UNESCO-King Hamad Prize presented

Paris, Mar. 13 (BNA): His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa patronised the 10th edition of the UNESCO-King Hamad Prize for innovative use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Education which was presented to the laureates at United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) headquarters. UNESCO’s Director-General Audrey Azoulay, in presence of Education Minister Dr. Majid bin Ali Al Nuaimi deputed by His Majesty, awarded the Prize to the two laureates in a ceremony at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris on Tuesday. Two innovative projects to ensure quality education have been selected to receive the 2018 UNESCO King Hamad Bin Isa-Al Khalifa Prize for the use of ICT in Education. They are: the ThingLink learning technology from Finland and the Can’t Wait to Learn programme from the Netherlands. This year’s Prize focuses on leveraging innovative technologies to deliver quality education for vulnerable groups impeded by cultural and economic barriers, personal disabilities, gender inequalities, or crisis-affected situations. It also highlights the use of integrated solutions that blend conventional technologies with cutting edge applications. ThingLink is recognized for its visual learning technology, an innovative and affordable digital tool to foster learning for all, including people with disabilities or limited ability for expression. Over six million teachers, students, and educational content professionals worldwide used the tool to document learning experiences, practice digital literacy skills and develop cultural awareness through virtual visits. The technology supports various learning styles and, therefore, helps customize lessons to meet learners’ individual needs. The Can’t Wait to Learn programme of War Child Holland is selected for its fast, effective and value-for-money solution to deliver quality education in emergency needs. The programme offers children affected by conflict the opportunity to learn through custom-made educational games on tablets. Currently operating in Sudan, Jordan, Lebanon and Uganda, it is replicable in different emergency contexts and is backed by a number of partners from the public and private sectors. The two winners were chosen upon the recommendation of an International Jury of educational experts from the 139 nominations submitted by the Governments of UNESCO’s Member States and UNESCO partner organizations. Established in 2005 and supported by His Majesty the King, the Prize annually rewards individuals and organizations that put new technologies to innovative use in enhancing teaching, learning and overall education performance. The Prize provides the laureates with international recognition, as well as a diploma and a monetary award of $ 25,000 each.