Olivier Camino’s Post

Despite the widespread belief that schools should be solely responsible for providing high-quality, all-encompassing education to kids in order to prepare them for life, this rarely occurs given the dynamic nature of social life and the limitations that schools have in terms of staff motivation, time, and resources. School-to-school or NGO relationships, which are invested in particular communities with particular issues, have shown to be effective coping-collaborative mechanisms in the development of strong communities with morally upright and educated students. For example, collaborations between schools and NGOs are essential to improving student growth and learning. Through these partnerships, real-world knowledge is brought into the classroom, giving students access to diverse viewpoints and practical experiences. NGOs supplement standard courses with invaluable resources, mentorship programmes, and specialised knowledge. These collaborations help students discover a variety of employment options, encourage civic involvement, and develop crucial 21st-century skills, bridging theory with practice. At the least, these alliances create well-rounded, socially conscious learners prepared for future challenges and opportunities in an interconnected world. We are thrilled and motivated to constantly encourage NGOs to extend their support services to schools, offering educational programmes that would not have been possible without them, since when collaborative partnerships are done well, everyone can prosper. For instance, among many other fantastic programs of this kind, our #Entreprise#Education or #Money #Lab #Club activities are made to help schools teach lessons on important entrepreneurship, finance, and life skills that are not covered by the curriculum. All of them may seem helpful as well, but not much research has been done to accurately evaluate the difficulties or the impact of the support these NGOs bring to the table. As it stands, despite the benefits of these enriching partnerships, some fail to maximise potential or even end prematurely. These typically result from unclear partnership operations, restricted access to the premises and inefficient use of time and resources, a lack of accountability and responsibility on the part of the host school or NGO, and potential conflicts that may arise from subpar relationship management—which are typically made worse by the highly bureaucratic structure of the school or NGO. Despite all this, we believe that it is critical to promote these collaborations and also understand the role of these school support programmes and the stakeholder responsibilities to fully exploit their benefits to the school/NGO. If you would like to collaborate, conduct research on these issues, or adopt our Enterprise Education or Financial Literacy Programme in your school, do let us know. #Teach2Connect #Publicprivatepartnerships

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has." This morning we unveil three remarkable leaders from the world of education who exemplify what Margaret Mead meant in the above quote. I am excited that this year's World Education Medals are awarded to: Angeline Murimirwa is awarded the Africa Education Medal. Angie is the CEO of CAMFED - Campaign for Female Education, a pan-African, grassroots-led NGO that tackles poverty, inequality and injustice through girls’ education and women’s leadership. Murimirwa herself was one of the first girls supported by CAMFED to go to secondary school in Zimbabwe, and understands from first-hand experience the hurdles girls face in accessing education. Now CAMFED’s CEO, she is uniquely positioned to bring the expertise of girls and women once excluded from education to inform policy and strategy at every level. Baela Jamil is awarded the Asia Education Medal. Baela is the CEO of Idara-e-Taleem-o-Aagahi (ITA) (Centre for Education and Consciousness) in Pakistan, whose mission is to build a nationwide social movement for progressive education, learning and life skills for all children, adolescents and youth inclusively through evidence, innovations, digital solutions and partnerships. A public policy specialist and activist, Jamil has led social movements for early childhood education, girls' education, and education in emergencies. Her contributions to education saw her nominated for the Sitara-e-Imtiaz, one of Pakistan's highest civilian honours.  Freddy Vega is awarded the Latin America Education Medal. Freddy is the Founder and CEO of Platzi, the largest tech school in Latin America. Today, every startup in the region has Platzi students and every country has founders who studied at Platzi. Platzi is the largest professional education platform in the Spanish-speaking world and one of the most important online communities specialising in technology and digital skills in Latin America. It has been recognised as #40 in TIME magazine’s top EdTech companies in the world. The company has served over 5 million students from across more than 85 nations and works with over 3,500 companies in training and upskilling their talent force. The World Education Medals honour the leaders working tirelessly to transform education in the places where learning gaps are greatest. To meet UN Sustainable Development Goal 4 of universal quality education, to end learning poverty, close learning gaps, and unlock these continents’ potential, we must give a platform to changemakers from across society who are making a real difference. Congratulations to our 2024 Medallists Angeline Murimirwa, Baela Jamil and Freddy Vega. The world, has so much to learn from your inspirational examples. I thank our Founding Partner, HP and Mayank Dhingra for their partnership in this initiative. #WorldEduMedals #education

(1/3) Future of Education Systems -- Last Saturday, I spoke at the panel hosted by Yen-Lu Chow's Asia Institute of Mentoring (AIM). It was designed with EveryChild.SG, titled "Crafting a Future-Ready Education System - for Every Child". The discussion was fun and furious at times, which lends excitement to the rhythm. I wish it was longer. We did touch on several points, which I hope can be turned into long-term vision planning for SG's future. (By the way, given how fast tech moves social interactions, long term now is probably 5 years. Wink.) The session is recorded and available to AIM members. A shout-out for the organisation : //Asia Institute of Mentoring (AIM) is a non-profit volunteer based organization with a mission to bring mentoring to the spotlight in Asia, raise the quality of mentors and the standard of mentoring, bringing mentoring to all facets of society to impact millions of lives. We are committed to create an Asia-based people-powered mentoring movement to move people … to learn, to share, to give forward, to transform, to harness the deep human potential, and create social impact – bringing about a kinder, gentler, more inclusive, just and sustainable world for all.// Join them as a member : https://lnkd.in/gpNDZYuW - Ps. I got a glimpse of how Yen works. He is fast, bold, and compassionate. My personality would find him comfortable and open-minded to hang with. I can imagine young leaders, especially policy makers, mentored under Yen. ;)

My lips are pursed, because as I age, the more I realize there are no clear-cut solutions and answers to life's many problems.  Because, the human life is messy, humans complex and multi-faceted, light and darkness, sins and mercies. The causes of suffering are inter-linked. What we see as this phenomena called life, is an inter-connected web of events, an inter-play of cause and effect from many parties, seen and unseen, known and unknown.  Like pinballs in a pinball machine, we rely on our limited viewpoints and perspective, pushing others around, being pushed around by others, in states of being passive, or active, or somewhere in between.  In my 20 years in education, life has brought me to many places. I've realised my life path is somewhat nomadic, and in my adventures, I am blessed to have travelled and seen many aspects of education in varying contexts:  1. Singapore MOE classrooms  2. Singapore MOE middle leadership  3. Singapore MOE HQ schools division, the epicentre of MOE, the neck between research (theory) and policy implementation (ground) 4. USA Harvard education ideals  5. USA Boston public schools  6. USA Boston special needs classroom  7. Singapore NIE Office of Education Research, the epicentre of 40 years of NIE education research  8. Singapore private education centres classroom space (high ses early childhood centre, neighbourhood tuition centre franchise, enrichment centres, tuition centres, home-based tuition, low ses non-profit organisations, preschools, running my own education space) 9. Interact and work with teachers who were from China, and have an inside scoop into how they think about education.. 10. Public schools in China, schools in third world countries  11. Children rights advocates, Homeschooling experts...  12. Private education research bodies 13. Mother of a school going beautiful girl  My point here, is not about my greatness. Nobody is great before God!  My point here is, if we were to make things better in MOE schools, that our children grow up happy, creative, living God’s plans for them, emotionally resilient, with deep rigorous content knowledge,  we REALLY need to talk to each other,  and hear each other DEEPLY.  .... Listen.  Listen.  Listen to yourself, Listen to each other.  Listen.  Then speak,  Speak gently, Speak truthfully, Speak authentically, speak courageously…. ... Seek truth, value truth over being right,  and the TRUTH would surface,  and when the truth surface,  peace prevails.  My prayers for the children of Singapore, before and after. May they always be well and happy, with a sparkle in their eyes for learning! May they leap out of bed for school, everyday of their life.

21st Century Foundation is a non-profit entity with a vision to consciously contribute to breaking poverty cycles by fostering academic growth and entrepreneurial mindsets among learners in under-served communities, broadening their future opportunities.   In the spirit of ubuntu – of coming together and lifting each other up – we invite you to join us on this journey by partnering with us for our Career & Entrepreneurship Expo which is taking place on 31st August 2024 at our adopted school, Fons Luminis, in Diepkloof Soweto.   This significant day, part of our Education Uplifting Ikasi program, aims to inspire and educate our young women and men, preparing them for the future with the tools and knowledge they need to pursue their passions and talents in a diversity of career streams … not only in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) but also in the arts, sports, entrepreneurship, and social innovation.   How can you help? Your involvement on the day of the Expo would be invaluable in offering our learners exposure to diverse career paths, entrepreneurial opportunities, and the importance of community collaboration. We are welcoming interactive and stimulating exhibits, activities, and games that can captivate and educate our learners, providing them with a hands-on experience that could shape their future career choices; presentation of your products and offerings; co-sponsorships (including food and drinks for the learners); and motivational speaking.   In addition, we are always looking for post-Expo collaborations, which could include (for example) donations of education materials and stationery, teacher coaching and mentoring, ‘adopting a grade’, extra-curricula programmes, and school infrastructure maintenance support.   For more information on the Career & Entrepreneurship Expo, the 21st Century Foundation, and ways that you can assist, please see our website at https://lnkd.in/dgdKQ5c7 #education #youthdevelopment #soweto #careerexpo #entrepreneurship 21st Century

It was my great pleasure to moderate an amazing panel on Crafting a Future-Ready Education System - for Every Child this past Saturday. Aarathi Arumugam Dawn Fung Pamela See Pooja B. Raelynn Yuanhui Chen As a panel, we explored together these critical questions: 1) Is our Singapore education system really nurturing every child to their fullest? Are we building their creativity, critical thinking, mental resilience and social-emotional skills, to meet the challenges of their and Singapore’s future? 2) Where does education needs to go, to meet the challenges of the impending 5th Industrial Revolution? 3) How do make education more relevant for the 21st century - for every child? There is no simple answer to these questions as the world as we know it is changing so rapidly with so many challenges (both known and unknown). One thing we all agreed on: an education system that was rooted in the ideals of the First Industrial Revolution (mass production, one-size-fits-all) some 50 years ago is no longer fit for purpose in helping our kids to flourish as human beings - and perhaps more importantly - empower them to meet the challenges of their future - and by extension the future of the nation. It was an electric and enlightening conversation. The full video recording of the webinar will be made available. Lawrence Wong Chan Chun Sing Alvin Tan

DO YOU TEACH OR SERVE AND AN ADIN AT AN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL? (OR WORK IN EdTech) Share your thoughts? Giving wealthy students at wealthy international schools even more modern advantages does little to serve the common good of the world. Instead, it perpetuates and expands a market that primarily enriches education and #EdTech companies in the West. This market-driven approach to education often prioritizes profit over genuine learning and equity, creating a cycle where resources are continuously funneled towards those who already have access to ample educational opportunities. This system contributes to a growing disparity in educational access and quality. While students in affluent schools receive cutting-edge technology and resources, students in impoverished areas, often still grappling with the lingering effects of colonialism, are left behind. These disparities exacerbate existing inequalities, making it harder for marginalized communities to catch up and benefit from the same educational advancements. Moreover, this dynamic reinforces the arrogance and paternalism often associated with the White Savior Complex. Wealthy donors and institutions may feel a sense of accomplishment by providing high-tech resources to already privileged students, while overlooking the systemic issues that continue to plague underprivileged communities. This form of charity does not address the root causes of poverty and injustice; instead, it allows those in positions of power to ignore the real challenges faced by the less fortunate. The focus on providing modern advantages to the already wealthy can also create a false narrative of progress. It paints a picture of an ever-improving educational landscape, while in reality, it leaves behind those who need the most support. This narrative can be comforting for those in the West, as it allows them to feel that they are contributing positively to global education without confronting the uncomfortable truths of economic inequality and historical exploitation. Ultimately, this approach fails to contribute meaningfully to the common good. Instead of fostering a more equitable and just world, it perpetuates existing inequalities and bolsters the profits of #EdTech companies. True progress requires a shift in focus towards addressing the needs of the most disadvantaged communities, recognizing the historical context of colonialism, and working towards systemic change that benefits everyone, not just the privileged few. Only by confronting these issues directly can we hope to create a more just and equitable global education system. #SustainableEducation #EduTech #GreenSchools #EcoLearning #FutureOfEducation #TechForGood #ClimateEducation #STEMEducation #InnovativeEducation #DigitalLearning #EducationForAll #LearningForSustainability

Today, The Stevens Initiative at the Aspen Institute announced the William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan is one of 9 schools, higher education institutions, and #nonprofit organizations to receive funding to run #VirtualExchange programs that connect young people in the United States and the #MiddleEast and #NorthAfrica. It will help reach 8,000 young people along with the new J. Christopher Stevens Virtual Exchange Initiative Grantees, supported by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. https://bit.ly/3ZcCSD7 #BusinessEducation #education #SkillDevelopment #entrepreneurs #ClimateTech #ClimateChange #leadership #WomenLed #youth #entrepreneurship

🚀 Exciting News! JumpStart Foundation Named a Finalist for NGO of the Year at the CSI Legacy Awards! 🎉 We’re excited to announce that JumpStart Foundation has been selected as a finalist for NGO of the Year 2024 in the prestigious CSI Legacy Awards! Being in the top 3 in the country is a testament to our incredible team, partners, and supporters' dedication, spirit, and passion. The Award reaffirms the relevance of our model which simultaneously tackles two of the biggest challenges facing South Africa -  Mathematics education and youth unemployment,  while helping to develop the next generation of teachers. 🔍 Why JumpStart? Our Unique Approach to Real-World Challenges. At JumpStart we think creatively to implement holistic models that impact Mathematics learning outcomes and youth unemployment. We focus on sustainable solutions. 💡 Innovative, Impact-Driven Maths Education Programs. We've consistently delivered positive results through robust skills development, mentorship initiatives, and strategic partnerships with educational institutions. Our strong Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) framework tracks our efforts against key indicators for data-driven approaches 🌱 Adaptive, Pilot-Driven Strategies. The needs of the communities we serve are constantly evolving. We prioritise adaptability, openness to new ideas, and piloting innovations before moving to scale. This iterative process helps us stay relevant and practical in shifting social and economic landscapes. 🤝 Collaboration Across Sectors. We believe in the power of collaboration. Working closely with schools, government departments, academics, and peer NGOs to amplify impact. 🌍 Mainstreaming Our Work for Greater Impact. One of our key goals is to drive systemic change through mainstream adoption. 🚀 What’s Next for JumpStart? This recognition energises us to keep our heads down and hearts up on behalf of the youth of our country and to push new boundaries in Mathematics education and youth employment. A massive THANK YOU to our amazing team, partners, and collaborators. We couldn’t have done it without your unwavering support. 🌟 Stay tuned for more updates, and thank you for being a part of the JumpStart journey. The final announcement of the winner will be made on 27 February 2025. 🤞 #CSILegacyAwards #NGOoftheYear2024 #JumpStartFoundation #MathsEducation Callen Hodgskiss Stephen Mahony Lufuno M. Simphiwe Mtetwa

A few years ago, I was having a conversation with a girl I liked. She asked me what my dreams were and where she might fit into them. The question surprised me. I quickly replied that my dream was to work with youth and help them make a difference in their communities. At the time, it was more of a vague idea than a clear plan, but I knew it was something I cared deeply about. I didn’t know how to begin or what steps to take, but I held on to that dream and started to figure it out. Over the past three years, that vision has grown. One of the most meaningful milestones was designing and leading the SkillUp Gombe project (https://lnkd.in/dbUBBxu5). This project provided over 200 youth in Gombe, Nigeria, with valuable skills like content writing, graphic design, web design, and digital marketing. Seeing young people learn and gain confidence was incredibly rewarding. It taught me the importance of having a support system and reminded me that even big dreams can start from humble beginnings. Now, I’m preparing to wrap up another exciting project — the PioneerPath Fellowship, supported again by a Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program alumni grant, inspired by my participation in the Iacocca Institute at Lehigh University. This fellowship brings together young people eager to grow in business and community service and connects them with seasoned industry specialists. We have been fortunate to have experts like Fredrick Adams (co-founder of Bankly), Omogolo Pikinini (Program Manager at the Iacocca Institute), Cynthia Akalpokbila Anaba (ZONTA Women in Business alumni), and Dr. Yunana Ahmed (Fulbright Scholar and lecturer at Gombe State University) join us. Their experiences have given the participants invaluable insights and inspiration. In a few days, we’ll host the fellowship’s final in-person workshop. We’ve partnered with Iowa Resource for International Service (IRIS) through KL-YES Alumni Association of Nigeria (KL-YAAN) to include even more alumni from the KL-YES program. This collaboration will double our reach to provide local, hands-on approaches to leadership and entrepreneurship training. The goal is to give youth the tools they need to launch or expand their businesses and community projects. The workshop is particularly special because it coincides with KL-YAAN’s 10th anniversary — a perfect time to celebrate growth and community impact. Looking back, I realize the relationship with that girl didn’t work out, but the dream of helping the youth did. What started as an idea I could barely articulate has taken shape and continues to grow. We are not at the finish line yet, but we’re making progress. I’m excited to see where this journey leads and how many more lives we can impact along the way.