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03/28/2024 03:32:00 pm

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Better Internet Is Key To Better Education

Social Good Summit

(Photo : Mashable/Flickr/Google Creative Commons)

The Social Good Summit held from Sept. 27-28 during UN Week has examined the impact of technology in the world we are living in today. The conference has the theme, "What type of world do I want to live in by 2030?". Many personalities have addressed the question and really dissect today's global issues. Global personalities such as award-winning actress Charlize Theron graced the event. Wikipedia co-founder Jimmy Wales was also among the many speakers for the conference.

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Africa Gathering founder and activist  Marieme Jamme has spoken about the growing need for better internet accessibility for residents to gain education. In places such as Uganda, many youngsters do not have internet access. At one point, Jamme shared the story of young Barbara, a university student who does not have internet access. Jamme has panelled at the Social Good Summit, and she stressed that having internet connection will open up Barbara's world, allowing her to learn and relate from her peers. Historically speaking, men in the region have better access to technology than women.

"There are boys and there are older people there she can now relate to," Mariéme Jamme has said. "She can sit down and say, 'Oh wow, this is this. I can code. I can go do all this stuff." Mashable reported that the panel brainstormed about sustainable development, and is aiming to provide "inclusive and equitable quality education" for everyone all over the world. The panel has been moderated by Sarah Brown, CEO of A World at School.

Brown said, "We're talking about the nearly 60 million children that don't get a single day at school", emphasizing the huge number in need of that education. Jamme thinks that the way to go is to provide the same opportunity for girls, especially in areas wherein males have more privileges in attaining education and access to technology. Jemme herself did not have access to education until she was sixteen yeras old. 

In a separate address for the UN General Assemby Session, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg also backed the call for universal internet connectivity. Zuckerberg stated that the challenge is connecting the world. The CEO emphasized that over 4 billion people "do not have a voice in the internet." He also iterated the education and employment opportunities people are unable to gain without the internet. 

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