The Fast Forward Programme Overview_May_16
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The Fast Forward programme aims to improve learning outcomes for primary teachers and students in Kenya and Zambia by providing low-cost solar-powered tablets and ongoing training for teachers. It addresses challenges such as resource scarcity, under-qualified teachers, and lack of access to learning materials, with a focus on developing 21st-century skills. The initiative advocates for scalable educational solutions to enhance quality education in sub-Saharan Africa.
The Fast Forward Programme Overview_May_16
- 1. The Fast Forward Programme Accelerating Achievement for Primary teachers and pupils in Kenya and Zambia
- 2. Suas Educational Development Education NGO based in Ireland Vision: A world where all teachers and students can access high quality education Established in 2002 Programmes in Ireland, India, Kenya and Zambia
- 3. The Problem: Learning Outcomes
- 6. What is the Fast Forward Programme and how can it help?
- 7. Our Goal ❏ Demonstrate and provide evidence of a cost-effective high impact solution to the problem of low learning outcomes in Sub-Saharan Africa ❏ Improve community school students’ learning outcomes and help them develop relevant and useful skills for the 21st century ❏ Support and increase the skills and knowledge of community school teachers to deliver excellent lessons ❏ Advocate for the scale up of approaches to support quality education to governments and policy makers
- 8. The Fast Forward Programme The Challenge • In community schools there can be a lack of resources and materials to help teachers deliver lessons. • Students have limited access to any learning materials including textbooks. • Teachers are often under-qualified with limited classroom skills and knowledge. • Technology can overcome challenges but is expensive and can be difficult to use. The Solution • Low-cost solar powered tablets help teachers find useful and interesting resources to help in their classes. • Student tablets (shared in pairs) provide the full primary school curriculum in a colourful, engaging way. • Fast Forward provides ongoing training on key areas in education and facilitation to support teachers to improve their skills and confidence in teaching. • Fast Forward helps students and teachers to develop their confidence and skills using technology in education in a cost-effective way.
- 9. The Tablets • Solar powered • Wifi enabled • Pre-loaded with primary curriculum content (suitable for both Zambia and Kenya) • Teacher tablet and student tablet versions • Teachers have lessons and plans for every standard and subject for every year, term, week and day! • Open office software • Keyboard for teachers • Projector for teacher tablet • Songs, poems and stories for different standards and ages • Sound and video • Colourful, fun, interactive learning
- 10. Teacher training • Weekly sessions to deliver training (2 hours per week) • Certificate programme for completion of set training modules. • Training is flexible based on needs of participating teachers • Technology to support training (Online materials and professional development modules on tablets) • Data collection and analysis used to adapt programme materials and maximise efficacy
- 11. Our programme locations: Zambia ● School based approach ● Weekly training sessions ● Local project coordinator ● Ongoing assessment of teachers. ● Extra curricular student programmes - gender awareness and inclusion, ICT, communication skills
- 12. Our programme locations: Kenya ● Hub based approach ● Teachers attend scheduled professional development sessions ● Fast Forward hub facilitator ● Microteaching sessions with students ● Online additional training resources (Lynda.com)
- 13. ➔Expand the programme to reach more schools/teachers/students ➔Tablet and solar power costs ➔Training for teachers and local facilitators How can additional funding help?
- 14. Thank you!
Editor's Notes
- #3: Suas projects in Ireland: Literacy programmes for disadvantaged students through paired reading and mentoring with volunteers. A digital literacy programme which establishes computer clubs again in disadvantaged areas - all of our work is supported by volunteers from a variety of backgrounds. India: Since the beginning Suas has worked with partner schools in Dehli, Kolkata and rural India providing educational support (also with volunteers) Kenya - We have worked with schools (Gatoto in Makuru and schools in Mombassa) supported educational activities, feeding programmes etc. Zambia - like Kangemi we launched the Fast Forward Programme in 2015 in Kabwe central Zambia.