I write about my Elite Thinking methodology to unleash the potential in teams across all sectors. It is a framework that emerges from positive psychology designed to build a world champion mindset. The framework is grounded in the belief that greater levels of self-awareness around the strengths of an individual builds sustainable success for individuals and teams. Whether it is an executive leadership team, sports team, or a school team, Elite Thinking is a solution-focused approach which entails identifying what creates a successful team, who the team is when they are at their best and then aiming to duplicate regularly.
My wife and I have run a non-profit for 15 years. We travel to some of the poorest parts of South Africa with young volunteers to work in the under-served communities. One of our focus areas is education.
We believe that the education can break the cycle of poverty.
However, the barriers are access and quality of learning.
Learning is limited to those who have access to school buildings. In the communities we work in, kids simply getting to school is a challenge.
We build day cares and train teachers so that children have access to decent early learning opportunities because these years are crucial to earnings and health later in life. However, quality is scarce in many primary schools. Teachers have virtually no resources and limited training. Even their own education has been inadequate to prepare students for a new economy and society.
As education continues to be a key driver of social mobility and health, the gaps between those who have access and those who don’t are widening.
Some answers
Ed tech labs can do their part in creating access to education for children across the world. There are many examples of government and the private sector collaborating to reach more students. The money and technology is there.
Adopt a class in another part of the world. Even simple zoom sessions, exchanging ideas with teachers, doing a common project will have a profoundly positive impact on all students.
Rethink what school should look like. Create partnerships with businesses to help students learn technical skills.
Most applications can be viewed on mobile phones which are ubiquitous even in underserved areas. These devices offer massive online learning opportunities with access to self-paced video courses, and free spaces like Kahn Academy.
There are ways school and business leaders can move from a school system where learning is restricted to a building to one that recognizes the power of technology and collaboration. A world where all have access to education and are included is possible!
Find us at The Simunye Project see @SimunyeUS or http://simunyeprojectus.org/