Skills Builder Partnership is among the 15 finalists for the 2022 WISE Awards, announced today, all of which host projects – hailing from ten countries – that tackle urgent global educational challenges.

After two years of worldwide disruptions, and as the world inches closer to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development deadline, the need for inclusive and equitable education is more important than ever. This year’s WISE Awards finalists are working towards achieving this, having developed unique solutions ensuring that young people have access to quality education, that disadvantaged children are spoken for, that local communities are lifted, and that everyone has the opportunity to fulfil their potential.

A key focus area for many of the projects is to address the global skills gap, develop accessible project-based learning resources, and build early childhood and foundational learning at scale.

The shortlisted projects also focus on educators and local communities, with solutions supporting the wellbeing of teachers through professional development, bringing networks together to create learning opportunities outside of the classrooms and uniting community leaders, parents, and teachers to become drivers of positive social change.

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Stavros N. Yiannouka, CEO of WISE, said:

“The disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the intrinsic value of education to individuals and society as a whole. It also further highlighted the urgent need for innovation in education. Despite the best – and often heroic – efforts of educators and policymakers around the world, school closures and the shift to remote learning resulted in significant learning loss and increased incidence of mental health issues for both learners and teachers alike. Moreover, challenges old and new – from geopolitical conflicts to the climate crisis – loom on the horizon and demand innovative solutions where education is expected to play an integral part.

“In this context, the work celebrated by the WISE Awards is critically important in highlighting the possibilities offered by innovation in education. Each of the 2022 finalists have developed and implemented effective, proven solutions that address key challenges. Whether ensuring access to quality early childhood education, imparting skills and practices for the jobs of tomorrow, or empowering youth through climate action, each project is transforming lives and reaching those most in need.”

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Submissions were evaluated on criteria, including innovation, scalability, sustainability, and their impact on individuals, communities, and societies in their own contexts or globally. Projects also need to be financially stable, have a clear development plan, and be scalable and replicable.

The winners of the WISE Awards will be announced in September 2022. In addition to visibility and networking opportunities, each project will receive $20,000 (US).

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About the WISE Awards

Each year, the WISE Awards recognize and promote six successful innovative projects that are addressing global educational challenges. Since 2009, WISE has received more than 4500 applications from over 150 countries. Up until now, 78 projects have won the WISE Awards, from a wide variety of sectors and locations for their innovative character, their positive contribution and their potential for scalability and adaptability. These projects represent a growing resource of expertise and sound educational practice. Year by year, WISE is building a community of educational innovators which offers a fertile environment for groundbreaking collaborations. Today the WISE Awards network comprises pioneering projects that are helping bring real change to societies and communities.

For further information, visit https://www.wise-qatar.org/wise-works/wise-awards/

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