Family engagement is a crucial factor in education recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a new report co-authored by Dr. Ayesha Hashim, Dr. Rebecca Johnson, and Rachel Perera, family engagement refers to a collaborative effort among schools, families, and communities to improve educational opportunities for all students.
Nord Anglia Education's Social Impact Grants program is an example of this collaborative approach in action. The program awards funding to student-led projects that address pressing local challenges, such as expanding healthcare access and promoting digital literacy. For instance, a grant recipient will use the funding to develop a generative AI-powered device for underserved children.
The report highlights the importance of family engagement in education recovery, citing its benefits in improving academic outcomes and reducing student dropout rates. Nord Anglia Education's grants program recognizes this need for collaboration by supporting initiatives that bring together students, teachers, families, and communities to drive positive change.
By fostering a collaborative approach to education, schools can better support students' social-emotional needs and provide them with the skills necessary for success in an increasingly complex world. The grants program has awarded over $155,000 to 17 student-led projects across its schools worldwide, demonstrating the potential of family engagement in driving meaningful change.
The committee reviewing the grant applications is chaired by Lord Jim Knight, who emphasizes the value of empowering young changemakers to design and implement impactful solutions in their communities.