What would you do with all the money in the world?
When a father was once asked this question, his answer was simple:
“I would educate my children.”
From that wish, Luma was born, a Whats App learning platform built to make high-quality education accessible to every child in Africa, no matter where they live, what school they attend, or the resources available to them. This vision has grown into the Luma Learn Foundation NPC, led by founders Chris Folayan, James Barnard and Matt Cornelius, who are determined to change the way learners prepare for exams and unlock their futures.
But this year, they took that dream far beyond the screen.
They took it on the road.
100 Schools. 30 Days. 5,000 Kilometres. An Unforgettable National Education Tour.
In October and November 2025, the Luma team packed their equipment, charged their devices, and climbed into a car that would carry them across South Africa on a journey to visit 100 schools in 30 days, covering more than 5,000 kilometres.
Their aim:
To bring Luma directly to the learners, teachers, and communities who need it most.
Across KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, Gauteng, and the Free State – from large urban schools to small rural classrooms – the team introduced thousands of learners to Luma’s free study resources, showing them how to revise efficiently, how to prepare for exams using the platform, and how to believe in themselves as they work toward better futures.
At each stop, the team shared stories, captured new ones, conducted interviews, and built relationships. They listened to what learners struggle with. They offered guidance to teachers who often carry entire communities on their shoulders. And they reminded parents that their hopes for their children are shared and supported.
The road trip schedule was intense, but the Luma Team Gees as well as the heart behind what they are doing got them through – early mornings in Durban classrooms, scenic reflection stops in Clarens, youth-led interviews in Johannesburg, rural partnerships in Zululand, and a final celebration week in Gauteng. Yet everywhere they went, the response was the same:
“We need this.”
“We want to learn.”
“Thank you for coming to us.”
Moments That Changed Them
Throughout the trip, there were countless moments that left James and Matt deeply moved.
Whether it was hearing from a Grade 12 student who studies by candlelight or watching a classroom of learner’s cheer as they mastered a topic they had been struggling with, the Luma team were reminded, again and again, of why this work matters. This wasn’t just a road trip. It was a reminder of what is possible when innovation meets grit, hope meets action, and education meets opportunity.
Why This Journey Needs a Village
Although Luma is free for learners, the journey to bring it into classrooms carries real costs. The team calculated that each kilometre of this nationwide tour cost about R35, covering fuel, travel, equipment, and the educational materials they delivered along the way.
Every kilometer funded helped Luma reach one more classroom.
One more learner.
One more future changed.
And while the national tour may be complete, the need is not. Luma aims to continue expanding access, deepening its support for rural and township schools, and uplifting learners in communities that have long been left behind.
This is where the BackaBuddy community steps in.
Supporters can sponsor kilometers, sponsor future school visits, help increase Luma’s reach, or contribute to the operational capacity needed to grow their impact sustainably. Every donation, whether R35 or R3500, is a step further along the road toward equalising education.
What Comes Next: A Bigger Partnership, A Bigger Dream
Something exciting is taking shape behind the scenes.
BackaBuddy and Luma are collaborating closely to build a long-term recurring giving model, a sustainable funding stream that will help the Luma Learn Foundation keep showing up for learners year after year.
We won’t reveal too much just yet… but keep your eyes on this space. Big things are coming, and they involve thousands more children gaining access to the tools they need to succeed.
Join the Journey
If education is the key to unlocking opportunity, then Luma is the hand holding that key toward the future – and this road trip has shown that when communities rally behind education, real transformation is possible.
To support Luma’s mission, visit their BackaBuddy campaign page here:
👉 https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/luma-learn
If you can’t donate, sharing their link with your network goes a long way in helping them reach the next school, the next child, the next big dream.