torus

A mobile bridge across the language barrier

A visionary 501 c(3) nonprofit from the USA helps immigrants and refugees learn English and navigate the US system. Through their mobile app, Torus facilitates transformative experiences of language and culture exchange.

10/10

NPS Score

xxx

yyy

An educational nonprofit based in Portland, OR, USA, dedicated to helping refugees and immigrants integrate into the US system primarily through English language education.

Initially, we’ve been connected by Tech to the Rescue. Torus has been a great match for us due to our expertise in EdTech. Our team deeply resonated with their mission to help refugees and immigrants, promote equal chances, and make education more accessible.

However, after the non-profit part of the project, Torus decided to engage us commercially. What were the deciding factors? Our deep understanding of the EdTech industry, technical skills, and business insight.
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Together, we developed a mobile application for React Native. This tool supports Torus's mission, providing vital resources for refugees and immigrants navigating their new lives in the United States.

Project Duration

08.2023 – 04.2024

Provided Services

Mobile app development
Advisory

What challenges did the client face?

At the beginning

Building a core functionality

Torus aimed to build a mobile app with a messenger functionality to connect volunteers (teachers) and learners (refugees, immigrants).

Managing an international team

Before our collaboration, Torus relied exclusively on a team of volunteers. They worked across multiple time zones and had limited availability.

Seeking an EdTech-savvy partner

Torus needed a partner who understands NGOs and has in-depth knowledge of the EdTech industry to accomplish its mission and goals.

Along the way

Balancing budget constraints with project goals

Since Torus is a nonprofit relying on grants and donations, each dollar must be well-spent and propel the business goals forward.

Introducing new technologies to the project

We chose FireCMS to maximize deployment efficiency, Firebase for the backend, and Google Translate API for translating messages.

Delivery process organization and optimization

By focusing on process optimization, we aimed to meet deadlines, enhance productivity, and deliver high-quality results.

How did we navigate the client for success?

We provided a messaging feature that was divided into two parts: group chats and individual chats. The end-users are volunteers who teach English and support learners with administrative issues (such as citizenship tests and driver's licenses) and the learners themselves.

Individual chats support sending text and voice messages, attaching and downloading files, translating messages, and more.

Group chats facilitate communication with multiple learners - simultaneously, assigning administrators and customizing chat details.

Additionally, we assisted Torus in building an MVP.
We created a task backlog, prioritized features, and advised on what must be done before the app’s release on Google Play and the App Store. We made essential technology choices, such as selecting a CMS. We configured Firebase, particularly Firebase App Distribution, to streamline deployments. This created a fast line for publishing the test versions for stakeholders frequently and efficiently.

A key aspect of the project was collaborating with an international team across different time zones. It included volunteers (on the Torus side), developers, and a Project Manager (Vazco). The PM's role was crucial due to the limited availability of the client-side team. Effective sprint scheduling, meeting coordination, and task visibility were essential for the project's success.

The team's perspective

"Managing an augmented, multicultural team across multiple time zones was our biggest challenge, especially at the project's start. We organized and tailored the process to meet the team's and project's needs.
Throughout the project, we focused on Torus's goals to build a community eager to learn and support each other. This focus motivated our team. Meanwhile, they had the opportunity to perfect their skills in React Native technology. Ramin [CEO / Executive Director of Torus] appreciated our motivation, technical expertise, and business acumen. It was an amazing journey to use technology for social good while growing together."

Iwona Janaszek

Project Manager at Vazco

Key features

Individual and group conversations

Translating messages into different languages

Voice and text messages

Sending and downloading attachments (e.g., photos)

Administration and customizable chat details for group conversations

Push notification system

feedback

The client’s opinion

“Their team has demonstrated a deep understanding of our organization's mission and goals. I want to commend Vazco for their commitment to social good and understanding of unique challenges faced by nonprofits like ours. Their dedication to leveraging technology for social good is truly commendable, and we are grateful for the partnership we have forged with them.”

Ramin Tokhi

CEO and Executive Director of Torus

What’s next?

We successfully delivered all the must-have features for the messaging feature. This success was validated by a perfect 10/10 NPS score and excellent feedback from CEO and Executive Director, Ramin Tokhi. Torus is eager to continue our partnership if further support is needed.

We will continue our long-standing partnership with Tech To The Rescue, leveraging technology as a powerful tool for social change. This project marks another milestone in our mission to revolutionize education, making it more accessible, engaging, and personalized.

Through initiatives like Torus, we are creating a more inclusive and welcoming world for people facing challenging circumstances. If you have the will and means to support Torus, please visit their website to make a donation.