up. Over the past year we've reimagined Lyra with an all-new space-themed design, over one hundred literacy lessons covering three years of in-class instruction, and more. The most exciting addition is a new animated Lyra mascot leading the journey within the app, accompanied by a cast of characters who teach users to read and write.
Login screen from version two of Lyra
Now WGI is launching Lyra Version 2 this Fall 2024, reaffirming our mission to teach one billion children to read.
The starring cast of version two of Lyra, led by Lyra the Star (far left with shine)
Lesson screen from version two of Lyra