INNOVATIVE INTERNATIONAL EFFORTS SUGGEST BRIGHT FUTURE

FOR EDUCATION

By Bahman Baktiari

INNOVATIVE INTERNATIONAL EFFORTS SUGGEST BRIGHT FUTURE FOR EDUCATION

The nonprofit group One Laptop Per Child recently utilized a new strategy to promote education among 6- and 7-year-olds in remote parts of Ethiopia where no teachers or schooling opportunities exist. The organization targeted children in two select Ethiopian villages and furnished tablet computers for the youngsters to use.

INNOVATIVE INTERNATIONAL EFFORTS SUGGEST BRIGHT FUTURE FOR EDUCATION

Early results prove promising. Despite having no prior exposure to written language, children could sing the alphabet song within weeks, and they even could use drawing applications to trace words they had learned. In many cases, the children “hacked” the devices, discovering how to use features that programmers had disabled.

INNOVATIVE INTERNATIONAL EFFORTS SUGGEST BRIGHT FUTURE FOR EDUCATION

Supporters of the initiative suggest that these results show that curious children, given access to the right tools, can teach themselves to read as well as teach themselves to learn. Because 100 million children around the world lack access to traditional education, the results from this pilot program have many international philanthropists excited and inspired. Education long has been seen as a path out of poverty, and providing it may be easier than ever before.

ABOUT BAHMAN BAKTIARI

As Executive Director of the International Foundation for Civil Society’s Middle East and North Africa division, Mr. Baktiari pays close attention to international efforts that promote learning and education. To keep others informed about developments relevant to the foundation, he maintains the group’s Twitter feed, @Baktiari.