eLearning centre in Jangwani Secondary School in Tanzania. Photo: John Fitzsimons
Today is World Humanitarian Day, a day for celebrating those around the world who are striving to improve the lives of those living in poverty. And so, today, we choose to celebrate Camara Education.
Camara Education embodies the very spirit of what World Humanitarian Day honours, using technology to deliver 21st-century skills, and thereby improve education and employability in some of the world’s most disadvantaged communities.
Speaking at the launch of the 2014 Camara Education Annual Report, Camara CEO John Fitzsimons said: “Poverty is unacceptable. Education is the key to its eradication and technology has the ability to improve the quality of education.”
Camara Education focuses on providing equal learning opportunities to children in the developing world.
Through this programme, schools in disadvantaged communities are given computers, enabling local teachers – who receive training from Camara – to provide lifelong skills for students.
“[Students] are hungry for knowledge and adapt quickly to this new digital world at their fingertips,” said Fitzsimons. “It’s a new experience, but their excitement and curiosity help take them to the next level. By using technology to simplify learning in the classroom, we can help build confidence and skills in our youth and give them the tools to be leaders and role models in their communities.”
It’s easy to say that what you’re doing is making a difference, but, in Camara’s case, it’s the truth.
Sheila, a student at Jangwani Secondary School in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, sees a bright future as a result of her interactions with technology in the classroom. She said: “Technology is important in my education because it helps me to become an innovator.”
Of course, Camara’s work is nowhere near done and the challenges facing them are astronomical. Many rural schools in developing countries are without electricity and internet access.
But Camara remains unfazed.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the charity said: “We are working to overcome these barriers and provide better education platforms for those in disadvantaged communities. It’s time to empower the next generation of youths in these communities and help them to fulfil their potential.”
Here’s to you, Camara, and happy World Humanitarian Day!
