Bringing Mobile Learning to Syria

Alice Bonasio
Tech Trends
Published in
4 min readNov 28, 2017

--

Funzi and UNDP Syria have partnered to deliver mobile learning to vulnerable populations in conflict areas

In a war zone, the sad truth is that education often becomes one of the first casualties, as it is — understandably — pushed back in favor of more urgent and immediate needs such as food and healthcare. The tragedy of it is, however, that this not only affects people’s ability to cope with their immediate situation, but also hampers their post-conflict chances of building a long-term future.

Funzi EdTech Finland Startup Mobile Personalized Learning

Conflicts in Syria have resulted in shortage of jobs and infrastructure, as well as lack of security in certain parts of the country. This erodes livelihood prospects of Syrians and makes access to relevant information and quality learning evermore essential. Yet UNESCO policy guidelines for mobile learning affirm that mobile devices can help ensure the continuity of education during times of crisis.

To help address this, and strengthen the resilience and socio-economic stability of individuals and communities in Syria, Funzi and UNDP Syria have started collaboration to deliver mobile learning, with training modules expected to be launched later this year.

--

--

Alice Bonasio
Tech Trends

Technology writer for FastCo, Quartz, The Next Web, Ars Technica, Wired + more. Consultant specializing in VR #MixedReality and Strategic Communications