Latest news with #EducationAboveAll
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Yahoo
AI models aren't made equal. Some nonprofits are creating their own tools instead.
Nonprofits like Education Above All are using AI to address global inequities. AI initiatives align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals to promote peace and prosperity. This article is part of "How AI Is Changing Everything," a series on AI adoption across industries. As millions of young people worldwide increasingly rely on AI chatbots to acquire knowledge as part of their learning — and even complete assignments for them — one organization is concerned that those in developing countries without access to the tech could be put at an unfair disadvantage. And it's using the very technology it believes is causing this problem to fix it. Education Above All, a nonprofit based in Qatar, believes that because most of the world's popular AI chatbots are created in Silicon Valley, they aren't equipped to understand the linguistic and ethnic nuances of non-English-speaking countries, creating education inequities on a global scale. But its team sees AI as a way to tackle this problem. In January 2025, the charity teamed up with MIT, Harvard, and the United Nations Development Programme to introduce a free and open-source AI literacy program called Digi-Wise. Delivered in partnership with educators in the developing world, it encourages children to spot AI-fueled misinformation, use AI tools responsibly in the classroom, and even develop their own AI tools from scratch. As part of this, the charity has developed its own generative AI chatbot called Ferby. It allows users to access and personalize educational resources from the Internet-Free Education Resource Bank, an online library containing hundreds of free and open-source learning materials. Education Above All said it's already being used by over 5 million Indian children to access "project-based learning" in partnership with Indian nonprofit Mantra4Change. More recently, Education Above All has embedded Ferby into edtech platform SwiftChat, which is used by 124 million students and teachers across India. "Ferby curates, customizes, and creates learning materials to fit local realities, so a teacher in rural Malawi can run the right science experiment as easily as a teacher in downtown Doha," said Aishwarya Shetty, an education specialist at Education Above All. "By marrying offline ingenuity with AI convenience, we make learning local, low-resource, and always within reach, yet at scale." Education Above All is among a group of organizations using AI to tackle global inequality and work toward realizing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Created in 2015, the UN SDGs comprise 17 social, economic, and environmental targets that serve as guidelines for nations, businesses, and individuals to follow to help achieve a more peaceful and prosperous world. Education Above All's projects fall under SDG 4: inclusive and equitable education. A range of other organizations are using AI to augment and enhance their education programming. Tech To The Rescue, a global nonprofit that connects charities with pro-bono software development teams to meet their goals, is another organization using AI in support of the UN SDGs. Last year, it launched a three-year AI-for-good accelerator program to help NGOs meet the various UN SDGs using AI. One organization to benefit from the program is Mercy Corps, a humanitarian group that works across over 40 countries to tackle crises like poverty, the climate crisis, natural disasters, and violence. Through the accelerator, it created an AI strategy tool that helps first responders predict disasters and coordinate resources. The World Institute on Disability AI also participated in the accelerator program, creating a resource-matching system that helps organizations allocate support to people with disabilities in hours rather than weeks. Similarly, the International Telecommunication Union — the United Nations' digital technology agency, and one of its oldest arms — is supporting organizations using technology to achieve the UN SDGs through its AI for Good Innovation Factory startup competition. For example, an Indian applicant — a startup called Bioniks — has enabled a teenager to reclaim the ability to do simple tasks like writing and getting dressed through the use of AI-powered prosthetics. While AI may prove to be a powerful tool for achieving the UN SDGs, it comes with notable risks. Again, as AI models are largely developed by American tech giants in an industry already constrained by gender and racial inequality, unconscious bias is a major flaw of AI systems. To address this, Shetty said layered prompts for non-English users, human review of underlying AI datasets, and the creation of indigenous chatbots are paramount to achieving Education Above All's goals. AI models are also power-intensive, making them largely inaccessible to the populations of developing countries. That's why Shetty urges AI companies to provide their solutions via less tech-heavy methods, like SMS, and to offer offline features so users can still access AI resources when their internet connections drop. Open-source, free-of-charge subscriptions can help, too, she added. Challenges aside, Shetty is confident that AI can be a force for good over the next few years, particularly around education. She told BI, "We are truly energized by how the global education community is leveraging AI in education: WhatsApp-based math tutors reaching off-grid learners; algorithms that optimize teacher deployment in shortage areas; personalized content engines that democratize education; chatbots that offer psychosocial support in crisis zones and more." But Shetty is clear that AI should augment, rather than displace, human educators. And she said the technology should only be used if it can solve challenges faced by humans and add genuine value. "Simply put," she said, "let machines handle the scale, let humans handle the soul, with or without AI tools." Read the original article on Business Insider
Business Insider
10-07-2025
- Business Insider
AI models aren't made equal. Some nonprofits are creating their own tools instead.
As millions of young people worldwide increasingly rely on AI chatbots to acquire knowledge as part of their learning — and even complete assignments for them — one organization is concerned that those in developing countries without access to the tech could be put at an unfair disadvantage. And it's using the very technology it believes is causing this problem to fix it. Education Above All, a nonprofit based in Qatar, believes that because most of the world's popular AI chatbots are created in Silicon Valley, they aren't equipped to understand the linguistic and ethnic nuances of non-English-speaking countries, creating education inequities on a global scale. But its team sees AI as a way to tackle this problem. In January 2025, the charity teamed up with MIT, Harvard, and the United Nations Development Programme to introduce a free and open-source AI literacy program called Digi-Wise. Delivered in partnership with educators in the developing world, it encourages children to spot AI-fueled misinformation, use AI tools responsibly in the classroom, and even develop their own AI tools from scratch. As part of this, the charity has developed its own generative AI chatbot called Ferby. It allows users to access and personalize educational resources from the Internet-Free Education Resource Bank, an online library containing hundreds of free and open-source learning materials. Education Above All said it's already being used by over 5 million Indian children to access "project-based learning" in partnership with Indian nonprofit Mantra4Change. More recently, Education Above All has embedded Ferby into edtech platform SwiftChat, which is used by 124 million students and teachers across India. "Ferby curates, customizes, and creates learning materials to fit local realities, so a teacher in rural Malawi can run the right science experiment as easily as a teacher in downtown Doha," said Aishwarya Shetty, an education specialist at Education Above All. "By marrying offline ingenuity with AI convenience, we make learning local, low-resource, and always within reach, yet at scale." Education Above All is among a group of organizations using AI to tackle global inequality and work toward realizing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Created in 2015, the UN SDGs comprise 17 social, economic, and environmental targets that serve as guidelines for nations, businesses, and individuals to follow to help achieve a more peaceful and prosperous world. Education Above All's projects fall under SDG 4: inclusive and equitable education. A global effort A range of other organizations are using AI to augment and enhance their education programming. Tech To The Rescue, a global nonprofit that connects charities with pro-bono software development teams to meet their goals, is another organization using AI in support of the UN SDGs. Last year, it launched a three-year AI-for-good accelerator program to help NGOs meet the various UN SDGs using AI. One organization to benefit from the program is Mercy Corps, a humanitarian group that works across over 40 countries to tackle crises like poverty, the climate crisis, natural disasters, and violence. Through the accelerator, it created an AI strategy tool that helps first responders predict disasters and coordinate resources. The World Institute on Disability AI also participated in the accelerator program, creating a resource-matching system that helps organizations allocate support to people with disabilities in hours rather than weeks. Similarly, the International Telecommunication Union — the United Nations' digital technology agency, and one of its oldest arms — is supporting organizations using technology to achieve the UN SDGs through its AI for Good Innovation Factory startup competition. For example, an Indian applicant — a startup called Bioniks — has enabled a teenager to reclaim the ability to do simple tasks like writing and getting dressed through the use of AI-powered prosthetics. Challenges to consider While AI may prove to be a powerful tool for achieving the UN SDGs, it comes with notable risks. Again, as AI models are largely developed by American tech giants in an industry already constrained by gender and racial inequality, unconscious bias is a major flaw of AI systems. To address this, Shetty said layered prompts for non-English users, human review of underlying AI datasets, and the creation of indigenous chatbots are paramount to achieving Education Above All's goals. AI models are also power-intensive, making them largely inaccessible to the populations of developing countries. That's why Shetty urges AI companies to provide their solutions via less tech-heavy methods, like SMS, and to offer offline features so users can still access AI resources when their internet connections drop. Open-source, free-of-charge subscriptions can help, too, she added. AI as a source for good Challenges aside, Shetty is confident that AI can be a force for good over the next few years, particularly around education. She told BI, "We are truly energized by how the global education community is leveraging AI in education: WhatsApp-based math tutors reaching off-grid learners; algorithms that optimize teacher deployment in shortage areas; personalized content engines that democratize education; chatbots that offer psychosocial support in crisis zones and more." But Shetty is clear that AI should augment, rather than displace, human educators. And she said the technology should only be used if it can solve challenges faced by humans and add genuine value. "Simply put," she said, "let machines handle the scale, let humans handle the soul, with or without AI tools."
Qatar Tribune
30-06-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
EAA announces collaboration with American Chamber of Commerce Qatar
DOHA: The Education Above All (EAA) Foundation, a global foundation for education and development, has announced a new collaboration agreement with the American Chamber of Commerce Qatar, marking a strategic step to further strengthen the "Qatar Connection" platform, a key pillar of the Qatar Scholarship Programme. The partnership aims to provide Qatar Scholarship recipients with meaningful opportunities to complement their academic experience with real-world professional and knowledge exchange engagements in Qatar. The Qatar Scholarship Programme is one of EAA Foundation's flagship higher education and empowerment initiatives. It is built on three core pillars: access to quality education, civic engagement, and the Qatar Connection component. The partnership opens new pathways for students to engage in academic, professional, and cultural exchange opportunities with leading international corporations as well as Qatari institutions from both the public and private sectors, most notably the Foundation's strategic partner, the Qatar Fund for Development. The "Qatar Connection" component is designed to ensure that recipients of the Qatar Scholarship Programme remain actively connected to the State of Qatar. This is achieved through student exchange programmes, internships, and a wide range of cultural and community-based activities implemented in collaboration with partners in Qatar. Through its network of member companies, the American Chamber of Commerce Qatar will provide Qatar Scholarship students with information on available training programmes, professional development opportunities, and job openings. The collaboration also includes the organization of joint events, including career fairs and professional meet-and-greets that will connect students directly with business leaders operating in Qatar. Commenting on the partnership, Director of the Al Fakhoora Programme at EAA Foundation, Talal Alhathal said: "We believe that connecting students to real-world professional environments within Qatar significantly enriches their learning journey and equips them to become impactful leaders in their communities. We are pleased with this partnership which supports the vision of Qatar Connection as a bridge between education and the labour market for our scholarship recipients." Chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce Qatar, Jay Turk added: "In my opinion, this joint collaboration with Education Above All complements our shared commitment to talent development by supporting scholarship recipients with opportunities to access training or programs through AmCham members. By joining forces, we aim to create a tangible, lasting impact both locally and internationally."
Euronews
26-06-2025
- Business
- Euronews
Qatar reaffirms commitment to AIIB and will host 2026 meeting
The 10th annual meeting of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) in Beijing concludes with China and member states reflecting on a decade of robust development projects, while reaffirming their commitment to funding critical infrastructure initiatives, to build a dynamic, diverse and sustainable future. Since its launch in 2016, the AIIB has financed 320 projects in 38 countries, valued at $60 billion. Under outgoing president Jin Liqun, the Bank has 110 member countries, with several more in the process of joining. Qatar, a founding member of the AIIB, will host the 11th edition of the annual meeting in 2026. Speaking to Euronews in Beijing, the Qatari Finance Minister HE Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari called the decision a "great honour." "We are very pleased that Qatar will be hosting the meetings in 2026 in September. This is a great honour for Qatar, and it's not unusual for Qatar. Given our situation, we've been hosting big events from sports to politics to economy and Qatar is the home of many big events," he said. His Excellency Al Kuwari added that the Gulf state remains a key partner in boosting the bank's goals, through increased investments and deeper collaborations in infrastructure, technology and research. Meanwhile, in his final speech as president of AIIB, Jin expressed confidence that his successor, Zou Jiayi, the former vice finance minister of China, will usher in a new chapter for AIIB, solidifying the Bank's status as a global force for development and economic growth. "We are now entering the second decade, and I think the experience we have accumulated will continue to play its role," Jin said. When asked about Qatar's partnership with AIIB, His Excellency Al Kuwari reiterated the country's dedication to collaborating with multinational organisations through Qatari firms like Qatar Foundation. "We are very active through the multi-national, multilateral organisations. With the World Bank, we are doing the debt swap initiative for education purposes with our Qatar Foundation, Education Above All programmes," he said. As the AIIB welcomes a new chapter in its efforts to build a more inclusive and sustainable future, Qatar continues to be a strategic ally as a global force in development and economic growth.
Al Bawaba
10-06-2025
- General
- Al Bawaba
Qatar Scholarship – Education Above All Program at AUB Celebrates the Graduation of 93 Students
The Qatar Scholarship – Education Above All Program at the American University of Beirut (AUB) marked a significant milestone with the graduation of its final cohort of 93 students. The occasion was celebrated in a graduation and closing ceremony that marked the program's completion and honoring the remarkable achievements of its scholars. The event brought together senior university leadership and faculty members, including Dr. Fadlo Khuri, AUB president, alongside distinguished guests such as His Excellency Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, ambassador of the State of Qatar to Lebanon; Dr. Rima Karami, minister of education and higher education in Lebanon; Acting CEO of the Education Above All Foundation Mohammed Al-Kubaisi; and senior representatives from the Qatar Embassy in Lebanon and the Education Above All Foundation. Launched in 2021, the Qatar Scholarship – EAA Program at AUB was established to expand access to quality higher education for 316 Lebanese, Syrian, and Palestinian students. It provided scholarships to Lebanese youth, as well as Palestinian and Syrian refugees living in Lebanon. In his opening remarks, AUB President Fadlo Khuri highlighted the profound community that grew out of the program, one that extends beyond academics to build meaningful human connections. 'This program was launched as a bridge, an opportunity for bright, determined students to access higher education,' he said. 'You have made it into something more: a vibrant, diverse community at AUB, built on shared challenges, solid friendships, and a sense of belonging that extends far beyond any classroom.' Khuri added, 'Thanks to the support of the Education Above All Foundation and the Qatar Fund for Development, hundreds of students have gained access to a world-class education at AUB, alongside civic engagement, global networks, and the mentorship needed to prosper. This partnership does not just fund education, it changes lives.' His Excellency Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani praised the Education Above All Foundation for its pioneering role in empowering youth and promoting inclusive, high-quality education. He acknowledged the vital contribution of the Qatar Fund for Development and the strong collaboration with AUB. 'This initiative reflects the State of Qatar's unwavering commitment to supporting students on their educational journey,' he said. 'It reaffirms our belief in education as the cornerstone of cohesive societies and a key pillar of sustainable development. We are proud to stand with these young people as they build their futures.' Acting CEO of Education Above All Foundation Mohammed Al-Kubaisi emphasized the deeper mission of the program and its lasting impact. 'The Qatar Scholarship Program is not just an academic opportunity; it is a vital source of hope, a catalyst for empowerment, and a springboard for youth to reclaim their futures,' he said. Al-Kubaisi added, 'We have not only supported these students through graduation, but also helped equip them to give back, engage civically, and contribute meaningfully to their communities. We are deeply proud of our graduates and grateful to our partners for ensuring that education continues to be a pillar of hope, justice, and sustainable development.' Dr. Joseph Costantine, director of the scholarship program, reflected on the journey of the past four years, comparing it to a ship that has now reached its harbor. 'This ship, this scholarship, started its maiden voyage in August 2021, when hope in Lebanon was scarce and faith in a bright future was lacking,' he said. 'This scholarship is beyond financial support; it is a belief, a trust, a fuel for potential, connection, and engagement. We are deeply grateful to the State of Qatar, Education Above All Foundation, Qatar Fund for Development, and Qatar Foundation, all of whom made this journey feasible.' A highlight of the ceremony was the ACE Talks Improv Public Speaking Competition, where computer science students Angela Sobhiyeh and Mona Jamal, along with environmental health student Christa Maria Bou Raad, and mechanical engineering student Ghina Sharif, took to the stage with improvised speeches in response to a prompt announced during the ceremony. Angela Sobhiyeh won the competition following a live vote by the guests of honor and audience. As part of the celebration, the program's annual distinction awards were presented to recognize outstanding student achievements. Racha Saad received the Highest GPA Award, while Cecilia Bakalian was honored with the Qatar Connection Engagement Award. The Remarkable Civic Engagement Award was presented to Zeinab Halima for her impactful community involvement. Additionally, Malak Mehrez, Wael Kheil, and Ada Al Kotob were awarded the Scholarship Engagement Award in recognition of their exceptional participation in scholarship-led activities. Attendees were also treated to two captivating musical performances by the Zaki Nassif Music Program at AUB. The ensemble's dynamic and heartfelt renditions added a rich cultural dimension to the event, enchanting the audience and enhancing the celebratory atmosphere. The ceremony concluded with a student procession and a commemorative group photo, capturing the pride and promise of a program that has transformed lives and shaped futures.
