Working in Partnership with Brunel University to bridge the digital divide
The COVID-19 pandemic put the world on an unexpected pause. In
the UK we had to swiftly adjust to sudden lockdown enforcements,
resulting in us shifting to a digital working environment. The
education system has been completely disrupted by the pandemic
and as students, we have had to move away from the classroom
and solely rely on e-learning. For students all around the world
skills such as adaptability, independence and resilience have been
critical to the academic progress under these new circumstances.
The biggest hurdle has been accessing a stable internet connection,
while another barrier has been differing time zones between
students and lecturers. In addition to this, lecturers and students
who contracted COVID-19 have, in many instances, led to absence
from lectures and postponing deadlines. Yet, the barriers we face
here in the UK have been exacerbated in places with lack of access
to e-learning. This is particularly true for countless students in Global
South countries. As Global Challenge Students here at Brunel, our
own student experiences during the pandemic have inspired us to
work towards improving the quality of education in regions where it
is subpar.
Education is a fundamental human right and has become one of the
greatest global challenges we face today. Around 263 million children
are left without access to education, and according to a recent UNICEF report, the emergence of the coronavirus caused that number to leap
to 463 million. This figure accounts for approximately a third of the
world’s school children who do not have access to remote learning
and highlights the prevailing digital divide that enforces the barrier to
quality education worldwide. At a time where access to education is
most crucial, many young people are excluded from their right to an
education, and this is unacceptable.
In conjunction with the Steve Sinnott Foundation and the Gambia’s Teacher’s Union, we have devised a sustainable solution to improve the quality of education in the Gambia’s Lower River Region. Our aim is to enhance the classroom teaching experience by digitalising the classroom and introducing technology. After extensive research, we have advised the implementation of TV screens and laptops that function off a solar powered circuit, with learning materials being downloaded onto a USB stick to be transferred to in-classroom teaching. These screens will serve as visual aids, by allowing for educational videos to be displayed. We believe that this project will not only enhance the children’s learning experiences, but also build the foundation for a potential online learning environment which can then be replicated across the region.
Fundamentally we are working towards SDG 4, which aims to ensure a quality education that is both equitable and inclusive and to ultimately promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. The coronavirus pandemic and its uncertainty has shown us that digitalising education is essential in upholding a quality education. For that reason, it is crucial to bridge the gap of the existing digital divide to ensure that present and future generations can thrive successfully.
From Engage issue 22.
You can find out more about this project here with our previous update in December 2020.
CAMILLE LOVGREEN, JASHIKA NIRMALAN, CRAIG NELSON AND JIVAN SIDHU • October 27, 2021
On 23rd January at the Cima Community School of Hope (ECEC), the first workshop was held with the first group of students as part of the STEM program. This activity marks a promising start to the program's implementation. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) is crucial for children because it fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity from a young age. It nurtures natural curiosity, helps children understand the modern world, and builds resilience through hands-on experimentation. Additionally, early STEM exposure prepares them for future academic and career success. A total of 20 students participated in this first session. The session focused on a general presentation of the importance of computer programming in today's world. The students were also introduced to the Scratch software interface, an educational tool well-suited for teaching children programming. This initial experience went smoothly and generated considerable interest and strong motivation among the students.
At the Steve Sinnott Foundation, we know that planning for the future is one of the most important things you can do for the people and causes you care about. That’s why we’re delighted to offer our staff and volunteers the opportunity to write or update their will this Spring. Whether you’ve been meaning to get started for years, or you simply need to make a few updates, this is the perfect time to take that important step. Join Our Free Will Writing Webinar To help you get started, we’ve partnered with expert estate planners Octopus Legacy , who will be hosting a free webinar(s) covering everything you need to know about writing or updating your will. Staff & Volunteers 12pm, Thursday 5th March Online via Zoom - https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_uvirWft7S12lJUby6oUtnQ#/registration Supporters 12pm, Tuesday 10th March Online via Zoom - https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_xxJNZd6ZQYKMOs-2fNz0Gg#/registration During the session, you’ll learn: Why it’s important to have an up-to-date will What to consider when writing or updating your will The different types of will-writing services available How Lasting Powers of Attorney work and why they matter How to claim your free will this Spring This webinar is designed to make what can feel like a complex process simple, clear and manageable. Why Having a Will Matters Having an up-to-date will ensures your wishes are respected and your loved ones are protected. Without one, the law decides how your estate is distributed and that may not reflect what you would have wanted. A will gives you peace of mind. It allows you to: Provide clarity and security for your family Appoint guardians for children if needed Make specific gifts to individuals or causes Ensure your estate is handled efficiently Updating your will is just as important as writing one. Life changes marriages, children, property purchases, or changes in circumstances can all affect your wishes. Claim Your Free Will This Spring As part of this initiative, eligible staff and volunteers will have the opportunity to claim a free will-writing service. Full details will be shared during the webinar, including how to access this benefit. We encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity. Writing or updating your will is one of the most responsible and caring decisions you can make for yourself and for those you care about. Register Now Spaces are available now, simply register using the link below: Staff & Volunteers - https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_uvirWft7S12lJUby6oUtnQ#/registration Supporters - https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_xxJNZd6ZQYKMOs-2fNz0Gg#/registration We hope you’ll join us on Thursday 5th March and take this positive step towards securing your future.
In my time as an assistant at The Steve Sinnott Foundation (SSF), one of my research tasks was looking into how the Foundation contributed to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). I really believe in the work of the Foundation and I have also been raising funds as I believe that every child must have the right to education. SSF is a UK-based educational charity focused on promoting quality education worldwide. It plays a supportive role in achieving the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially Goal 4: (Quality Education), but its work contributes to several others as well. Here's how the Foundation supports the SDGs: Goal 4 – Quality education (core focus) The Foundation's main mission is to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. It supports teachers and educational initiatives in developing countries. It runs programmes like: The Education for All Campaign – advocating for universal access to education. Teacher empowerment projects – providing training and resources to educators in under-resourced countries. Girls' education programmes – encouraging and supporting girls to stay in school and complete their education. Goal 3 – Good health and well-being Through education, particularly health-related programmes, the Foundation contributes to raising awareness about hygiene, nutrition, and mental health. The Foundation has developed a range of webinars to promote health and wellbeing and these can be found on YouTube. Goal 5 – Gender equality The Foundation promotes girls' education, directly addressing barriers that prevent girls from accessing and completing school. It advocates for the rights of women and girls, especially in patriarchal or disadvantaged societies. Goal 8 – Decent work and economic growth By improving access to education and vocational training, the Foundation helps create employment opportunities. Educated individuals have better chances of securing decent work. Goal 10 – Reduced inequalities It supports marginalised groups, including children in rural or conflict-affected areas, contributing to reducing global inequalities in education. Goal 16 – Peace, justice and strong institutions Promotes education as a force for peace and conflict resolution. Supports democratic participation and awareness through educational programmes that foster community engagement. Goal 17 – Partnerships for the goals Collaborates with NGOs, unions, schools, and governments to deliver and advocate for education projects. Builds international partnerships to achieve the SDGs through education. Summary While The Steve Sinnott Foundation's primary focus is on Goal 4, it contributes to many of the SDGs by empowering communities through education, particularly: Gender equality (Goal 5), Health (Goal 3), Economic growth (Goal 8), Reducing inequality (Goal 10), Peace (Goal 16), and Partnerships (Goal 17). The Foundation’s programmes also contribute to the achievement of other SDGs through the power of the provision of education and life-long learning; 1. No Poverty, 2. Zero Hunger, 13. Climate Action. We believe that all of the 17 SDGs are only achievable by ensuring that all children, wherever they are born, deserve the human right of quality education. Over 250 million children are still out of school and the global out-of-school population has reduced by only 1% in nearly ten years, according to the UNESCO Global Education Monitoring Report 2024. There is still much work to do in achieving equitable and quality Education for All.
