OPENING MINDS, CONNECTING CHANGEMAKERS
Education is the great equalizer.
In places affected by conflict and violence, education can empower people with the skills they need to lift their communities toward peace and prosperity. Our philosophy is best expressed in Nelson Mandela’s affirmation that “Education is the most powerful weapon which we can use to change the world.”
A central aspect of our work is therefore to provide children, youths, and community members at large with opportunities to become life-long learners and changemakers.
In the 21st century, educational opportunities are deeply tied to the opportunities created by Information and Communication Technologies.
Modern technology has revolutionized our ability to connect to each other and find information. They allow us to access knowledge and educational resources to an extent that is unprecedented.
But these technological gains are not equally distributed around the world. According to the International Telecommunication Union, in developed countries, 87% of individuals use the Internet. In developing countries, this figure is only 47%. In the least-developed countries, it is only 19%. And these rates are even lower in the conflict-and violence-affected places where we operate.
There, WPDI seeks to increase access to connectivity and digital resources so that children, youths, and other vulnerable people can use educational resources and communication tools.
With these technologies, they will be able to expand their horizons, opening new doors of knowledge and learning that will enrich their lives and shape their desire and ability to build peace in their communities.
Through social media and digital platforms built by WPDI, children and youths from the same village or opposite sides of the planet will be able to form friendships, exchange ideas, and create coalitions that will change the world.
