UNICEF study hails Kerala’s Little KITEs as a Global Benchmark in EdTech
In a significant validation of Kerala’s strides in digital education, a recent study by UNICEF India has lauded the state’s Little KITE programme as a beacon for global educational practices. The study titled “Empowering Adolescents with Future-Ready Skills – The Inspiring Story of Little KITEs” was unveiled recently, underscoring the programme’s profound impact on 2,174 high schools and its pivotal role in advancing future-ready skills and gender equality in STEM education.
The report was presented to Rani George IAS, Principal Secretary of the General Education Department, by Pramila Manoharan, UNICEF India’s educational specialist, in the esteemed presence of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and General Education Minister V Sivankutty.
Key Highlights from the Study:
Transformational Impact and Extensive Reach: Kerala Infrastructure and Technology for Education (KITE) has successfully implemented the Little KITEs programme, establishing it as India's largest ICT network for students. The initiative has significantly influenced high schools across Kerala, nurturing creativity, enhancing problem-solving skills, and bridging the gender gap in STEM education by actively encouraging girls’ participation.
Economic Advantages: Leveraging Free and Open-Source Software (FOSS), the programme has yielded substantial economic benefits, saving Kerala approximately Rs 3000 crore. This strategic use of non-proprietary software has garnered international attention, with Finland expressing interest in adopting Kerala's model.
Alignment with Global and National Agendas: The Little KITEs initiative aligns seamlessly with global and national efforts to cultivate future-ready competencies, aligning with the United Nations Global Framework. The study outlines 10 data-driven recommendations, emphasizing the scalability and adaptability of Kerala’s KITE-led EdTech model.
Community Engagement and Expansion: The UNICEF study advocates for expanding the Little KITEs programme to encompass all high schools and higher secondary levels across Kerala. It further proposes involving local bodies and communities to bolster investments in public education.
Attraction of Public Schools: Notably, the success of Little KITEs has attracted students from private institutions to enrol in public schools, affirming the programme’s efficacy and appeal.
Endorsements and Future Prospects:
Dr. Akila Radhakrishnan, Social Policy Specialist at UNICEF India, hailed the Little KITEs programme as a pioneering FOSS-based EdTech intervention, emphasizing UNICEF’s commitment to sharing its success globally.
K Anvar Sadath, CEO of KITE, expressed eagerness to collaborate with UNICEF and other stakeholders to extend the reach of Little KITE to new regions. He also highlighted the need for support from the FOSS community to enhance AI capabilities.
The publication of this study on the UNICEF platform underscores Kerala’s ground-breaking approach to digital education, marking a milestone in the state’s evolution into a knowledge-driven society and economy.
As the study concludes, “Little KITEs has been sown as a seed in the fertile ground of EdTech in Kerala, growing rapidly to empower a diverse spectrum of students within the public school system, fostering creativity, linking schooling to real-life scenarios in innovative ways, and shaping secure digital futures.”
UNICEF’s recognition not only underscores the triumph of Kerala’s digital education initiatives but also establishes a benchmark for emulation by other regions, reaffirming Kerala’s leadership in educational innovation.
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