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Governments, Others Asked to Integrate Human Connection into AI-Driven Early Childhood Education Innovation
Governments, Others Asked to Integrate Human Connection into AI-Driven Early Childhood Education Innovation
By: Michael Mike
A call has gone to governments, international organisations, NGOs, tech companies, and educational institutions to join forces in ensuring that AI-driven early childhood educational tools are developed and deployed with a focus on human connection, especially in humanitarian contexts.
The call which was made to commemorate the International Day of Education by the Moving Minds Alliance (MMA) and the International Step by Step Association (ISSA), insisted that early deployment of AI would make solid impact.
The statement read: “On this International Day of Education, the Moving Minds Alliance (MMA) and the International Step by Step Association (ISSA) call upon governments, international organisations, NGOs, tech companies, and educational institutions to join forces in ensuring that AI-driven early childhood educational tools are developed and deployed with a focus on human connection, especially in humanitarian contexts. This year’s theme, “AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation, resonates deeply with our vision of a world where families caught up in crisis are able to rebuild resilience and foster the wellbeing and development of their young children.”
The statement said: “Research shows that quality early childhood interventions can mitigate the adverse effects of trauma and provide a foundation for lifelong learning and well-being. Early childhood is a pivotal period for cognitive, emotional, and social development. In humanitarian contexts, where children face compounded risks from displacement, conflict, and instability, the need for robust Early Childhood Education (ECE) programmes is even more pressing.
“Investing in holistic education in humanitarian settings not only addresses academic needs but also the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of children, providing comprehensive support. Schools offer a safe space, protecting children from exploitation and violence, while promoting long-term development by equipping them with essential skills and knowledge.”
The statement added that: “As we navigate the rapid advancements in technology, it is crucial to ensure that these innovations serve to enhance, rather than replace, the essential human elements of learning and connection that children need to thrive. AI offers many benefits such as enhanced delivery of essential services like healthcare, education, and emergency relief. For example, AI-driven chatbots provide personalised learning experiences to children in crisis-affected areas.
“However, the use of AI in humanitarian settings raises significant concerns about data privacy and protection. Children’s data can be misused, putting them at risk of exploitation and abuse. It is crucial to implement these technologies responsibly to protect vulnerable children and ensure their rights are upheld.
“Beyond concerns for data privacy, there is significant worry regarding screen time, which should be very limited for young children. Research indicates that excessive screen time can negatively impact the cognitive development of children under six years old, affecting memory, attention, and critical thinking skills. Additionally, it can hinder the development of empathy and social skills.
“Moreso, Human connection is crucial for early childhood development, especially in humanitarian settings, as it provides emotional and psychological support, helping children feel safe and secure. Positive interactions with caregivers and peers stimulate cognitive development, essential for language acquisition and problem-solving skills. Additionally, human connection promotes better physical health, as emotionally connected caregivers ensure proper nutrition and healthcare. Strong relationships also build resilience, enabling children to cope better with adversities, and teach essential social skills like empathy and communication.”
The statement further said: “The need for multistakeholder collaboration in designing and deploying ECE programmes is even more crucial now as the situation of children living in humanitarian crises have worsened significantly in 2024: Over 473 million children—nearly 19% of the world’s children—are living in conflict zones
“47.2 million children have been displaced due to conflict and violence. More than 52 million children in conflict-affected countries are out of school.
“We therefore call upon governments, international organisations, NGOs, tech companies, and educational institutions to join forces to: Foster partnerships across sectors to develop and deploy AI-driven educational tools that are accessible, inclusive, and culturally relevant with a focus on human connection and encourage expansion of learning beyond the screen with support from adults; Ensure that the necessary technological infrastructure is in place to support AI initiatives, including reliable internet access and digital devices for all children.
“Establish robust frameworks to protect the privacy and security of children’s data, ensuring that AI applications are used ethically and responsibly; Provide training and resources for educators to effectively integrate AI tools into their teaching practices, enhancing their ability to support students in diverse and challenging environments; Implement continuous monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to assess the impact of AI in education, ensuring that it meets the needs of children and contributes to their holistic development.”
It emphasized that: “By committing these actions, we can leverage AI to provide quality education to children in humanitarian settings, helping them to overcome the barriers they face and build a brighter future.”
Governments, Others Asked to Integrate Human Connection into AI-Driven Early Childhood Education Innovation
News
Bandit kill police operative, cart away service weapon in Bukuyum in Zamfara
Bandit kill police operative, cart away service weapon in Bukuyum in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
A mobile police operative attached to Operation Restore Peace has been killed in an ambush by armed bandits in Adabka village, Bukkuyum Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the incident occurred on Tuesday at about 11:44 a.m. when the officer, deployed from Mopol 15, Ilorin, left his duty location in Adabka en route to Tibis village to purchase essential supplies.
Security sources in Bukkuyum told Zagazola that the operative was attacked at the outskirts of Adabka by armed bandits concealed in the surrounding bushes.
The attackers reportedly opened fire on the officer, killing him instantly before carting away his service riot gun.
“Field teams deployed to the scene recovered the body of the fallen operative, which was evacuated to Adabka Primary Health Care Centre for documentation,” the source said.
Sources said that the mode of attack aligns with operational tactics used by bandit factions linked to the Dan-Karama Gwaska and Dansadau networks, known for precision ambushes and rapid withdrawal.
Bandit kill police operative, cart away service weapon in Bukuyum in Zamfara
News
GSU’s Public Administration Dept hosts maiden int’l conference
GSU’s Public Administration Dept hosts maiden int’l conference
Stakeholders comprising academics, policymakers, security experts and public-sector practitioners have deliberated ways of tackling insecurity in the country through a multi-faceted approach that includes economic empowerment, improved governance, and enhanced security cooperation.
They made the submission during the maiden International Conference organised by the Department of Public Administration, Gombe State University (GSU).
The conference was declared open on Tuesday by Prof. Sani Ahmed Yauta, the Vice Chancellor of the institution who stated that any engagement aimed at proffering solutions to the security challenges of the country was an engagement borne out of the need to fast-track national development and stability.
Represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) Prof. Danladi Umar, Yauta urged participants to leverage the conference to contribute to ongoing efforts at addressing security challenges so as to enhance peace and development in the country.
In his keynote address, Prof. Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, Secretary to the Gombe State Government, linked good governance to enhanced security and national development.
Njodi stressed that good governance remained a critical tool to earning citizens’ trust needed to maintain peace and to strengthen development across the country.
He stated that discourse around Nigeria’s governance had become imperative in view of the current security challenges confronting the nation and threatening national development.
He stressed the need for subnational governments to drive national development, adding that they have massive roles to play in determining Nigeria’s progress.
“It is the aggregation of subnational experiences—state successes and failures—that ultimately determines Nigeria’s trajectory.”
Njodi cited the Gombe State governance model and how it had contributed to improvement in human capital development as well as the development of the state and therefore resulting in the peaceful status that the state had enjoyed under Gov Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State’s leadership.
“The state’s development trajectory under Gov. Yahaya offers a practical demonstration of how visionary leadership, institutional innovation and participatory governance can transform a subnational entity within Nigeria’s federal system.
Speaking earlier, the Head of Public Administration Department, Prof. Matthew Funsho Bello, described the event as historic for both the department and the university.
Bello said that the conference’s theme, “Governance, Insecurity and National Development in Nigeria: Issues and Challenges,” was timely given the complexities of the nation’s socio-economic and security challenges.
“This gathering of distinguished scholars, public-sector experts, policymakers and practitioners from across the country marks a major milestone in our collective quest to address the vexing issues affecting our national life,” he said.
According to him, the theme reflects “the urgent need for academia, security agencies and public-sector experts to engage in constructive dialogue on how addressing insecurity and governance can drive sustainable development in Nigeria.
Security experts amongst other professionals made their presentations during the conference which are expected to form part of the recommendations at the end of the two-day event.
Dr Lawal Abdullahi Oladimeji, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee of the Conference, lauded all participants and invited guests for the success of the maiden event.
Oladimeji said that recommendations from the conference would be given to relevant stakeholders towards enhancing national security and development.
GSU’s Public Administration Dept hosts maiden int’l conference
News
21 villagers abducted in kano communities as Security forces intensify search operation
21 villagers abducted in kano communities as Security forces intensify search operation
By: Zagazola Makama
Twenty-one persons have been abducted by suspected bandits in three villages of Tsanyawa Local Government Area of Kano State.
Zagazola Makama learnt that the coordinated attacks occurred in Sundu, Biresawa and Masaurari villages.
According to community members, two women were taken from Sundu, while five women and two children were abducted at Biresawa.
In Masaurari, nine men and one woman were reportedly seized, bringing the total number of abducted persons to 21 comprising nine men, eight women and two children.
The Police Command in Kano confirmed the attack noting that efforts had been intensified to rescue all victims unhurt.
The sources added that additional operatives had been deployed to the affected axis, while the area was being combed in collaboration with local vigilance groups and other security agencies.
The command assured residents of its commitment to restoring peace and urged the public to provide credible information that could aid ongoing operations.
21 villagers abducted in kano communities as Security forces intensify search operation
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