Nurturing Purpose AI Lab
Innovating with purpose
Exploring how AI can become a force for good — empowering underserved communities through education, innovation, and access to technology.
A Collaborative Space for Human-Centered Innovation
The Nurturing Purpose AI Lab brings together professionals, educators, technologists, and community leaders to explore how Artificial Intelligence can become a tool for inclusion and empowerment. As a specialized subgroup of our Education and Technology Working Group, the AI Lab focuses on discovering, testing, and implementing ethical and accessible AI tools that strengthen learning, creativity, and opportunity across underserved communities.
Purpose and Vision
Our mission is to bridge the digital divide by using AI to create real, sustainable solutions that meet community needs. The Nurturing Purpose AI Lab works to identify practical applications — from improving education and digital literacy to enhancing health support and local entrepreneurship.
We also aim to educate local community members in the responsible use of AI, helping them discover new ways to generate income, optimize existing resources, and build long-term self-sufficiency. By making technology accessible and meaningful, we empower individuals to transform innovation into opportunity.
Together with our global partners, we’re shaping a future where technology serves people first — turning AI into a powerful ally for inclusion, dignity, and progress in every community we reach.
Meet Nuru, our first AI Lab project
NURU – The Nurturing Purpose virtual assistant
Our first initiative under the Nurturing Purpose AI Lab is Nuru, which means “Light” in Swahili — a symbol of guidance, clarity, and hope. Nuru is a virtual assistant designed to enlighten the path of everyone who connects with Nurturing Purpose. Through friendly and informed conversations, Nuru helps visitors explore how they can get involved, learn about our active campaigns, discover stories from our team and volunteers, and understand the diverse regional cultures where we serve.
Nuru is multilingual, able to address questions in English, Swahili, Tzutujil, Spanish, and other languages spoken in the communities where we operate — ensuring that everyone, everywhere, can engage, learn, and contribute meaningfully.
More than a chatbot, Nuru represents our vision of AI with purpose — technology that connects, educates, and inspires action. By bringing together information, empathy, and innovation, Nuru illuminates new ways for people around the world to engage and make a meaningful difference.
What Nuru can do
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Guide Visitors
Nuru helps visitors explore how they can get involved — from volunteering and donating to sharing their expertise or joining our working groups.
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Share Campaign Updates
Stay informed about active initiatives in Nepal, Tanzania, Guatemala, India, Argentina, and beyond, including ways to participate or support ongoing projects.
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Introduce Our Team
Nuru connects visitors with the people behind Nurturing Purpose — our board, advisors, and volunteers — sharing their stories and impact.
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Celebrate Local Culture
Through conversations, Nuru highlights the diverse traditions, languages, and values of the communities we serve — fostering understanding and unity across cultures.
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Speak in Many Languages
To truly engage with people where they are, Nuru communicates in English, Swahili, Tzutujil, and other local languages — ensuring that everyone, everywhere, feels seen, heard, and included.