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The Challenge

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How might we increase the availability of affordable learning tools & services for students in the developing world? Read the challenge brief

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Create a community board of tradespeople that already have the real-world tools and processes to teach kids about science, math, and other subjects. Take subjects out of the classroom for activities that would be costly if conducted within schools -- science, for example, could find a new home with a baker, a dry cleaner, or even a housekeeper. This would educate kids and engage community members and give them a stake in the school.
In the classroom, kids could learn about what makes dough rise, how clothes get cleaned with chemicals and/or soap, and what makes cleaning products work. Then, they could go out into the community and see these things all around them, eliminating the need for expensive equipment and encouraging community members to teach children about their surroundings.

Who would implement this?

  1. A local entrepreneur or small organization
  2. NGOs and Foundations

Cost

It reduces classroom materials and uses what's already there -- daily life.

Distribution & Delivery

I'd form a council of parents that were willing to serve as the first outside-of-school mentors. I'd incentivize the mentors in some way -- either with a small payment or by showing them the difference they're making in kids' progress and understanding.

Adoption

Without knowing India intimately, it's hard to say. I'd use the community-based networks that are the most efficient at spreading news. I might also work with business owners to educate them about the everyday science, math, and language skills that they're using and might be able to share.

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Justin Kurtz

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November 12, 2010, 05:00PM
This is along the best path. If you create a trade/barter program for education and get education out of the classroom where in the US kids are NOT learning and back to real examples we can find success. There are plenty of classes that can be taught about the basics of science, and math in learning how to cook. You have weights measures, the science of adding heat to liguids, to make solids (baking) all those things are the basics of alchemy and science. You could also offer a trade program for the teachers to give incentives to people to become teachers. If you teach x number of classes you get credit to take x number of classes. Education does not end at 18 it is a lifelong experience
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