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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
Nigeria: 38 people injured as United Airlines flight from Lagos to DC returns on emergency landing after three hours in the air
Nigeria: 38 people injured as United Airlines flight from Lagos to DC returns on emergency landing after three hours in the air
Reports have it that a United Airlines flight carrying over 200 passengers from Lagos to Washington, DC, returns on an emergency landing when it encounters issues midair.
According to sources, 38 people have been reportedly injured, including six hospitalized.
Speaking to one of the passengers, Mr. Joseph Bamidele told NEWSng that “We boarded the plane around 11:59 pm on Thursday. We were about 3 hours in the air, and we were having dinner when the incident happened.
He continued. “All of a sudden we saw the plane descend very fast, almost to about half of the height. We all started shouting, fear gripping all the passengers on board. Then the plane started bumping like a car driving into bumps.
“The cart that was used to serve food was flying around, and we started hitting our heads on each other’s and the body of the plane. Many of the crew’s staff had their legs dislocated. Some of us, including myself, started throwing up; children were crying, and some passengers sustained injuries.
“The pilot announced to us he was going to make an emergency landing in Ghana but later changed his mind to Lagos because, according to him, we will be taking the same risk either way. When we had the emergency landing in Lagos, there was no medical team on the ground.
“This time was 4 am on Friday; the immigration wanted to use that as an opportunity to extort money. The airport staff were after collecting money for the cart rather than helping. There was no compassion from both the immigration and Nacco staffs.
“We were later taken to the Ibis hotel near the airport, where we were abandoned. There were no follow-ups from United. Our case was treated as normal incidents.” He said.
NEWSng gathered that the exact nature of the emergency remains unclear, but video footage from the incident shows the Boeing 787-8’s cabin in disarray, with meal trays scattered across the floor and parts of the aircraft’s headliner detached.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria reported that United Airlines Flight 613 departed Murtala Muhammed International Airport at 11:59 p.m. local time on Thursday but returned to Lagos at 3:22 a.m. Friday following an emergency that occurred “hours” into the journey.
United Airlines stated Saturday that the aircraft, carrying 245 passengers, eight crew members, and three pilots, returned safely to Lagos due to “a technical issue and an unexpected aircraft movement.”
Among the injured, four passengers and two flight attendants were hospitalized. While United Airlines described the injuries as minor, the Nigerian airports authority said the six individuals had “serious” injuries.
Despite the incident, the aircraft did not suffer significant damage, according to officials. The flight was in the air for 3 hours and 36 minutes, as per FlightAware.
NEWSng learned that United Airlines is cooperating with Nigerian and U.S. authorities to investigate the cause of the incident.
Nigeria: 38 people injured as United Airlines flight from Lagos to DC returns on emergency landing after three hours in the air
Gov. Buni disburses $2.5m to 101 Communities/Farmer groups
By: Mamman Mohammed
Yobe state Governor Hon. Mai Mala Buni CON on Saturday launched a second disbursement of $2,525,000 non-interest Community Revolving Fund loan to 101 communities and farmer groups in the state.
Governor Buni said the Non interest Community Revolving Fund was aimed at driving economic growth, provide employment opportunities and create wealth.
“It is an investment revolving facility sourced by the state government for communities and farmer groups to expand agricultural developments and strengthen the role of communities in the management of their environment for economic prosperity.
“This occasion is another milestone achieved by the state government by supporting 101 communities, and in line with our policy on youth empowerment, l have directed the allocation of 4,825 slots out of the total 7,340 slots to the youths for maximum engagement and benefit of the Community Revolving Fund loan programme” he said.
According to the Governor, 10 Pilot communities in Damaturu and Nguru Local government areas received $25,000 (N32,500,000.00) each last year.
“Reports reaching my office indicate that the benefitting communities and farmer groups have made good use of the facility, and commenced the repayment to sustain the revolving scheme, and afford others the opportunity to benefit” Gov. Buni added .
He charged the beneficiaries on judicious use of the loan and ensure repayment for the success of the programme to spur the government to introduce more incentives.
“We have a duty to join hands to effectively combat economic, environmental and other social challenges for the betterment of our people and the state”.
The Governor commended ACReSAL for the smooth process of identifying and guiding the benefitting groups to qualify and benefit from the scheme.
He reiterated the readiness of Yobe state government for more partnership with the federal government and other partners to make life more meaningful to the people.
Gov. Buni disburses $2.5m to 101 Communities/Farmer groups
Departing Spanish Ambassador Says Nigeria Owns the Future
By: Michael Mike
Departing Spanish Ambassador to Nigeria, Juan Sell has said Nigeria is a country of great potential that owns the future.
Sell gave this description during his sent-forth party at the Embassy of Spain in Abuja.
The envoy said Nigeria, “What a potential! You own the future. It is only a matter of bringing that future to the present.
Of course, there are challenges. I have not met in these years a single Nigerian that would not come with his or her own list of proposals. And this is very good. My admiration always goes to Nations that
are never satisfied with their state of affairs (we Spaniards have become very good at that, perhaps too good).
“All you need is to transform your well-known resilience into a commitment to build together the country you all want. Let me assure you (dear Ministers) that you can count on Spain in that endeavour.”
Sell added that: “It is time for me to go home. I hove powerful reasons to do so. Primarily, the arrival of my first grandson, Íñigo. But I will also be pursuing a brand new professional career for some time (not bad for an old hand as me).
“Nostalgia will now change places. If I have longed for Spain and my people, I will now miss Nigeria and all of you. It is always encouraging to say “until we meet
again” (and it will be a real pleasure when it is the case). But the most helpful weapon to navigate this life of permanent change is memory.
“And I can assure you that I will treasure my
memories with each and every one of you.”
Departing Spanish Ambassador Says Nigeria Owns the Future
Yobe: Maigari urges citizens to support Buni
Nigeria: 38 people injured as United Airlines flight from Lagos to DC returns on emergency landing after three hours in the air
Gov. Buni disburses $2.5m to 101 Communities/Farmer groups
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