Analyzing socio-cultural and institutional barriers that hinder gender equality and developing educational materials and content to overcome them is an important strategy for advancing women's rights. The Institute for Sustainable Future Studies develops and publishes contents to improve the quality of life of women in Korea and abroad, and induces social awareness. In particular, it develops digital-based educational materials (e-books, etc.) for women and youth in educational blind spots, contributing to the realization of gender equality in practice. Research and publication are action tools that connect civil society and policy.

Using mobile technology to improve English literacy among children in Kenya

The Institute for Sustainable Future conducted a pilot study to analyze the effectiveness of mobile-based English literacy education to expand learning opportunities for children in Africa. In many African countries, including Kenya, many children are not proficient in the language used in public education (English), making it difficult for them to learn the basics. Against this backdrop, some nonprofit organizations have been offering English literacy programs, but the lack of performance evaluation and lack of trainers and infrastructure have made it difficult to verify their effectiveness. To examine whether mobile technology can serve as a sustainable educational tool that can compensate for these limitations, we conducted the following study.

Research Overview

• Location: Local elementary school students in Kenya

• Participants: 47 preschool and lower elementary children

• Duration: 10 days total of after-school English camps

• 방법: 모바일 리터러시 앱을 활용한 수업 진행 및 문해력 변화 측정

• Results: Significant gains in students' reading skills and vocabulary comprehension in a short period of time

Expected Outcoms

• Mobile technology-based education is an effective solution to overcome teacher shortages and in-person classroom constraints

• Building internet infrastructure + developing digital content can go a long way toward solving Africa's literacy challenges

• Enabling virtual learning during COVID-19, TB, and other pandemics