Teachers Without Borders.

Teachers Without Borders is an organisation that links teachers in crisis zones with the necessary professional development and support to be equipped to educate displaced students. They provide professional development and connect teachers with mentors and support them to implement programs.

I have been investigating the TWB initiative ICT in Education. At first I could not believe that there could be a possibility of utilising computer and mobile phone technologies in refugee camps and during times of crisis, such as earthquakes and tsunamis. How very wrong I was! There are many organisations who are providing emergency, as well as more long term, internet connectivity in some of the most remote and at risk places in the world. Teachers do have some access to ICTs and they can be used as a life-line to those who are cut off in the physical sense.

Some teachers in refugee camps have much experience with ICTs and just need access and connectivity to engage with further training and colleagial support from teachers near and far. Others have little training and experience and require a more step by step level of training to utilise the technologies in their context. TWB provides for both of these senarios.

TWB provides curriculum that has been produced by teachers for teachers on a volunteer basis. The aim is to build capability within the local area rather than create a sense of dependency on outside relief and aid. This has been proven to be far more effective in providing an education system that meets local needs and addresses the national standards of the local curriculum.

Here is a link to the TWB website - ICT in Education.