Education for All competition engages students in development issues

14 April 2008

Three finalists have been announced in a competition to use social media to engage students with international development issues. Sponsored by the British Embassy in the United States, students from the University of Southern California were challenged to build a website using social networking tools such as Facebook, MySpace, and YouTube on the theme of ‘Click for Change: Education for All’. The aim is to engage their generation in education projects in developing countries.

The three finalists in the competition are:

whyshouldwecare.org  - Winner
This social networking site is centered on promoting education and gender equality in Africa. Using blogs and forums, young people from around the world can share experiences such as conservation issues in the Democratic Republic of Congo and encourage others to participate in events such as Cycle for Africa.

OneClickforChange.org  - Runner-up
Citizens can send a letter to their senator or congressman in just one click to make their voice heard on the lack of education in African nations. It incorporates technology for online submission and e-faxing.

Africa Dream Project - Special Recognition
This site draws attention to the need for a high school for the extremely impoverished children of Kibera slum in Nairobi. Contributors have posted their videos to give their first-hand impressions of a community of one million people living within 2.5 square miles with no sanitation, running water or infrastructure. Visitors to the site can make a donation or join in blog discussions.

Commenting on the competition, the Secretary of State for International Development, Douglas Alexander, said:

“I'm delighted that so many students have participated in this competition to highlight Education for All. Education is a right and should be made available to everyone. It has a vital role in tackling poverty, can help transform lives, leads to better health and helps people make informed decisions. Yet today there are some 72 million primary aged children not going to school. I congratulate the finalists and all who have helped to highlight this crucial issue.”

The winner will be announced on the Britainusa.com website this week.