SEATTLE – Since its launch in 2009, the World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE) has served as a global platform for creative thinking, debate and purposeful action through its annual Summit and a range of ongoing programs.
WISE aims to support innovative approaches to education and to promote successful practices from various sectors around the world to work in collaboration.
The organization was founded under the Qatar Foundation, a nonprofit that supports and operates programs in education, science, research and community development for the people of Qatar. Through education and research, the Foundation strives to nurture the future leaders of Qatar by leading human, social and economic development. WISE also takes on a similar mission by establishing itself as a global reference in new approaches to education by generating intellectual dialogue and productive partnerships.
Following the theory that education is key to addressing the toughest challenges communities face around the world today– such as poverty, inequality, environmental sustainability, and more– WISE is a response to the need for revitalizing education as well as closing the gap between the education systems in place and those required to meet the needs of future generations.
Below are the WISE initiatives and programs that are aiming to close this gap:
WISE Summit –
Every year for three days, the Summit brings decision makers, influential experts and practitioners together in Doha, Qatar to explore innovations toward making improvements to worldwide education. Individuals from all fields of public and private sectors harness their expertise in order to come up with groundbreaking solutions for creative action in education.
WISE Accelerator –
Every year a maximum of seven projects are selected to join this program dedicated to developing innovative projects in education. The Accelerator depends on the expertise of qualified mentors and partners to provide these projects with effective strategies to ensure their development. For a year, these projects not only benefit from mentorship to address their needs but also engage in an international network that creates opportunities to find support from donors and investors.
WISE Prize for Education –
Established in 2011, the WISE Prize for Education recognizes an individual or a team of up to six people for their world-class contribution to education.
WISE Awards –
Every year, the WISE Awards recognize and promote six successful innovative projects that address global educational challenges. Since 2009, WISE has received over 2,000 applications from over 140 countries. Today, 36 projects have been awarded from different sectors for their positive contributions and potential for scalability and adaptability in education. The WISE Awards continue to see growth in pioneering projects that are bringing sound educational practices and changes to their communities.
WISE Learner’s Voice –
This program is based on the certainty that when students are co-creators of their learning environments they become active participants invested collectively as stakeholders in their learning environment. It brings the student perspective to the issue of rethinking education and prepares students to become leaders in their fields by focusing on building their entrepreneurship, leadership and communication skills.
WISE Books –
WISE Books support and spread innovative thinking and best practices in education. WISE Book authors and photographers travel the world to identify innovative solutions that address these practices that make a real difference. Currently there are three books which explore the challenges facing education.
WISE Matters Series –
This series presents timely, comprehensive reviews of key issues in education that are produced in collaboration with notable experts in the field. These publications include recommendations for policymakers and educators as well as examples of improved practices from around the world. Each edition is available for free download on their main page.
WISE Survey: “School in 2030” –
During June 2014, among 645 participants representative of the global WISE community conducted the 2030 School Survey, which reveals a strong consensus around the idea that innovation is an integral part of the future of education. According to the survey, 93 percent of the respondents say they favor schools that implement innovative methods based o new teaching approaches.
WISE Haiti Task Force –
After the January 2010 earthquake, the Haitian education system was in deep need of reconstruction. At the 2010 WISE Summit came the launch of the WISE Haiti Task Force to assist with Haitian efforts by fostering successful education projects in the area. Working closely with its local partner, FOKAL (Foundation for Knowledge and Liberty), the WISE Haiti Task Force engages in several activities in cooperation with public authorities, such as developing an online hub to connect local innovative initiatives and advocating for international fundraising.
From students to policymakers, the WISE community serves as a network of education innovators who share ideas and collaborate to seek sustainable solutions in education.
– Chelsee Yee
Sources: Wise-Qatar, Qatar Foundation, New York Times
Photo: 4.pb