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Education stands as both a fundamental human right and a powerful driver of development, capable of addressing global crises spanning poverty, inequality, health, and peace. It remains pivotal in securing an equitable and inclusive future for all. Despite this significance, approximately 6 out of 20 children globally face illiteracy or other forms of learning poverty. In low- and middle-income countries, this figure increases to an estimated 7 out of 10 children unable to read or comprehend simple texts by the age of 10. According to a World Bank report, prolonged school closures, inadequate mitigation measures, and household income shocks were primary factors intensifying learning poverty in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC).
TECHNOLOGY AIDING PPP
A public-private partnership (PPP) is a long-term arrangement between a government and private sector institutions. Addressing widespread issues, especially in challenging-to-access areas, poses significant difficulties. Fortunately, technology emerges as a vital tool capable of reshaping the educational landscape, offering equal opportunities to students regardless of their geographical or socioeconomic backgrounds. The transformative power of technology and the internet lies in their ability to bridge educational disparities, granting access to boundless information and knowledge. To fully leverage technology's transformative potential, collaboration between the public and private sectors becomes essential.
PUBLIC SECTOR: THE WORLD BANK
The public sector plays a pivotal role in shaping policies, allocating funds, and fostering an environment conducive to technological integration in education. The World Bank has been a key player in supporting educational technology initiatives worldwide. Through various global initiatives and programs, the World Bank aims to provide financial resources, technical expertise, and policy guidance, aiding countries in developing and implementing technology-driven education strategies. Collaborating closely with governments and local stakeholders, the World Bank establishes robust relationships, crafting effective infrastructures to harness technology in education. However, it is crucial to recognize the shared responsibilities of both the public and private sectors. While the public sector comprises government bodies and international organizations, both entities play indispensable roles in advancing education through technological means.
PRIVATE SECTOR: DASARAN IN ARMENIA
The private sector, including technology companies, ed-tech startups, and service providers, brings to the table technological expertise. Organizations within the private sector are responsible for developing state-of-the-art tools, platforms, and software, all of which have the power to enhance teaching and learning experiences to a new level. One example of how the private sector can make an effort toward technology and education can be seen in Armenia. In a country of 3 million people, over 35% of children from low-income families drop out of the education system, as reported by UNESCO. Established in 2009, DASARAN, an ed-tech company, aimed to equalize education by creating an accessible learning platform connecting students, teachers, parents, and government entities. Serving as an affordable tool, DASARAN facilitates data collection, communication, and access to high-quality educational content. Successfully integrated into the education system, it impacts around one-third of Armenia's population, benefiting approximately 1 million individuals.
To address crucial issues like extreme poverty, focusing on education and human capital development is essential. Ending the learning crisis and learning poverty stand as key goals in this endeavor. Collaboration among stakeholders, both from the public and private sectors, is crucial for success. It not only expands available resources but also encourages creative and innovative solutions. DASARAN is a GREAT example of how successful collaborations between the public and private sectors can foster innovation, create creative solutions, and benefit the GREATer good. It is through collaboration, unified goals, aligned strategies, and putting one another’s strengths to use that we can overcome challenges and find impactful solutions.
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