In a move to combine education with wellness, Cisco Systems has launched a new suite of wearable technology aimed at schoolchildren in Africa. Dubbed the “Scan, Eat, Learn” project, the wearable devices are being piloted in Kenya and Ghana, with plans to expand across five more countries by the end of the year.

Each wristband device allows children to track their daily nutrition, receive learning prompts, and log attendance through contactless scanning at school gates. The project is being implemented in partnership with local NGOs and ministries of education, targeting schools in underserved communities.

Cisco’s Regional Director for Sub-Saharan Africa, Linda Ochieng, described the initiative as “an intersection of health tech and edtech.” She added, “We believe students learn best when they’re well-fed and engaged. These devices help address both needs.”
Teachers involved in the pilot say the wearables have made a big difference in monitoring student participation and health habits. Some schools have already reported increased attendance and better lunchtime coordination as a result of the program.