09/08, 11:00 ص–11:25 ص (Poland), Warsaw (20+24)(interpretation)
اللغة: English
The Kiwix4Schools Program, led by Open Foundation West Africa, aims to democratize education by providing free, accessible content to schools across Africa. Collaborating with Wikimedia Foundation, Kiwix, and British Council Ghana, we're refining the program to align with SDG4, Africa Union's Agenda 2063 and Ghana's Education Strategic Plan. This abstract explores our efforts to enhance teaching quality, eliminate barriers to online learning, and empower educators and learners. Through strategic partnerships and innovative approaches, we're catalyzing positive change in education, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive.
In an era where information is readily available, access to quality education remains a privilege for many. For the past four years, Open Foundation West Africa has been on a mission to change this narrative through the Kiwix4Schools Program. This groundbreaking initiative aims to bring free, offline educational content to schools across Africa and beyond, bridging the digital divide and ensuring equal access to knowledge.
The Kiwix4Schools Program has transcended the borders of Ghana, inspiring communities across the continent. Recognizing the growing demand, Open Foundation West Africa launched the Kiwix4Schools Africa Mentorship Program in 2023. The response was overwhelming, with 200 participants registering from various African countries. Ultimately, 64 Kiwix4Schools Ambassadors, representing 20 African nations, successfully completed the program, taking the torch of knowledge to their respective communities.
Consequently, the Kiwix4Schools Program has been piloted in five countries: South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Nigeria, and Burundi. As the program's implementation progressed, it became evident that a pause for reflection and strategic realignment was necessary to ensure its long-term success and impact.
In collaboration with the Wikimedia Foundation, Open Foundation West Africa has undertaken a comprehensive restructuring of the Kiwix4Schools program. The revised objectives align with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4), African Union's Agenda 2063, Ghana's Education Strategic Plan (ESP), and EduWiki's theory of change. The core goals are:
1.Make educational content freely and easily accessible to educators and learners in schools.
2.Remove accessibility barriers to online educational content, such as high internet costs and poor connectivity, using the Kiwix offline reader.
3.Improve teaching and learning outcomes in junior and senior high schools.
4.Revitalize the teaching profession to ensure quality and relevance at all levels.
5.By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development.
6.Strengthen science and math curricula and disseminate scientific knowledge and the culture of science in African societies.
Years of implementation and feedback from users have led to the identification of crucial gaps, which have been confirmed and refined through initial research during the alignment process. These gaps include:
Quality of Teaching: Metrics related to teacher qualifications, teacher training effectiveness, and teacher retention rates.
Overall, the current implementation seems to be focused more on learners and gives little room for teachers to operate effectively.
To address these gaps and ensure effective and efficient teaching and learning, Open Foundation West Africa has partnered with the Wikimedia Foundation, Kiwix, and the British Council Ghana. Together, they are developing strategies to leverage the power of the Kiwix software and offline educational content to empower teachers and students alike.
This presentation will provide an update on the program's progress, discuss the challenges faced, and explore potential partnerships to help make this initiative a success. The Kiwix4Schools Program recognizes that achieving its ambitious goals cannot be accomplished alone and so we call for partnerships and collaborations.
Session recording: https://www.youtube.com/live/wLgxZTcjhjY?si=z38RkbZG2iMbG9FH&t=6060
This presentation proposal aligns perfectly with the event's theme "collaboration of the open" by showcasing how multiple organizations are coming together to address a critical issue: access to quality education. The collaboration between Open Foundation West Africa, Wikimedia Foundation, Kiwix, and British Council Ghana demonstrates how diverse stakeholders can work together towards a common goal. By leveraging each organization's expertise and resources, they are creating a comprehensive solution to democratize education across Africa. This presentation highlights the power of collaboration within the open community to drive positive change and make a meaningful impact on society.
ما هو مستوى الخبرة المطلوب للجمهور لحضور جلستكم؟ سيظهر هذا علنًا. –Everyone can participate in this session
كيف تخططون لتقديم هذه الجلسة؟ سيُطلب منكم تأكيد هذا قرب تاريخ المؤتمر في حالة تغير –Onsite in Katowice
ما هي الإطارات أو المواضيع الأخرى التي تندرج في جلستكم؟ يرجى الاختيار من القائمة أدناه. سيظهر هذا علنًا. –Collaboration, Capacity building, Product development
I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Geography from the University of Ghana, as well as an MSc. in Management and Human Resource Strategy from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, both located in Ghana. Since March 2023, I have served as the Executive Director of Open Foundation West Africa, where I am deeply committed to advancing educational opportunities and leveraging technology to empower communities across the region.
Through my engagement with the Wikimedia movement, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of collaborative knowledge sharing and the importance of making educational resources freely accessible to all. I am passionate about leveraging technology and open collaboration to address educational inequities and empower individuals to reach their full potential.
I have actively participated in various community engagement activities aimed at promoting education, empowerment, and social change. These community engagements often involve collaborating with local organizations, schools, and community leaders to identify needs and develop tailored solutions to address them. Whether it's organizing educational workshops, facilitating community dialogues, or leading volunteer initiatives, I believe in the power of community-driven initiatives to create positive impact and foster sustainable development.