Huh! You’re thinking why this is, right? Well, the World Innovation Summit (WISE) for Education is arguably the world’s leader in education. For me, this organization is revamping the sector-a responsibility supposedly meant for UNESCO. WISE was established by Qatar Foundation in 2009, under the patronage of its Chairperson, Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, in an endeavor to place innovation in education at the forefront of the global agenda.
The thrust for constant innovation has long prevailed in sectors such as technology and healthcare, but education has generally lacked this approach in both policymaking and in the classroom. Moreover education is key to addressing the toughest challenges facing communities around the world today – poverty, conflict, inequality, unemployment, environmental sustainability and future challenges. But there is a widening gap between the education systems currently in place and those required to meet the needs of future generations.
WISE is a response to the necessity of revitalizing education and providing a global platform for the development of new ideas and solutions. Through the annual Summit and a growing range of year-round activities, WISE enables thinkers, policymakers and practitioners to share ideas that result in real benefits of society through education.
Since 2009, WISE has evolved into a thriving global, multi-sectoral community, which continues to generate fruitful dialogue and productive partnerships. The WISE community is a network of education stakeholders – from students to decision-makers – from about 200 countries who share ideas and collaborate to seek creative solutions to solve challenges facing education.
I got to know about WISE on 16th June, 2013 while researching for a term paper in my university. I had typed “best education innovations in the world” on Google, and WISE topped my the result on the world’s #1 search engine. As expected I clicked. Impressive contents curated. I ended up not reading their contents and watching their videos throughout the day. In their summit of the year (2013) held between 29th-31st October on the theme, “Reinventing Education for Life”, I absented myself from school work to fully participate in the summit virtually. Great time it was.
The dividend; as a education advocate and evangelist, WISE have broaden my horizon education, especially my specialization, Early Childhood Education and Educational Technology. My education service business, Gyvisco Global Solutions have scaled up. I landed an internship with a leading learning and development company, Axiom Learning Solutions Limited that had three staff attended the summit in Doha. When we discussed about some of the initiatives discussed in the summit, I surpassed them. Amaze. How come was their question. Unknown to them I had a front seat at the summit, courtesy of the internet. Today, we’re launching a service, Affordable Learning Centres across the poor neighbourhood of Lagos, with plans to roll out to other states of the country. My “edu-journalism” have taken a new dimension – better through WISE ed-review. The blessings and improvement of the discovery of WISE is immeasurable.
Closer relationship with WISE
I want to foster stronger relationship with this global education leader, I live for this sector. So much passion. Many projects in the pipeline, plethora speaking opportunities. Notable among them is the recent invitation by social media Africa to come up with as many education programmes as possible for their next event. I have three major projects, the launch of my education-centric TV, EdugistTV is underway. As a result I need so much exposure, knowledge and collaboration. WISE has the three, and even more. For this reason I have apply for the 2014-2015 WISE Learner Voices Program. Hope, am lucky enough to be selected as a learner.
With 40.1k followers, and just following 2,440 people of which am one, my joy knows no bound. Thank you WISE. Keep up the good work.
