The World Bank is predicting a 10 percent increase in the number of primary school aged students living in learning poverty due to pandemic school closures. That’s 63 percent of children in low- and middle-income countries missing an education. They propose investing now in education technology (EdTech) to change how learning is delivered and make the system more resilient. However, they acknowledge that digital divides amplify learning inequalities.*

Photo Start was created to teach students a variety of skills that would help them secure legitimate employment on any career path. Our curriculum has always included digital skills – from photo and video editing to creating and posting social media content to managing equipment and budgets with spreadsheets. Students not only gain experience using EdTech, they learn creative thinking and how to see things from different perspectives, which are key ingredients for innovation.

Our four program pillars (Education, Experiences, Equipment, and Exhibits) offer STEAM curricula and digital skills that intersect with World Bank’s EdTech map. Our students will be well equipped to contribute to this ecosystem!

Now about that digital divide. Photo Start took our multimedia classes online earlier this year, but that left more than half of our students on hiatus due to lack of a home computer and internet connection or mobile device. We have pledged to raise $50,000 for equipment to keep our students engaged in learning while safe at home. If you’d like to help with cash or your used iPads, tablets, smartphones and laptops, head over to our donation page.

* Source: World Bank, Reimagining Human Connections: Technology and Innovation in Education at the World Bank