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Educational Outreach Matters

1st October 2018
The Divide WidensNelson Mandela once said that education is the most powerful weapon that can be used to change the world.It’s therefore surprising that although we live in an age where we have greater access to information and knowledge, we still seem to be clueless when it comes to working out how to solve the problem of educational inequality.The Cold Hard Facts
“The lack of a quality education is the most powerful form of social exclusion and prevents people from benefiting from economic growth and social progress.” Angel Gurria, OECD Secretary-General
The problem with inequality is that it’s increasing, even though between 2010 and 2012, GDP rose in most OECD countries.Of the OECD countries where GDP increased, you might be surprised to hear that it is the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia that decreased their education budgets. But there is hope.Finland, Korea and Japan are spending more on education, and what is most impressive is that they are prioritising it over things like infrastructure.Outreach Enhances EducationEducation has the power to enrich a person’s life in so many ways.And, with over 20% of a child’s learning taking place outside of the classroom, an expanding curriculum and, of course, standardised testing, educational outreach is more important than ever.It has such an important role to play.Even though there are many definitions of what educational outreach is, what is universal is that it has the power to:
  • Offer students the opportunity to experience things beyond what would be possible within the classroom
  • Increase awareness of initiatives and ideas that could lead to future employment opportunities
  • Provide teachers, parents and community organisations with professional learning and resources to excite, engage and inspire
Supporting EducatorsEducational outreach programmes support and build the capacity of educators to make a difference in the lives of their students. On October 4th, MakeMatic is hosting an informal meet-up to look at how the creative and digital sectors can – and do – engage with education. The meet-up takes place in Belfast's Ormeau Baths from 6pm.We’ll be joined by Dr. Liz Fogel speaking about her experiences of designing educational outreach programmes as former Director of Education at Disney, alongside a panel of local people: Seamus Cushley from PwC, Diane Morrow from MTech Academy Foundation and Lisa Donaldson from the TEN Education Network, who are behind exciting initiatives closer to home.Of course, there will be plenty of food and drink, and an opportunity to check out some new projects MakeMatic are working on with companies such as Crayola.Click here to register your interest in the event.

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