ENHANCING EDUCATION IN LIBERIA WITH A SMARTBOX
Background/Problem/Need: Liberia epitomizes the idea of resilience. The people of Liberia strive relentlessly every day to achieve economic security, health and well-being, and social justice. The country experienced a brutal civil war (1989-2003) that led to many war-affected victims in the region. Many of the country’s educational facilities were destroyed. Furthermore, Liberia had the worst of the deadly Ebola virus in 2014-15 and national resources were exhausted. Life became even more complicated with COVID19 pandemic outbreak. With extreme level of poverty in the country, most students graduate from high school without ever touching a computer. USAID states “Liberia is significantly behind most other African countries in nearly all education statistics.” Students and teachers in Liberia do not have proper access to educational materials such as textbooks to excel in their educational journey that would equip them for higher earning potential.
Solution: SmartBox® is an instant wireless classroom that works as a computer lab & digital library. It is loaded with educational resources including Wikipedia, Khan Academy, textbooks, encyclopedias and many more that can connect with any computer device without the need for internet. Resources from it can be downloaded to any computer device as well. It solves six (6) challenges faced by schools in developing countries like Liberia:
- Lack of Internet – The SmartBox provides students a vast collection of content sent wireless to the Chromebooks/laptops
- Limited Electricity – It runs on battery power for 12-16 hours; recharges in 5 hours with generator or solar panel
- Textbook Shortage – Students have access to a myriad of books, videos and learning resources
- Lack of Teachers – Students can learn in the absence of a qualified teacher, and teachers can learn as well
- Building Costly Labs – The SmartBox is a “computer lab in a box” that can be carried into any
- Security – Can be securely locked and storedThe uniqueness of this program is providing computer lab & digital library for high schools and students who have no means of such. It provides the physical and mental stability of students and faculty to focus on their educational achievements with the right tools available.
High school students in Foya, Liberia learning computer science for the first time. Destiny Hands and partners setup a computer lab and digital library in March 2024. More support needed…
WHAT:
Provision of Computer Lab & Digital Library for students
SHIPMENT/TRANSPORT/TRAINING
When purchased, project leader takes delivery of the SmartBox® by flight to Liberia. It fits into two luggage in keeping with TSA & Airlines travel requirements. Upon arrival in Liberia, the equipment will be setup at a designated school for students and teachers alike. Destiny Hands & partners will also conduct training sessions for students & teachers on how to use the technology.
