Using Internet to Promote Progressive Education in Haiti
Convener, Erik Badger
Participants: Kent Annan, Jean Claude Cerin and John Engle
http://Kiva.com is an example of how people and projects are getting connected via online spaces.
Kiva means “unity” in Kenyan.
It is a successful scheme for using internet to connect people who want to make loans to micro enterprises. It has been successful. Can we use the same model but have people contribute to/or invest in education and not expect to be paid back?
Other examples where this is done:
It seems that this is an opportunity that needs to be exploited.
People are begging to find ways to help: resources, teacher exchange, etc.
Listing needs/initiatives/projects that meet certain criteria and inviting donors to fund them. Ideally, there would also be systems of follow-up and accountability. There could also be included in the website and opportunities or things that donors/volunteers want to give.
The website could also be loaded with resources for people involved and committed to education for all in Haiti. On resources homepage, there could be these categories:
Classic Education
Non-Formal Education
Church Education
Here is text describing what this project might look like: ChangingBorders
Jean Claude spoke a bit about the Consortium for private education being formed.
Consortium is getting additional visibility. Unibank wants to be sponsor.
Last year they brought together 600 educators for three days. Their focus now is advocacy for better access and improving quality.
FONHEP has a program working in non-formal education; an accelerated program to take over-aged children to take three years to do what normally takes children 6-9 years.