PHILIPSBURG:--- The request for funding submitted under the UNESCO Participation Programme for 2014-2015 by the Foresee Foundation (4C-Foundation) for the Digikidz project has been approved by the Director-General of UNESCO, Ms. Irina Bokova. The funds approved will be used towards the organization of a Regional ICT / Technology Conference for elementary and secondary teachers, and other local and regional educators.
The main objectives of the conference which will be held in October 2015 on St. Maarten will be to:
- collaborate with regional and global partners and evaluate the use of
ICT/Technology and Open Educational Resources (OER),
- inform teachers and education officials about trends in ICT/Technology related to education,
- introduce teachers to the use, modification and creation of Integrated ICT teaching solutions and Open Educational Resources,
- increase engagement and curiosity for learning by students using technology and OER by providing teachers technology linked teaching ideas,
- offer innovative, challenging and child-centered learning activities for
- students by organizing interactive workshops..
- share good practices (materials, lesson preparations, links, web pages etc.) with peer educators, locally and regionally.
The Participation Programme is one of the means employed by UNESCO (United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization) to achieve its objectives, through participation in activities carried out by Member States or Associate Members, or by territories, organizations or institutions in its field of competence. Although, UNESCO is not a funding agency, subsidies can be granted every two or four years.
St. Maarten, like the other Member States or Associate members of UNESCO, can submit a maximum of seven (7) projects to UNESCO for funding.
A maximum amount of US $ 26.000 is awarded for national / local projects, whilst a maximum amount of US $ 35.000 is awarded for (sub-) regional and interregional projects. Funds can also be given for fellowships (study grants), which are specially tailored training which are designed to give qualified persons practicing or intending to practice a profession in the field of the UNESCO programme priorities an opportunity to receive additional and practical training.
