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About IFA
Imagine a world where access to quality education isn't limited by geographical location, income, or available technology. That's the place the Indigenous Friends Association (IFA) is striving to cultivate. The IFA is an Indigenous-led tech not-for-profit organization that cultivates opportunities to advance digital pathways rooted in Indigenous ways of knowing and being, driving positive change for generations. The IFA is extensively working towards reducing the education and employment gaps of Indigenous Peoples within the tech sector.
The Problem
According to the World Bank, Indigenous Peoples represent approx. 6% of the world's population, yet they account for 19% of the world's impoverished individuals. In Canada, the high school graduation rate for Indigenous students is 48%, compared to the national average of 87%. Additionally, the failure of traditional education systems to incorporate Indigenous and local perspectives, history, and culture along with language & geographical barriers contribute to the educational disparities faced by Indigenous Peoples. Indigenous communities are underrepresented in Canada’s tech labour market. Only 2.2 per cent of the Canadian tech workforce is Indigenous .
IFA's Vision
Indigenous Peoples leveraging technology to amplify their world-views, tech equity and digital sovereignty.
The Solution: iConnectED
iConnectED, developed by IFA, is a web-based platform that creates teaching and learning communities through quality personalized digital content by designing and using AI learning bots on messaging platforms such as WhatsApp and Messenger. Backed via web app, educators can deliver customized courses and engage with users in the community. Learners, on the other hand, access resources by interacting with an AI chatbot through their preferred social messaging platform. IFA aims to drive positive learning experiences for learners located in remote communities, reaching them on the platforms they already use and trust.
Online learning is the fastest-growing market in the education industry. However, disparities in internet access and technological infrastructure continue to hamper indigenous communities from fully participating in online learning initiatives. iConnectED after an initial pilot round is now expanding to be an AI-based learning management system with a key focus on Canadian Indigenous Communities. Did you know that 80% of Indigenous Peoples in Canada primarily use WhatsApp, Facebook and Facebook Messenger for communication? With a user base of 2.5 billion and 2 billion, respectively, these platforms prove their acceptance and outreach within such communities. What makes them successful is their accessibility on low-end devices, simple learning curve, and availability even with limited internet access. Now, imagine if these platforms could do more than just connect people socially. What if they could also be a lifeline for delivering education to these hard-to-reach communities?
iConnectED Features
- iConnectED allows local educators, facilitators, and teachers to create and share web-format learning resources .
- Learners access these resources and interact with facilitators through a chatbot connected to their preferred social app, like WhatsApp, Messenger or Telegram.
- Learn with limited bandwidth. iConnectED is designed with low connectivity areas in mind . It can deliver educational content even when bandwidth is scarce, leveraging a decentralized web service. We're turning the digital divide into digital dividends, making quality education accessible to all, one message at a time.
- We are a growing community of 1694 learners & 118 educators fostering a sense of community and empowering learners to connect with peers and educators around the world.
- iConnectED offers an adaptive learning experience using AI, allowing users to progress at their own pace .
- Access localized content that reflects the various cultures, languages, and learning styles of communities .
How Can You Support
Every dollar that you contribute will go a long way to empowering Indigenous Peoples and communities with easy access to high-quality education that is tailored to their local perspectives, languages, history & culture. Together, let's ensure that every voice is heard, every learner is connected, and every community is empowered. Let's create a world where learning is as accessible as a text message. Join us on this journey. Connect with iConnectED.
Joining Hands
Donate now for a more accessible, diverse, inclusive, and equitable learning environment! Our funding goal for this advanced learner platform is 5000 CAD . Any contribution made towards this campaign will be a step closer to bringing one or more of our fellow community members to the forefront.
To learn more, please visit: https://www.indigenousfriends.org/iconnected
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