The Inspiration
In 2015, I was asked to be part of a humanitarian project called 'Students Teaching Students Technology'. Eleven Emirati university students worked closely with a United Arab Emirates charity, the Al Maktoum Foundation, to bring 75 iPads to a girls’ high school just outside of Kitagali, Rwanda. The wifi infrastructure was set up and the iPads were purchased, but one element was missing - training for the teachers. Handing the students iPads, but not providing training and support for the teachers would mean the iPads would most likely remain in the boxes after the Emirati students left. Thankfully, this was recognized before the trip began and I was brought in as an Apple Educator.
Time was limited on this trip and the learning needs were great. These dedicated teachers were eager to learn as much as possible in our short time of 4 days together. It was through this experience that I knew I needed to do more. Knowing that the cost to hire someone like me to conduct more training and coaching sessions would be beyond their financial means, I set up the I Am Here Learning organization. When teachers or institutions in the U.A.E purchase a coaching package from us, they are helping to fund the same quality coaching for teachers in Rwanda. It's teachers supporting teachers in a pay-it-forward movement.
Time was limited on this trip and the learning needs were great. These dedicated teachers were eager to learn as much as possible in our short time of 4 days together. It was through this experience that I knew I needed to do more. Knowing that the cost to hire someone like me to conduct more training and coaching sessions would be beyond their financial means, I set up the I Am Here Learning organization. When teachers or institutions in the U.A.E purchase a coaching package from us, they are helping to fund the same quality coaching for teachers in Rwanda. It's teachers supporting teachers in a pay-it-forward movement.