Student submission by Han wen Lin

By 2030, the United Nations established the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which serve as a  road map for a sustainable future. SDG 4 aspires to provide all people with inclusive and equitable quality  education, as well as to promote lifelong learning. Despite progress, millions of people still lack access to  a good education, perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequality. Imagine a world in which education is not  a privilege, but rather a fundamental right available to all, regardless of background or location. UNESCO  sheds light on the pivotal role of education in achieving all SDGs. It underscores the interconnectedness  of education with sustainable development, emphasising that education serves as the foundation for  progress across all sectors [1]. From eradicating poverty to promoting gender equality, education is the  catalyst for positive change. 

Increasing/advancing Technology

One of the solutions lies in the power of technology. With the rapid advancements in digital learning tools and platforms, we have an unprecedented opportunity to democratise education. By harnessing the internet and mobile devices, we can bring quality educational content directly to learners, transcending geographical barriers [2].

Picture a scenario where a child in a remote village has access to the same educational resources as a student in a busy city metropolis. Through online courses, interactive tutorials, and virtual classrooms, we can provide tailored learning experiences that cater to diverse needs and learning styles [3]. But technology alone is not enough, Figure 1 displays the trend the sustainable goals development in 2022, although the increasing and progressing slowly there are still multiple aspects where we are falling behind in achieve quality education worldwide by 2030.

Investing in the education of teachers/more involvement in communities 

We can improve the standard of education delivery and  promote a culture of lifelong learning by providing teachers with  the training and resources they need to support digital learning.  This can assist with the difficulties caused by inadequate  support in schools. At the source, where parents, educators,  and other stakeholders have a critical role to play in determining  educational results, is where sustainable change starts. We  may establish a cooperative and supportive atmosphere that  promotes learning and development by encouraging collaborations. [3]. 

Establish more schools 

Another important factor is funding more schools and more  community engagement so that we can encourage continuous  development for education. Half of all out-of-school children  reside in conflict-affected areas. In low-income nations, public  education funding is extremely limited: annual spending in a  high-income country like Austria is more than 200 times more  per student than in a lower-income nation like the Democratic  Republic of Congo [4]. Poverty forces children to work causing  them to drop out of school or never go at all. 

Quality Education requires a multifaceted approach that  combines technology, teacher training, and community  involvement. This step forward in achieving access to education will help to make global progress towards attaining SDG 4.

References: 

[1] United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, “The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2022,”  United Nations, 2022. 

[2] Max Roser (2021) – “Access to basic education: almost 60 million children of primary school age are not in  school” Published online at OurWorldInData.org. Retrieved from: ‘https://ourworldindata.org/children-not-in school’  

[3] Quality education. Five principles of inclusive education – Monash Education. Available  at:https://www.monash.edu/education/teachspace/articles/five-principles-of-inclusive-education. 

[4] Roser, M. (2024) Access to basic education: Almost 60 million children of primary school age are not in school,  Our World in Data. Available at: https://ourworldindata.org/children-not-in-school#article-citation  

Student submission by Ria Jobanputra

The digital revolution has swept across the globe, rewriting the rules of communication, education, and economic opportunity. Yet, a significant portion of the population remains stuck on the previous version – women. [1] They face barriers to accessing the technology that fuels this revolution, [2] creating an unfinished code that limits their potential.

This isn’t just a software glitch; it’s a critical error in the system. Technology, with its transformative potential, risks becoming a tool for further marginalization. [3] But what if the code could be recompiled?

The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) represent a comprehensive program for a brighter future. SDG 5, focused on gender equality, recognizes the vital role of technology and information communication technologies (ICTs) in empowering women.  However, achieving gender equality isn’t just fixing a single bug; it’s rewriting the entire code for a just and equitable world. By bridging the digital divide, we can ensure that women are not left behind in the digital revolution, but rather become active co-creators of a future that benefits all.

Concept:

This initiative tackles the issue of access and gender stereotypes by providing girls in underserved communities with coding and design training using upcycled laptops and tablets.

Target Audience:

The program primarily targets underserved girls aged 10-18, aiming to overcome socioeconomic barriers by providing them with vital technology education and opportunities. Schools and community centres serve as secondary audiences, offering logistical support and incorporating the training into their existing programs.

Project Components:

First, partnering with electronics recycling organizations to collect and refurbish used laptops and tablets, ensuring a sustainable and cost-effective solution.  An engaging curriculum, specifically designed for girls and incorporating cultural relevance and creative problem-solving, ignites their interest in coding and design. Mentorship from female tech professionals and students provides crucial role models and guidance, [4] while dedicated “makerspaces” equipped with upcycled devices and materials offer a platform for hands-on learning and project creation.

Benefits:

Upcycling devices provides a sustainable and affordable way to bridge the accessibility gap, ensuring girls in underserved communities have the technology needed to learn. By specifically targeting girls, the program directly addresses the gender gap in STEM fields, fostering a new generation of female tech leaders.  The curriculum itself is designed to be creative and engaging, combining coding and design to allow girls to express themselves through technology.  The makerspaces create collaborative learning environments, nurturing teamwork, and problem-solving skills.  Finally, the entire program promotes sustainability by giving used devices a new life and reducing e-waste. 

Implementation Timeline (6 Years):

The first two years focus on building a strong foundation. Partnerships are forged with key players – electronics recyclers for upcycled devices, educational institutions for program integration, and tech companies for potential resources or mentorship. An engaging curriculum designed specifically for girls is developed and piloted with a smaller group to refine the approach. Years three and four see program expansion.  Funding is secured to reach multiple schools and community centres, while female tech professionals and students are recruited and trained as mentors.  The final two years aim for national impact and long-term sustainability.

Measurable Success:

The number of girls completing the coding and design training directly reflects program reach and completion rates.  However, the program goes beyond basic participation.  Surveys and interviews will assess the increase in girls’ interest and confidence in STEM fields, gauging the effectiveness of the program in igniting a passion for technology.  Engagement and practical application of skills will be  measured by the number of projects created within the makerspaces.  Ultimately, the program’s true success lies in its ability to empower girls for the future.  The number of graduates enrolled in tech-related higher education programs or starting tech-based ventures will track whether the program inspires girls to pursue long-term careers in technology.

Sustainability: 

Tech company partnerships would provide ongoing donations of upcycled devices and software licenses, reducing reliance on external funding. A curriculum licensing model would allow other institutions to replicate the program, expanding reach and generating revenue. Graduates would be encouraged to serve as mentors, creating a self-sustaining cycle of knowledge sharing for long-term impact.

In just six years, this initiative offers a powerful solution to bridge the digital divide and empower girls in underserved communities. By equipping them with upcycled devices and an engaging curriculum focused on coding and design, the program shatters stereotypes and ignites a passion for technology within them. This not only fosters their confidence but also paves the way for future careers in the tech sector, directly contributing to  UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4 and 5 – quality education and gender equality.

The program’s impact extends far beyond individual girls. When women and girls are actively involved in tech, they can contribute to creating user-friendly technology that addresses their needs.  This initiative serves as a stepping stone towards achieving the broader goals of the 2030 Agenda – a world where everyone has a chance to thrive.  Closing the gender gap in tech isn’t just about empowering women and girls; it’s about creating a better future for all.

References

1. Catherine Ashcraft, B.M., Elizabeth Eger, Women in tech the facts. 2016: National Center for Women & Technology (NCWIT).
2. Gillian Ranson, W.J.R., GENDER, EARNINGS, AND PROPORTIONS OF WOMEN: Lessons from a High-Tech Occupation. Sage Journals, 1996. 10(2).
3. Wajcman, J., FROM WOMEN AND TECHNOLOGY TO GENDERED TECHNOSCIENCE. Information, Communication & Society, 2007. 10(3).
4. Dustin C. Read, P.J.F., Luke Juran, How do women maximize the value of mentorship? Insights from mentees, mentors, and industry professionals. Leadership & Organization Development Journal, 2020.