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Gemin-i.org and the OLPC

So far, we have only managed to raise 5% of what we were hoping to raise for Gemin-i.org. It’s a real shame, because they do such awesome work. We’ve all been busy with work, exams and job applications of course, but we promise to do some hard fundraising work soon (like driving to Mongolia isn’t gonna be hard enough.. ). In the meantime though, I thought I’d tell you a bit more about what they do.

Gemin-i specializes in developing innovative web based solutions to improve education in the developing and developed worlds. It works at bridging cultural, religious and digital divides between disparate peoples around the world and lends a voice to young people, raising their concerns with policy makers. All the money we raise for them will go to helping school children in remote areas of Mongolia. To do this, they are supplying schools with OLPC (One Laptop per Child) laptops.

The laptop gives learners opportunities they have not had before. Tools such as a Web browser, rich media player, and e-book reader bring into reach domains of knowledge that are otherwise difficult-or impossible-for children to access.

They are also getting schools connected with their Rafi.ki and Reflect online networking communities. Rafi.ki supplies the children with instant messaging, video/audio conferencing, email, forums and blogs. Here you can find lesson plans on important topics like Slavery, Climate Change, Conflict Prevention, Recycling, Modern Foreign Languages, Creative Writing and much more. School-children from all over the world can talk to each other and provide help and support. Currently it is being used in over 80 countries, including the UK. Reflect is an online community for teachers, where they can share lesson plans, ideas and projects, and improve their own teaching.

I strongly believe that the most important thing you can give a child is education, and Gemin-i is doing a fantastic job in bringing top class resources to underprivileged children.

The laptop not only delivers the world to children, but also brings the best practices of children and their teachers to the world. Each school represents a learning hub; a node in a globally shared resource for learning.

If you share this view, and want to help this cause, please visit our Justgiving site.