What if every student had a patient tutor—one that fits in their pocket and never gives up on them?Tamzid Rahman knows what it’s like to be left behind by the education system. At 13, he failed a math exam—not from lack of effort, but because no one stopped to explain fractions in a way he could feel. His turning point came when his uncle tore a roti into pieces, transforming abstract numbers into something tangible. That moment sparked a lifelong question: How can we give every student the breakthrough they deserve?In this visionary talk, Tamzid reveals how AI-powered, low-bandwidth tools like Borno AI—designed for Bangladesh’s 40 million students—are turning pockets into classrooms. By combining mastery learning, offline accessibility, and Bengali-language support, these systems act as tireless digital tutors: adapting to each learner’s pace, offering hints without judgment, and reigniting the confidence crushed by rigid curricula.The result? A future where:No child falls through the cracks because a chapter moved too fast.Teachers are empowered, not replaced, by technology that handles grading so they can focus on mentoring.Learning becomes a journey, not a race—rewarding effort over speed.Tamzid’s message is clear: Education’s next revolution won’t start in Silicon Valley. It will begin in living rooms, tea stalls, and villages—where tools meet grit, and every “I don’t get it” becomes “I can do this.” Tamzid Rahman is a 17‑year‑old high‑school student and social entrepreneur from Dhaka, Bangladesh. He founded BloodLink, the nation’s first and largest peer‑to‑peer blood‑donation platform. Using real‑time matching, geolocation, and SMS alerts, BloodLink instantly connects voluntary donors with patients in need, and has enabled thousands of lifesaving transfusions. Tamzid’s work has sparked a growing movement of youth donors and raised public awareness about safe blood practices. In recognition of his impact, he received the 2024 Diana Award and was named a Top 30 finalist for the International Children’s Peace Prize. Beyond BloodLink, he mentors student innovators, speaks at schools and hackathons, and campaigns for SDG 3 (Good Health & Well‑being). Balancing classes with activism, he is preparing for his Higher Secondary Certificate exams while prototyping new tech solutions for community health. Tamzid aims to ensure that no life in Bangladesh is ever lost for want of safe blood. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
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