Education is our most powerful force for change. It’s linked to economic growth, more resilient societies, better health, and ultimately — better lives. Produced by Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU), Knowledge for All, a program on Hong Kong’s largest English broadcast channel TVB Pearl, spotlights how the Yidan Prize and its community of changemakers are creating a better world through education in a three-episode series.

Transforming the world through education

In the first episode, Dr Charles CHEN Yidan, Founder of Yidan Prize, shares the story behind his commitment to education philanthropy and vision for the prize.

Speaking to Professor Paul Lam Kwan-sing, President of HKMU, Charles also calls for the education system to embrace AI.

“We should experiment and explore the tool to derive joy and improvements to our productivity,” he says. For example, Professor Carl Wieman, our 2020 Yidan Prize for Education Research Laureate, used AI to expand PhET Interactive Simulations to over 120 languages and serve students with visual impairments.

“To me, education is the cornerstone of civilization. Education improves productivity and builds civilization. If society falls ill, education is the cure, and educators are doctors,” he concludes.

Innovative ways of learning

From building resilience and belonging in classrooms to enhancing learning with technology, the second episode dives into innovative teaching and learning practices that empower both educators and learners.

“We don’t have the concept of failure in Escuela Nueva. Everybody can achieve (their goals) if they put the effort, if they put the time, if they continue,” says Vicky Colbert, Founder and Director of Fundación Escuela Nueva and our inaugural Yidan Prize for Education Development Laureate.

In Escuela Nueva classrooms, students own their learning, built on the belief that their ability and intelligence can be increased — also known as a growth mindset, pioneered by our inaugural Education Research Laureate Professor Carol S. Dweck.

“The whole concept of the growth mindset is so important because even if [children] have not received the best opportunities, once they have a little opportunity, they have to make the most out of it, because their brain is growing and their intelligence is growing,” adds Vicky.

Growth mindset isn’t the only practice transforming classrooms — with the power of technology, millions more learners can access quality education wherever they are, as we’ve seen through the rise of global online learning platforms and edtech tools like PhET’s math and science simulations.

But at the same time, computers and internet access are often out of reach for many. The key, then, is to ensure adequate infrastructure, improve digital literacy, and have teachers and systems that support students using edtech tools in the right way.

In Tanzania’s rural schools, where many students don’t have access to well-equipped science labs, PhET Interactive Simulations is supporting them to explore, experiment, and think like real scientists. And educational hubs like STEM Park Tanga are filling the need for IT classrooms and equipment.

Julieth Nuhu Munhambo, a primary school teacher in Tanzania, had no experience with computers. But she knows how much technology has changed teaching and learning, and that children need to gain more skills.

She received training on how to use technology and PhET Interactive Simulations to complement her lesson plans. And in turn, she brought those skills to her classroom, teaching computer lessons before taking students to the STEM Park for hands-on learning.

Empowering women through education

“If we design education systems or interventions with the most marginalized in mind, it will work for everybody,” says Angeline Murimirwa, CEO of CAMFED and our 2020 Yidan Prize for Education Development Laureate.

It’s also about ensuring equity — that everybody has the opportunity they need to make the world a better place, she adds.

In the third and last episode of this series, we hear stories of the transformative ripple effect of investing in women’s education.

CAMFED has helped millions of marginalized children go to school across sub-Saharan Africa. What started as a community-based program has grown into a multinational movement, now led by many of the young women who were once CAMFED students themselves, including Fatuma from Tanzania and Judith from Zambia.

Fatuma and Judith are both Learner Guides who work with their local schools to support children to stay in school. That includes home visits, meeting with parents and guardians, and linking children to referral support — rallying the whole community around children.

“When a woman is in a leadership position, it’s easier for her to educate and influence the community,” says Fatuma. “She speaks up for others who may feel they can’t, especially those limited by things like marriage or religion.”

In Bangladesh, a similar movement to invest in the next generation is also taking place. Founded by Sir Fazle Hasan Abed in 1972, our 2019 Yidan Prize for Education Development Laureate, BRAC prioritizes non-formal early childhood education and girls’ education through special learning spaces called Play Labs. Over 50 years strong, BRAC has gone beyond Bangladesh to transform communities across Asia and Africa.

“Learning isn’t forced. We encourage children to explore and express their interests through the experiences they gain while playing,” explains Tania Akter, a former facilitator, or play leader, at one of BRAC’s Play Labs.

Managing 30 children isn’t easy, she adds, but with adequate training, play leaders gradually build confidence. More importantly, they foster connections with both the children and their mothers over time. And that’s how everyone can enjoy the experience together.

Watch the series in full on our YouTube channel here.