EDUNITE : Connecting Communities for Accessible, Inclusive,and Sustainable Primary Education Through Collaborative Digital Innovation

Abstract

Equitable access to basic education remains a challenge in developing countries, particularly in rural and remote areas with limited infrastructure and economic constraints that hinder students’ participation in supplementary learning. This study aims to address these challenges by developing Edunite, a community- based, free tutoring application designed to improve access to quality education for elementary students from low-income families in Batu City, Indonesia. Employing a Research and Development (R&D) approach with the ADDIE model (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation), the research involved needs analysis through observation and interviews in two sub-districts, Bumiaji and Junrejo, to identify barriers such as insufficient parental support and school funding. The Edunite application was collaboratively designed to facilitate digital learning, volunteer training, and donor involvement, with features tailored to local needs and infrastructure. Findings indicate that digitalization and community collaboration enhance student engagement, motivation, and learning outcomes, while also fostering an inclusive educational environment. The study concludes that the Edunite application, supported by effective policy, technology infrastructure, and volunteer training, can significantly improve access to supplementary education and contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goals in education and social equity. Edunite serves as a replicable model for other regions facing similar educational challenges