Project Backpack

Forced migration frequently worsens education opportunities as it creates the challenge for children to attend school because of being displaced, lacking resources, facing language barriers, and having limited access to schools in the countries where they seek refuge. With 1.5 million refugees, Uganda hosts the largest refugee population in Africa. The Education Response Plan for Refugees and Host Communities in Uganda was created to ensure that both refugees and host communities have access to education (Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES), 2018). 

In Uganda, children in refugee settings encounter significant literacy challenges, impeding their educational development and long-term prospects for integration and self-sufficiency. Despite efforts to provide education in these contexts, numerous barriers persist, hindering access to quality learning opportunities for refugee children. These challenges encompass a lack of adequate resources, language barriers, trauma-related issues, and limited teacher capacity, among others (UNHCR, 2020). 

Unfortunately, Uganda’s national education system struggles with foundation reading skills at large. Reports by the Ministry of Education (2021) have indicated only 39.5% children have the required competence to read. In Imvepi Refugee Settlement, classrooms face an overwhelming student-to-teacher ratio of 133:1 (MOES, 2019) which leads to ineffective learning outcomes in these environments. Due to the large influx of refugee children, the education partners in refugee settlements opted for 5 hour shift-classes where students are divided into two groups, i.e., the morning shift and afternoon shift. Compared to other children across the country that are in school for 7-10 hours, children living in refugee settlements are getting even less teaching and learning time. Subsequently, these factors are leading to children not benefiting from the schools they’re attending. With more than 90% of the children in refugee settlements unable to read by the end of lower primary, there is a dire need for a solution that bridges the quality gap in overcrowded schools in a cost-effective and scalable model. 

Project Backpack, is an initiative designed to tackle the pressing literacy challenges faced by children in refugee settings and host communities in Uganda, specifically targeting South Sudanese refugee children and host community children in the Imvepi refugee settlement. In overcrowded classrooms where resources are scarce and educational opportunities are limited, Project Backpack steps in as a supplementary program, providing additional effective learning time to bridge critical gaps in literacy development.

One of the distinguishing features of Project Backpack is its utilization of innovative tools and methodologies to maximize impact. By harnessing the power of tablets, continuous feedback mechanisms facilitated by artificial intelligence, and culturally relevant reading storybooks tailored to the needs of the community. The program ensures that learning is not only effective but also engaging and accessible to all participants.

Moreover, Project Backpack recognizes the pivotal role of families in supporting children's education. Often described as a sleeping giant within communities, families possess untapped potential to drive positive change and facilitate learning. Through strategic engagement and empowerment initiatives, the program seeks to awaken this potential, fostering a supportive environment where families actively participate in their children's educational journey.

At the heart of Project Backpack lies a commitment to inclusivity and empowerment, recognizing the potential within both refugee and host communities to address these challenges if given the necessary tools and support. We leverage technology and tailored assistance to increase literacy outcomes by addressing multifaceted barriers such as disrupted schooling, language obstacles, and resource shortages.

The results of Project Backpack speak volumes about its effectiveness and impact. Students enrolled in the program are experiencing remarkable progress, learning to read at a foundational literacy rate that surpasses the national average by sixteen times. This exceptional outcome underscores the transformative potential of targeted interventions that prioritize inclusivity, innovation, and community engagement.

In conclusion, Project Backpack offers a holistic approach to literacy development that embraces the strengths of communities, leverages technology, and fosters collaboration between stakeholders. Project Backpack is poised to catalyze transformative change, not only within the Imvepi refugee settlement but also in refugee education globally. In the face of potential crises like the COVID-19 pandemic or displacement, where children must learn outside the traditional classroom setting, the integration of AI-enabled technology becomes indispensable. As we continue expanding and enhancing our initiatives, our dedication to empowering children and communities remains unwavering. We are steadfast in our mission to drive positive change and foster a future that is both inclusive and equitable for all.

Project Backpack serves South Sudanese refugees children aged 6-12 years from Yei district and Ugandan primary school children from the host community in Imvepi refugee settlement. It offers hope and opportunity where there was once despair and limitations. In a context where educational resources are scarce, and the odds are stacked against them, Project Backpack aims at addressing literacy challenges in the refugee education context head-on and transforming lives in profound ways.

For South Sudanese refugees living in Uganda, accessing quality education is often a complex amidst the harsh realities of displacement. Many families have fled conflict and instability, in search of safety and a better future for their children. However, the journey to education is fraught with obstacles, from overcrowded classrooms to language barriers and resource shortages. In this context, Project Backpack serves as a vital bridge, providing additional learning opportunities and support tailored to the unique needs of refugee children.

By equipping these children with essential literacy skills, Project Backpack not only opens doors to academic success but also lays the groundwork for broader social integration and empowerment. Education has the power to break the cycles of poverty and marginalization, offering a pathway to stability, self-reliance, and dignity. Through targeted interventions and innovative approaches, the program empowers refugee children to realize their full potential and contribute positively to their communities and society at large. Parents and guardians with low literacy skills have also benefited from the project and are learning at a similar pace as their children.

Similarly, for children from the host community in Imvepi refugee settlement, Project Backpack offers a lifeline amidst challenging circumstances. While they may not face the same level of displacement and hardship as their refugee counterparts, host community children often contend with their own set of obstacles, including limited access to quality education and entrenched poverty. In many cases, families make significant sacrifices to send their children to school, only to see them struggle to acquire basic skills by the end of their education.

Project Backpack seeks to change this narrative by providing these children with the support and resources they need to thrive academically and beyond. By leveraging technology, continuous feedback mechanisms, and culturally relevant content, the program ensures that learning is not only effective but also engaging and accessible to all participants. Through strategic engagement with families and communities, Project Backpack fosters a supportive environment where education is valued and celebrated as a pathway to a brighter future.

The impact of Project Backpack extends far beyond the classroom, touching the lives of individuals and communities in profound ways. By breaking down barriers to education and empowering children with essential skills, the program unlocks doors of opportunity and possibility, paving the way for a brighter and more inclusive future for all. In a world where the odds may seem stacked against them, Project Backpack stands as a testament to the power of education to transform lives and build a more equitable and prosperous society for generations to come.

Pangea Educational Development is exceptionally well-suited to spearhead the proposed project for several compelling reasons. We’re both local and global. Pangea has both experts in the field of literacy education and care about children’s learning outcome because our team is from the places they work in and connected to a global network of passionate changemakers. This is limited not just to our staff, or boards of advisors, but to the team researchers and social entrepreneurs from MIT Solve’s LEAP program who have shaped and stayed involved with our mission.

We leverage the expertise of a team who are refugees and part of the host community themselves. Our team possesses firsthand experience and a deep understanding of the linguistic and socio-cultural complexities prevalent in refugee settlements. Our team leaders are within and a part of the communities they serve. This commitment underscores their dedication to the well-being and advancement of the community members. 

Project Backpack is guided by an exceptional female leader, Cicilia Lodiong, who serves as the project's manager at the refugee settlement. Holding a Bachelor's degree in Library and Information Science from the University of Juba in South Sudan, Cicilia Lodiong embodies a deep commitment to driving positive change within her community. As a South Sudanese refugee herself, her passion for transformation fuels her dedication to the project's mission.

Additionally, Brenda Apeta, the Executive Director of Pangea and supervises the overall implementation of the program, possesses a robust academic background, boasting a Bachelor's degree in Education with a focus on English Language and Literature from Makerere University. This foundation provides a solid understanding of educational principles and language acquisition, crucial for the implementation of the program. She has a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education from Aga Khan University and a Master's degree in Gender Studies from Makerere University.

Drew Edwards has led the design and research of the program and stays committed in a voluntary role doing our analysis of outcomes, supports fundraising, and scaleup. He holds a Master’s of Education and certifications in Child Protection from Harvard University. He is a former WISE Fellow on refugee education

Additionally, the organization's formalized partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding with the Office of the Prime Minister further solidifies its credibility and commitment to working collaboratively with government bodies to address educational needs within refugee settlements. This partnership ensures that the project receives the necessary support and resources to effectively implement its objectives.

Importantly, Pangea Educational Development leverages the expertise of learning guides who are refugees and members from the host community themselves. These guides possess firsthand experience and a deep understanding of the linguistic and socio-cultural complexities prevalent in refugee settlements. 

In conclusion, Pangea's combination of academic expertise, community engagement, commitment to inclusivity, and strategic partnerships uniquely position it to successfully lead and execute the proposed project. Their holistic approach to education, coupled with a deep understanding of the needs and dynamics within refugee settlements, makes them an ideal candidate to drive change and empower learners within the community.

We have iteratively developed through implementation research in each phase of our program development. In Phase I, we learned that continuous feedback was essential to engage and empower family stakeholders to support learning. In Phase II, we learned qualitative factors for which children the approach works and who does not. The data has indicated that the initiative accelerates literacy rates for both children and their families, surpassing national averages with a 16-fold increase in reading speed. Through three rounds of rigorous testing and refinement, the program's design and operations evolved from pilot phases to widespread replication. Leveraging the expertise of the MIT Solve LEAP Program, a scalable model was developed, reaching 1,620 learners at an affordable cost of $29 per literate individual. Formal alliances were forged with the Uganda Ministry of Education and the Office of the Prime Minister, extending the program's impact to refugee settlements and underserved communities.

Project Backpack has worked to establish an evidence base of a cost-effective approach that delivers meaningful outcomes to those most affected by learning poverty - with a focus on refugee learners. In doing so, we have established and replicated results. In 2023, we worked with an incredible LEAP Program team of fellows to understand these results, how to scale them, and then to make a scaleup plan. 

Since, we have established key partnerships with institutions identified by LEAP fellows in order to scale in refugee settlements in Uganda. These include establishing a formal partnership with the Uganda Ministry of Education and a formal partnership with the Office of the Prime Minister (oversees all refugee settlements). Now we can now expand to any and all of Uganda’s 13 refugee settlements serving over 1.4 million people once we get funding. 

We are admittedly having issues fundraising - namely that we just cannot get the introductions we need. Although we have a 501c3 and board in the United States, we are a locally run and operated organization in Uganda. Through this Global Challenge we are looking for visibility for our work and to be part of the Solver global community to get introductions to fundraise more money. 

Project Backpack stands at the forefront of innovation in education, harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to revolutionize learning outcomes. At its core, Project Backpack leverages AI technology to provide immediate feedback, offering invaluable support to children as they navigate their educational journey. This real-time feedback mechanism not only enhances learning efficiency but also fosters a deeper understanding of literacy concepts.

Central to Project Backpack's success is its commitment to addressing the diverse literacy needs of children. By providing access to literacy applications tailored to individual skill levels, the project ensures that every child receives personalized support on their path to literacy mastery. This approach not only promotes inclusivity but also empowers children to progress at their own pace, building confidence and motivation along the way.

Moreover, Project Backpack recognizes the importance of incorporating play into the learning process. By infusing educational activities with elements of playfulness, the project creates an engaging and enjoyable learning environment for children. Through play, children not only acquire new knowledge and skills but also develop essential socio-emotional competencies, such as creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving.

A key innovation introduced by Project Backpack is the development of feedback cards that visually depict a child's progress. These cards serve as tangible indicators of achievement, offering children, parents/guardians, and educators valuable insights into learning outcomes. By making progress visible and tangible, these feedback cards celebrate success, motivate continued effort, and facilitate constructive conversations around learning goals.

However, despite the promising potential of Project Backpack, significant challenges persist, particularly concerning access to educational resources. Many children, especially those from marginalized communities, still lack access to essential learning tools and technologies. This digital divide not only hinders academic progress but also exacerbates existing disparities in educational outcomes.

The implementation of Project Backpack stands poised to profoundly influence the educational landscape. Through its exploration of group learning dynamics in home environments, it pioneers new methods for supporting informal learning experiences, catering to the rising adoption of home-based and hybrid learning models. This initiative sparks innovation in the home education market, catering to evolving family dynamics.

Moreover, Project Backpack facilitates data-driven decision-making through feedback cards and AI-driven analytics. Educators utilize these insights to customize instruction, monitor student progress, and pinpoint areas for enhancement. This emphasis on data-driven approaches fosters evidence-based practices, enhancing educational efficacy.

Furthermore, the integration of AI technology and feedback mechanisms underscores Project Backpack's transformative impact on educational technology (EdTech). As educators and institutions seek innovative solutions to bolster learning outcomes, the demand for EdTech solutions mirroring Project Backpack's features burgeons, driving investment and innovation in the EdTech sector.

By leveraging technology to deliver personalized learning experiences and prompt feedback, Project Backpack promotes educational accessibility. This inclusivity aims to bridge the educational gap for children in underserved communities, fostering equity in educational outcomes and addressing systemic disparities in learning opportunities.

Our theory of change is grounded on the key assumption that when we engage students with content relevant to them and empower their parents to participate, regardless of their prior education, that meaningful outcomes are possible.

Key Activities:

• Tablets rotated on 2-week increments between 3 families.
• A formative Early Grade Reading Assessment (EGRA) informs targeted skill development at the beginning and end of each 2-week learning cycle. Students and parents are directed to appropriate lessons that students practice over 2 weeks.
• Parents set learning schedules and are a lever of accountability for student learning time.

Key Outputs:

• Students progressively develop Level 1 literacy skills in letter knowledge, phonics, decoding, fluency, and comprehension.
• *Parents progressively develop Level 1 literacy skills in letter knowledge, phonics, decoding, fluency, and comprehension.

Short-term Outcomes:

• Students develop grade-appropriate literacy skills
• *Parents develop Level 2 functional literacy skills

Long Term Outcomes:

• Students learn subjects and skills of their choice with their literacy skills

The project has clear goals and indicators to measure its impact. Firstly, it aims to enhance literacy proficiency by ensuring that children achieve functional literacy, demonstrated by their ability to read at a rate of 60 words per minute and comprehend the text. Secondly, the project seeks to improve the completion rate of primary school children, with successful completion being indicated by the passage of children enrolled in the program through their primary education. Finally, the project aims to promote gender equality in education by ensuring equal access to quality education for girls and boys. This will be measured by the number of girls and boys enrolled in the program who have access to schooling, thereby reflecting the project's commitment to providing equitable educational opportunities for all children.

Project Backpack employs a multifaceted approach to enhance educational outcomes, with technology serving as a cornerstone of its strategy. By leveraging cutting-edge educational applications such as Khan Academy, Duolingo, and EdApp, Project Backpack provides children with a diverse array of interactive lessons and activities tailored to support their literacy development. These educational apps offer engaging content that is both accessible and adaptable to the individual learning needs of each child, thereby fostering a personalized learning experience that transcends traditional classroom boundaries.

One of the key advantages of incorporating technology into the Project Backpack initiative is the immediate feedback mechanism facilitated by artificial intelligence (AI). Through AI-driven algorithms embedded within the educational apps, children receive real-time feedback on their progress and performance, enabling them to identify areas of strength and weakness in their literacy skills. This immediate feedback not only empowers children to take ownership of their learning but also facilitates targeted interventions and personalized support, ultimately accelerating their literacy proficiency.

For example, when a child engages with a literacy lesson on Khan Academy, they receive instant feedback on their reading comprehension skills, pronunciation accuracy, and vocabulary acquisition. Similarly, in language learning exercises on Duolingo, children receive immediate feedback on their grammar usage, sentence structure, and language proficiency levels. This rapid feedback loop enables children to make iterative improvements in their literacy skills, leading to more effective and efficient learning outcomes.

Furthermore, the integration of AI-driven feedback mechanisms within Project Backpack extends beyond individual learning activities to encompass comprehensive progress tracking and data analytics. By aggregating data on children's learning outcomes and performance metrics, Project Backpack gains valuable insights into trends, patterns, and areas for improvement across the program. This data-driven approach not only informs instructional decision-making but also enables program administrators to evaluate the efficacy of educational interventions and refine strategies for maximum impact.

Moreover, the use of technology in Project Backpack facilitates seamless communication and collaboration among educators, caregivers, and program staff. Through digital platforms and online communication tools, stakeholders can share resources, exchange best practices, and coordinate efforts to support children's learning both inside and outside the classroom. This collaborative ecosystem fosters a sense of community and collective responsibility for children's educational success, driving positive outcomes and sustainable impact over time.

In summary, technology plays a pivotal role in supporting the Project Backpack initiative by providing access to high-quality educational content, facilitating immediate feedback through AI-driven algorithms, and enabling comprehensive progress tracking and data analytics. By harnessing the power of technology, Project Backpack empowers children to achieve their full potential and equips them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in school and beyond.

Full time: 8 employees

Part time: 3 employees

Contractors: 2

4 years

Project Backpack embodies a commitment to diversity, both in terms of background and gender inclusion, within its team. At the forefront of leadership is Cicilia, a female manager from South Sudan, whose compassionate leadership style and determination drive the project forward. Assisting her is Brenda, the Executive Director, whose strategic vision and organizational expertise guide the project towards its goals. Brenda, a woman from Uganda, exemplifies the importance of gender representation in leadership roles.

The team of learning guides comprises individuals from diverse backgrounds and genders, including three men, two of whom are refugees, and one Ugandan from the host community.  In addition, one female learning guide also a refugee, supports Cicilia in working with all the children in the program. These mentors and facilitators draw on their unique experiences and perspectives to support children's learning journeys, fostering a nurturing environment where every child can thrive.

Complementing the learning guides is a team of researchers, consisting of both men and women, all of whom are American nationals. This gender-inclusive team collaborates closely with their counterparts on the ground to tailor educational tools and interventions to suit the specific needs of the target community. Their expertise in research and data analysis ensures that Project Backpack remains evidence-based and responsive to evolving educational needs, with considerations for gender inclusion integrated into every aspect of their work.

The diversity within the Project Backpack team extends beyond gender, encompassing a rich tapestry of backgrounds, cultures, and expertise. By embracing diversity as a strength, the project fosters innovation, adaptability, and inclusivity, driving meaningful change in the lives of children and communities. Through collaborative leadership and collective action, Project Backpack serves as a beacon of inspiration, demonstrating the transformative power of diversity and gender inclusion in shaping a more equitable and inclusive world.

Project Backpack's business model centers around providing equitable access to education, especially for marginalized children, including refugees, who often lack such opportunities. The program aims to empower these children with vital literacy skills and support their holistic development.

The target demographic primarily consists of children from refugee and underserved communities, who face barriers to accessing quality education.

Project Backpack distinguishes itself by offering personalized learning experiences. Through the use of technology and customized educational interventions, the program tailors learning activities to suit the unique needs and learning styles of each child.

In terms of sustainability, Project Backpack relies on securing grant funding and donations from various sources, including philanthropic organizations, government agencies, and corporate sponsors. This financial support is essential for financing the program's activities and operations.

Project Backpack ensures financial sustainability by actively seeking support from a variety of sources, including grants, donations, corporate sponsorships, and individual contributions. By diversifying its donor base, the program reduces vulnerability to fluctuations in funding and strengthens its financial resilience.

Employing a strategic approach to grant acquisition, Project Backpack identifies funding opportunities that align with its mission and goals. This involves thorough research, targeted proposal development, and ongoing relationship-building with potential funders. By securing grants with multi-year commitments, the program establishes a stable financial footing, enabling long-term planning and sustainability.

To maximize the impact of available resources, Project Backpack prioritizes cost optimization and efficiency measures. This includes prudent budget management, negotiation of favorable vendor contracts, and leveraging economies of scale through bulk purchasing or shared services arrangements. By minimizing overhead costs and enhancing operational efficiency, the program ensures that funds are allocated effectively to activities that directly benefit beneficiaries.

Additionally, Project Backpack emphasizes donor stewardship and relationship management to cultivate long-term partnerships and secure recurring funding support. This involves regular communication with donors, transparent reporting on program outcomes, and recognition of donor contributions. By demonstrating accountability, transparency, and the tangible impact of their investments, the program strengthens donor confidence and loyalty, fostering sustained financial support over time.