16.11.11
My WISE! - My Second Call! - Third Summit!
28.10.11
If You Bump Into The Richest Man In The World, What do you do?
Answer: Innovate...
I seldom knew (and so do my other Digital World Fellows), that during the intensive last few days of our workshops in readiness for the final ITU International open fray, in Geneva, we could be met with Carlos Slim http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carlos_Slim who "as of 2011 is the richest person in the world, for the second year in a row. He is the chairman and chief executive of telecommunications companies Telmex and América Móvil and has extensive holdings in other Mexican companies through his conglomerate, Grupo Carso SAB, as well as business interests elsewhere in the world."
That´s just what technology does. It has the magical wand to bring people polarized by geographic difference, cultures and economic status. In an Entourage with another high profiled person; Dr Hamadoun Touré, Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) a trio of personalities, walked into the small hall guided by a professional camera crew. In this small hall charged with new ideas and vision, we experienced that it has a pressure proof for us to fine tune our ideas that were yet raw and crude and needed some refinery.
Both Carlos Slim and Dr Hamadoun Touré, agreed that the young leaders in that room, have the responsibility to make technology meaningful for the lives of others and that we all in that room, were ambassadors of our countries, working hard to change the world in a positive way via technology. There messages remained ingrained in our minds if not our hearts.
I was one of those who thanked the entourage for initiating the idea of bringing the best brains in the world to pit their wits against one an other in a true competitive spirit in a bid to find divergent solutions in solving global problems through tele communications technology.
Carlos Slim and the ITU World Digital Fellows 2011
Andrew and Dr Hamadoun Touré, (ITU Secretary General)
Several weeks before the final notifications were sent across to deserving finalists and when the shortlist numbers of ITU Digital Fellows was announced on the Official ITU Telecom Website, I have been focusing and set my mind on how technology can help give a new and fresh thinking to the whole notion of digital divide, but this time, with a little twist on how it could be a salve in the wounds. Indeed, it is a real ease of pain.
My project entitled ´Digital Hope´, like the rest of the presentations came off from our PowerPoint, as needed much trimming to the rules of 6 minutes, 10 words per slide and a specific PowerPoint format. All of the participants in one way or the other had to change their initial style of presentation and even content to meet the standardized criteria set in motion for the contest. Several pitching were done and fellows scrutinized, analyzed, criticized and edited the work of one another to come to some form of perfection.
My pain is that from 1991 to 2002, the people of Sierra Leone suffered the consequences of a brutal civil war. Amputation was used as a Weapon of war. The amputation of Civilians portrays the long years of fighting. During the war, terror tactics was physical mutilation. Although there are as yet no reliable statistics, an estimated 20,000 civilians suffered amputation of became wounded by machetes and axes being used to sever arms, legs, lips, and ears. Victims of amputation have not only been the direct victims of several years of conflict, but have suffered from social stigmatization and marginalized from the mainstream of technology and the information society.In these amputee camps, I saw firsthand, the misery, hunger, and humiliation that smoulder after a decade of war and violence. I saw the maimed, the diseased, the broken-hearted, these amputees made forlorn by machetes of brutal rebel onslaught. I also saw bare-footed children, with swollen, protruded stomachs, amputee fathers with heads bowed, pale amputee mothers, with sickly babies, (some of these children are also amputees), themselves, and grandparents in utter despair. I saw the grave meaning of human rights violation, poverty, hunger, and could have easily felt forlorn and despairing like the amputees themselves. But some inner strength overrides this feeling. That strength is inspired by my vision for change in the plight of these victims by the magic of telecommunication technology. These amputees felt deprivation and marginalization to the bones. But I did not shy away at the sight of what I fathomed at these amputee camps. I could not be deterred by the sounds and horrendous stories of death, utter savagery and brutality, and gross human rights violation. I instantaneously thought that much like the Holocaust Genocide, and their victims and survivors, these survivors of amputation, these amputees in Sierra Leone can recount their stories and experiences, even though sordid and bitter to the rest of the world via new multimedia tele-communication technologies so that the society will learn from this and that such violations will never be repeated again. Through this idea, technology can also be used as a vehicle to examine the social, personal, and historical issues surrounding disfigurements resulting from war and conflict.
My Idea.
My idea is to provide tele communication technologies and multi media technologies to amputee victims of the war. It may sound weird if you view it from a short sighted prism. That is exactly what sets me apart. I realized that amputees can use their extra limbs to access computers. These technologies can give them a powerful voice in the mass media, and become an extra ordinary tool, that they can use to bear witness to their plight, thereby bringing about attention, hope and healing to people who are almost forgotten victims.
I believe that in providing them these technologies, we are giving them an extra arm, that can somehow, atone for their missing arms. These technologies will allow them to reach-out, in a way that has never been experienced before. Technology literally becomes a virtual outstretching arm that provides the leverage for the amputees to overcome their difficult situation. In so doing, we are giving them a true and authentic voice in the mass media, untainted by the lens of mass media journalism. We are undoubtedly bringing full blown attention to their plight which seems to be always forgotten.
We are thus providing them with the tools that supersede their crutches, wheel chairs, prosthesis, and providing a kind of disability supplement. We are bringing those once marginalized to use the vehicle of technology which they otherwise will not have. We are affirming that modern technologies does not discriminate against those who are poor, the vulnerable, those who are marginalized, and those who can ill afford as a result of the overwhelming difficulties they face.
I once told some of my colleagues at a workshop that ´we need to innovate, explore and experiment new technologies that are user friendly, and that can help the physically challenge and suit their daily needs. We have to adapt technologies that can allow these categories of end users apply the technology to suit their situation and for their diurnal needs.´
These technologies can create a ´Middle Path´where all of us can work through devoid of our physical conditions and circumstances. In taking them through that path, and through that journey, we are taking away from them their physical disabilities and through technology and interaction, they will feel a sense of normalcy, online community support, through networking, sharing and communicating.
If Carlos Slim could have come closer, I could have whispered in his ears, the words, ´´We innovate´.
Andrew Benson Greene
ITU Digital World Fellow 2011 (WINNER)
Jeane Sauve Scholar - McGill university Canada 2004.
Founder at bGifted Foundation
http://youtu.be/AQzaM_jUBrI
I seldom knew (and so do my other Digital World Fellows), that during the intensive last few days of our workshops in readiness for the final ITU International open fray, in Geneva, we could be met with Carlos Slim http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carlos_Slim who "as of 2011 is the richest person in the world, for the second year in a row. He is the chairman and chief executive of telecommunications companies Telmex and América Móvil and has extensive holdings in other Mexican companies through his conglomerate, Grupo Carso SAB, as well as business interests elsewhere in the world."
That´s just what technology does. It has the magical wand to bring people polarized by geographic difference, cultures and economic status. In an Entourage with another high profiled person; Dr Hamadoun Touré, Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) a trio of personalities, walked into the small hall guided by a professional camera crew. In this small hall charged with new ideas and vision, we experienced that it has a pressure proof for us to fine tune our ideas that were yet raw and crude and needed some refinery.
Both Carlos Slim and Dr Hamadoun Touré, agreed that the young leaders in that room, have the responsibility to make technology meaningful for the lives of others and that we all in that room, were ambassadors of our countries, working hard to change the world in a positive way via technology. There messages remained ingrained in our minds if not our hearts.
I was one of those who thanked the entourage for initiating the idea of bringing the best brains in the world to pit their wits against one an other in a true competitive spirit in a bid to find divergent solutions in solving global problems through tele communications technology.
Carlos Slim and the ITU World Digital Fellows 2011
Andrew and Dr Hamadoun Touré, (ITU Secretary General)
Several weeks before the final notifications were sent across to deserving finalists and when the shortlist numbers of ITU Digital Fellows was announced on the Official ITU Telecom Website, I have been focusing and set my mind on how technology can help give a new and fresh thinking to the whole notion of digital divide, but this time, with a little twist on how it could be a salve in the wounds. Indeed, it is a real ease of pain.
My project entitled ´Digital Hope´, like the rest of the presentations came off from our PowerPoint, as needed much trimming to the rules of 6 minutes, 10 words per slide and a specific PowerPoint format. All of the participants in one way or the other had to change their initial style of presentation and even content to meet the standardized criteria set in motion for the contest. Several pitching were done and fellows scrutinized, analyzed, criticized and edited the work of one another to come to some form of perfection.
My pain is that from 1991 to 2002, the people of Sierra Leone suffered the consequences of a brutal civil war. Amputation was used as a Weapon of war. The amputation of Civilians portrays the long years of fighting. During the war, terror tactics was physical mutilation. Although there are as yet no reliable statistics, an estimated 20,000 civilians suffered amputation of became wounded by machetes and axes being used to sever arms, legs, lips, and ears. Victims of amputation have not only been the direct victims of several years of conflict, but have suffered from social stigmatization and marginalized from the mainstream of technology and the information society.In these amputee camps, I saw firsthand, the misery, hunger, and humiliation that smoulder after a decade of war and violence. I saw the maimed, the diseased, the broken-hearted, these amputees made forlorn by machetes of brutal rebel onslaught. I also saw bare-footed children, with swollen, protruded stomachs, amputee fathers with heads bowed, pale amputee mothers, with sickly babies, (some of these children are also amputees), themselves, and grandparents in utter despair. I saw the grave meaning of human rights violation, poverty, hunger, and could have easily felt forlorn and despairing like the amputees themselves. But some inner strength overrides this feeling. That strength is inspired by my vision for change in the plight of these victims by the magic of telecommunication technology. These amputees felt deprivation and marginalization to the bones. But I did not shy away at the sight of what I fathomed at these amputee camps. I could not be deterred by the sounds and horrendous stories of death, utter savagery and brutality, and gross human rights violation. I instantaneously thought that much like the Holocaust Genocide, and their victims and survivors, these survivors of amputation, these amputees in Sierra Leone can recount their stories and experiences, even though sordid and bitter to the rest of the world via new multimedia tele-communication technologies so that the society will learn from this and that such violations will never be repeated again. Through this idea, technology can also be used as a vehicle to examine the social, personal, and historical issues surrounding disfigurements resulting from war and conflict.
My Idea.
My idea is to provide tele communication technologies and multi media technologies to amputee victims of the war. It may sound weird if you view it from a short sighted prism. That is exactly what sets me apart. I realized that amputees can use their extra limbs to access computers. These technologies can give them a powerful voice in the mass media, and become an extra ordinary tool, that they can use to bear witness to their plight, thereby bringing about attention, hope and healing to people who are almost forgotten victims.
I believe that in providing them these technologies, we are giving them an extra arm, that can somehow, atone for their missing arms. These technologies will allow them to reach-out, in a way that has never been experienced before. Technology literally becomes a virtual outstretching arm that provides the leverage for the amputees to overcome their difficult situation. In so doing, we are giving them a true and authentic voice in the mass media, untainted by the lens of mass media journalism. We are undoubtedly bringing full blown attention to their plight which seems to be always forgotten.
We are thus providing them with the tools that supersede their crutches, wheel chairs, prosthesis, and providing a kind of disability supplement. We are bringing those once marginalized to use the vehicle of technology which they otherwise will not have. We are affirming that modern technologies does not discriminate against those who are poor, the vulnerable, those who are marginalized, and those who can ill afford as a result of the overwhelming difficulties they face.
I once told some of my colleagues at a workshop that ´we need to innovate, explore and experiment new technologies that are user friendly, and that can help the physically challenge and suit their daily needs. We have to adapt technologies that can allow these categories of end users apply the technology to suit their situation and for their diurnal needs.´
These technologies can create a ´Middle Path´where all of us can work through devoid of our physical conditions and circumstances. In taking them through that path, and through that journey, we are taking away from them their physical disabilities and through technology and interaction, they will feel a sense of normalcy, online community support, through networking, sharing and communicating.
If Carlos Slim could have come closer, I could have whispered in his ears, the words, ´´We innovate´.
Andrew Benson Greene
ITU Digital World Fellow 2011 (WINNER)
Jeane Sauve Scholar - McGill university Canada 2004.
Founder at bGifted Foundation
http://youtu.be/AQzaM_jUBrI
18.10.11
Digital Innovator, ITU Fellow
Congratulations to B-Gifted Founder and CEO Andrew Benson Greene from
Sierra Leone, who this week, has been featured on the International
Telecommunication Union (ITU) Geneva as one of the shortlisted competitors
from over 155 entries. Through an International Open Call for ideas organized by the ITU, the founder’s new and unique initiative for the use of telecommunication
technology caught the attention of the international judges. As an
“ITU Fellow’, and digital innovator from Sierra Leone `, Greene hopes
that as one of the selected talents, he will build his ground-breaking
idea at several workshops in Geneva and ‘work closely with the partner
Not For Profits, he and other shortlisted winners will pitch their
developed ideas to World 11 delegates and also have the chance to
pitch to world leaders and win seed funding. At the workshops, the
mentors will ensure the ‘developed solution is fit for purpose’.
Greene hopes ‘to use his knowledge and skills to make the world a
better place’.
About ITU
ITU Telecom organizes influential events for the global ICT community,
providing a unique networking platform where heads of State and
Government, heads of industry, digital innovators, visionaries and
more can connect, network, debate and take action.
ITU Telecom is a part of ITU, the United Nations Specialized agency
for information and communications technologies. ITU itself has many
vital roles as well as the organization of ITU Telecom events,
including allocating global radio spectrum and satellite orbits,
developing the technical standards that ensure networks and
technologies seamlessly interconnect, and striving to improve access
to ICTs to underserved communities worldwide.
As a specialized United Nations Agency, ITU has a unique global reach
and an extensive experience in convening top players to shape the
future of ICTs. ITU is committed to connecting the entire world’s
people.
ITU Telecom is very grateful for the support of key representatives
from across the world of ICT in helping shape our events. Helping
chart a future course for the ITU Telecom events is the ITU Telecom
Board of Directors, a high-level panel comprising top-level
representatives from major global ICT corporations and organizations.
The Forum Advisory Committee is an influential committee comprising
representatives from industry, government, international
organizations, regulators and the worlds of academia and law, amongst
others, who come together to help shape the agenda for Forum debates.Andrew Benson Greene has been named an ITU Digital Innovator for 2011. Telecom World 2011 will take place in Geneva on October 24-27. It aims to bring together industry CEOs and world leaders, digital experts, technology gurus, and grassroots technology pioneers to tackle core issues shaping the global ICT landscape in the age of broadband technology. In a departure from previous Telecom World events, Telecom World 2011 will dispense with the traditional exhibition show floor and instead focus on facilitating knowledge sharing, networking, deal making, and consensus building.
Belief In:'Freedom of expression is a cornerstone of democratic rights and freedoms. In its very first session in 1946, before any human rights declarations or treaties had been adopted, the UN General Assembly adopted resolution 59(I) stating "Freedom of information is a fundamental human right and ... the touchstone of all the freedoms to which the United Nations is consecrated."Other Contributions,Quotes, Commendations and Awards:Aureal Writers Club Awards 1996James B. Boskey Memorial Fresh Faces Awards, 2000Goi Peace Foundation Essay Writing Awards 2000Cable and Wireless Childnet awards 2003Bremen Peace Commendation -Threshold Foundation Germany 2003Beyond Borders Listen Up Awards 2003Sauve Scholars Awards 2004Global junior Challenge Awards 2007In addition Greene was on the shortlist for the 'digital Visions Fellows' at Stanford University california USA.
6.12.10
Doha-Qatar 2010 - 2nd World Innovation Summit for Education
In recent times, Qatar may have been well known around the world for her winning the bid to host the 2022 World Cup. Aljazeera Network, CNN and other news media highlighted this triumph and showed glimpse of this amazing and rapidly growing country of wealth and splendor. But beyond the recent triumph that Qatar has to host the 2022 world cup, is the highly educational WISE summit.
Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development held the second
World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE) in Doha, Qatar, from 7 to 9 December 2010. As founder and CEO of B-Gifted foundation, I was summoned to attend, due to my wide-ranging experience and insight that was an invaluable asset in defining the vision of education that WISE and its participants wish to bring to the world. It was for this reason that I received an invitation to attend this Summit from Chairman H.E Sheikh Abdulla bi Ali al Thami on behalf of Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al Missned, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation to attend the Hosted over a three days period, the 2010 WISE Summit brought together over 1,000 prominent education, corporate, political and social leaders from all sectors of society across the globe for an intensive program promoting debate, inter-disciplinary exchange, networking, creative thinking and action. Under the overarching and permanent theme of the WISE initiative "Building the Future of Education", it focused on two main areas: "Improving Education Systems" and "Exploring Innovative Trends". In addition to Plenary and Breakout Sessions organized around these subjects, another Plenary Session specifically addressed the crucial issue.
In an interview with the Qatar Tribune, Chairman H.E Sheikh Abdulla bi Ali al Thami Chairman of the WISE summit and Vice Chairman of the Qatar Foundation noted that “we continue to have WISE as a platform for everybody to come together. We continue to have WISE as an action oriented forum. We continue to partner with several Universities. We designed the agenda for the WISE for a global audience. We learn what is good for us from the various initiatives. We know that ICT’s play a major role in education so we try to figure out how we can benefit from it. We designed the agenda of the summit from what is important outside our boarder, rather than
inside”. “The idea behind the WISE” he goes on to say “is creating more time for people to come together and network. I think through the WISE we care trying to create more opportunities to dialogue. WISE is the educational DEVOS of the Middle East.” Chairman H.E Sheikh Abdulla bi Ali al Thami also said. “This time, delegates and speakers were given more time to interact than the inaugural WISE summit of last year. Exhibition areas had more information for everyone who attended the summit” I was amazed by the sense of humility, patriotism, determination, hospitality and rapid
development of the people of Qatar. Their sense of modesty was seen in spite of their
outstanding feat in a country that simply fuels ones senses with dreams and wonderment. This new iconic city of Doha in Qatar, home to the WISE summit has embraced education as a key and the light that can illuminate the path to development. whilst Qatar has made recent history as host to the world Cup in 2022, the country is rising fast, fulfilling their unique and inspirational vision, with their breathtaking skyscraping towers, idyllic waterfront, vibrant streets and commercial business parks. Qatar also holds the inspiration and aspiration combined with the prop and stay of special national and international partners. These
organizations and partner institutions have collaborated with Qatar Foundation to conceive and achieve high quality debates and workshops. They institutions include: Agence Universitaire de la Francophone, (AUF), Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), Institute of International Education, International Association of University Presidents (IAUP), RAND Corporation, United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Al Jazeera Network, Euronews, ExxonMobil Corporation in Qatar, Qatar Petroleum, and Microsoft. These partnerships do demonstrate that Qatar is not just about its beauty and splendor but the premium and heavy emphasis it puts into national and international education goals. That is in essence why WISE was born a year ago, and that is why 43% rise on the number of Qataris studying abroad in the US alone, a total of 663 Qatari students are currently enrolled in colleges and universities in the US. Allan Goodman, President of the US-based Institute of International Education, (IIE), speaking at a press round table held at the US Ambassador’s residence in Doha, said; “ the growing educational exchanges between the US and Qatar promote closer relationship
and dialogue between the two countries.” Moderator: Abu-Wardeh .ima, Journalist and Broadcaster, presenter of BBC World’s Middle East Business Report At the Plenary, Lord David Puttnam, Chairman, Futurelab UK, expressed that ‘ It is a genuine
pleasure to be asked to present. Teachers are the infantry that can help change the world and fight the war against illiteracy. Teachers/pupils represent the foundation. We have to wage a war against a failed present, and build an imaginative /innovative future. We need to be serious about education and urge government to bring new education policies.” He went on to say that “we have to focus on a long term investment on teachers. Revisit the educational budget, conceptualize debt and relevance. This is where technology can help teachers.” “Improving the effectiveness of education by participation in higher education is important and improving the situations of students in the developing world”. He lamented on the Problems of climate change, and that there is a huge Inter-generational alienation such that ‘The young no longer trust us’ because ‘we have stolen their food, and rights. Never before in history have we been living in each other’s pockets. There is an urgent need to bring back young people’s trust and respect.” Another interesting quote from his speech is when he sincerely noted
that “No matter how gifted you are you will never teach successfully anyone who does not trust you.” He concluded that with “Commitment in government, teachers and all other stakeholders in education will make us succeed”. Why innovation matters in school? Innovative teaching practices- teachers learn in and out of the class room, children use ICT and innovative technologies practically. Education has to be of relevance: how to obtain resources relevant to the work is vital. Earning, learning by doing, addresses motivation are all key elements. Making money motivates teaches and learners as well to be very proactive. They have to sell what they produce and use renewable energy. Learning to be productive and entrepreneurial is very important. Let’s try to be innovative and that education can also strive to
pay for itself. Amongst the many workshops and plenary sessions attended, I was drawn to one of the breakout sessions on improving educational systems particularly the section and workshop that focused on “Education and reconciliation”. In Post-conflict zones, reconciliation between the past and present individuals and communities. Speakers who delivered on the topic of education and reconciliation are: Dr. Fanie Du Toit, (Executive Director for Institute for Justice and
Reconciliation in South Africa, Prof Brandon Hamber, Director ‘The International Conflict Research Institute (INCORE), university of Ulster, (UK) to name but a few. Technology made it possible for Jeffery Sachs to address the summit from New York via video conference. Jeffery Sachs. Director of The Earth Institute, Quetelet, Professor of Sustainable Development and Professor of Health Policy and Management at Columbia University; Special Advisor to United Nations Secretary –General Ban ki-Moon (USA), said from a video conference in New York that “Education is the key empowerment to be able to function well in this world. Every society in the world faces the challenge of gaining quality education. Education is about the entire life-time. Early child hood development safe environment, low stress, preschool are crucial before further education start to give children the right to use their potential. Secondary education is also crucial for also young girl”…What WISE is championing is at the heart and soul of societal development. We live in the digital ways. Wireless broadband makes it possible to bring a whole village school in Africa connected to schools around the world. H.E. Abdulla bi Ali Al Thani, PhD, Chairman of WISE noted Thank you for all the feels that you have expressed both for the world cup bid., we do believe in Qatar that indeed we should work hard more than just thinking,. We must work before we talk. The most important lesson that we have realized is that the young people of Qatar and the Arab world is about the participatory. Well- defined practice can also help create an impact into the international arena. Wise has created a launching pad. This conference will give free access to those participating in the project and to yield qualitative leap. WISE looks at very serious projects that are marketable and that can be implemented. We all strive to achieve the MDG and to do this we have to be realistic. During the
conference, I realized how close you were to the issues of the MDG and we had very
constructive ideas, and if all these ideas are properly used will bring new possibilities for qualitative approach. Education for all is one of the main MDG.
WISE is about outcomes. Decisions in the cause of the coming year will help shape WISE. I will like to know more about the many interactions, a website for the exchange of ideas and expand networks and opportunities, sited HAITI as an example of a place to assist and unite in seeking innovative ways to build educational system from the ground-up He mentioned the significant new tool for the global community and announced the international awards have celebrated success and triumph. There has been no major price for what happening around the world. The WISE prize for education that is newly announced will represent the aspirations of innovators in education. We have made real progress in this years program. Want
to thank partners and sponsors. We hope to provide education for the marginalized and provide opportunities in conflict zones. Vicky Colbert, founder and Director at Escuela Nueva puts it this way, “we need an adaptable system of education”.
Her Majesty Sheikha Mozah Bint Al Missned chairperson of the Qatar Foundation
In her key note to the Second World Innovation Summit for Education, Her Majest Sheikha Mozah Bint Al Missned chairperson of the Qatar Foundation said: “ innovation, creativity and best practices are key to the success of this summit.” These words resonated in my mind because I was at Qatar not only to create an establish networks and a long-standing collaboration for BGifted but also to showcase B-Gifted Foundation’s mission in its use of creativity, innovation
and technology to achieve its goals in Sierra Leone. B-Gifted’s mission to use creativity and technology to achieve its goals comes appropriately in the relevance to the conference goals at the WISE Summit, as set out by the Qatar Foundation. Her Majesty Sheikha Mozah Bint Al Missned noted that “ the Qatar Foundation created WISE not merely as a summit, but also as a platform to stimulate dialogue and collaboration among the many individuals and organizations committed to education and to inspire the most original and effective new ideas”. Wise 2010 thus pursued its vision of sustainable innovative education that reaches out to those in need and helps improve the quality of education for all. Her highness emphasized that the United Nations Millennium development Goals are the internationally agreed platform for promoting equality, ending poverty and hunger, respecting the environment and promoting healthy life-styles. The MDG’s can only be achieved through education . WISE is providing a timely opportunity to think about the importance of education as the pillar of sustainable development.” In Sierra Leone, post-conflict encumbrances such as poverty and economic crises, ill-health, trauma, impact and impede the quality of education and the access to quality education both at the primary, secondary and even tertiary institutions. At B-Gifted Foundation, we strive to
narrow some of these gaps and contribute to the realization of the Millennium Development Goals. Working closely with other groups such as Heart in Action Enterprise http://www.heartinaction.com, we hope to connect youth not just in Sierra Leone but throughout Africa. We intend to provide access to various projects from around Sierra Leone and across Africa that are taking action towards promoting and making changes and positive transformations in the world. The host organizations are dedicated to providing the most advanced communications technology available to enable and empower individuals and groups to collaborate on and find solutions for critical and key problems and issues faced by the world B-Gifted Foundation Sierra Leone striving to bring basic primary education as part of the MDG for children
of amputee parents at the amputee camps in orthern Sierra Leone, and hope to build schools for these children so that they can study in a conducive and safe learning environment. I was delighted to be part of the growing WISE community to further attract the educational sector to be able to help shape policies that can improve education in Sierra Leone through the examples set by WISE, and the summit actually sparked my imagination and inspired me more towards contributing in the area of educational development and innovative approaches. It is my hope and that of B-Gifted that through the WISE program and its partners, B-Gifted will find and
provide concrete solutions in education and enable the young people of Sierra Leone who have been impacted by war and war’s effect to acquire quality and valuable education that can impact. B-Gifted Foundation hopes to gain support to Providing more access to Information Communication Technology for youth in post-conflict Sierra Leone B-Gifted Foundation congratulates QATAR FOU.DATIO., PART.ERS A.D WISE for hosting such a wonderful summit in 2010 and looking forward to practically putting into actions the lessons learnt from this summit. Wish the best of luck for WISE 2011 and collaborative projects and networking opportunities.
Andrew Benson Greene
B-Gifted Foundation Sierra Leone
www.bgiftedfoundation.org
52 Spur Loop Freetown Sierra Leone
Tel: 00232-33-246994 Fax: 00232-22-224439
Welcome to the 2nd World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE).
Andrew Benson Greene Founder and CEO of B-Gifted Foundation of Sierra Leone www.bgiftedfoundation.org has been summoned to attend the 2nd World Innovation Summit(WISE) held in Doha Qatar from the 7th to the 9th of December 2010. The Summit is organized by the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and community Development. The summit brings together 1,000 prominent education, corporate, political and social leaders from all sectors across the globe for an intensive programme promoting debate, inter-disciplinary exchange, networking, and creative thinking and action. Under the overarching and permanent theme of the WISE initiative,’ Building the future of Education, it will focus on two main areas: Improving Educational Systems” and exploring innovative trends’.
Belief In:'Freedom of expression is a cornerstone of democratic rights and freedoms. In its very first session in 1946, before any human rights declarations or treaties had been adopted, the UN General Assembly adopted resolution 59(I) stating "Freedom of information is a fundamental human right and ... the touchstone of all the freedoms to which the United Nations is consecrated."Other Contributions,Quotes, Commendations and Awards:Aureal Writers Club Awards 1996James B. Boskey Memorial Fresh Faces Awards, 2000Goi Peace Foundation Essay Writing Awards 2000Cable and Wireless Childnet awards 2003Bremen Peace Commendation -Threshold Foundation Germany 2003Beyond Borders Listen Up Awards 2003Sauve Scholars Awards 2004Global junior Challenge Awards 2007In addition Greene was on the shortlist for the 'digital Visions Fellows' at Stanford University california USA.
Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development held the second
World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE) in Doha, Qatar, from 7 to 9 December 2010. As founder and CEO of B-Gifted foundation, I was summoned to attend, due to my wide-ranging experience and insight that was an invaluable asset in defining the vision of education that WISE and its participants wish to bring to the world. It was for this reason that I received an invitation to attend this Summit from Chairman H.E Sheikh Abdulla bi Ali al Thami on behalf of Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al Missned, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation to attend the Hosted over a three days period, the 2010 WISE Summit brought together over 1,000 prominent education, corporate, political and social leaders from all sectors of society across the globe for an intensive program promoting debate, inter-disciplinary exchange, networking, creative thinking and action. Under the overarching and permanent theme of the WISE initiative "Building the Future of Education", it focused on two main areas: "Improving Education Systems" and "Exploring Innovative Trends". In addition to Plenary and Breakout Sessions organized around these subjects, another Plenary Session specifically addressed the crucial issue.
In an interview with the Qatar Tribune, Chairman H.E Sheikh Abdulla bi Ali al Thami Chairman of the WISE summit and Vice Chairman of the Qatar Foundation noted that “we continue to have WISE as a platform for everybody to come together. We continue to have WISE as an action oriented forum. We continue to partner with several Universities. We designed the agenda for the WISE for a global audience. We learn what is good for us from the various initiatives. We know that ICT’s play a major role in education so we try to figure out how we can benefit from it. We designed the agenda of the summit from what is important outside our boarder, rather than
inside”. “The idea behind the WISE” he goes on to say “is creating more time for people to come together and network. I think through the WISE we care trying to create more opportunities to dialogue. WISE is the educational DEVOS of the Middle East.” Chairman H.E Sheikh Abdulla bi Ali al Thami also said. “This time, delegates and speakers were given more time to interact than the inaugural WISE summit of last year. Exhibition areas had more information for everyone who attended the summit” I was amazed by the sense of humility, patriotism, determination, hospitality and rapid
development of the people of Qatar. Their sense of modesty was seen in spite of their
outstanding feat in a country that simply fuels ones senses with dreams and wonderment. This new iconic city of Doha in Qatar, home to the WISE summit has embraced education as a key and the light that can illuminate the path to development. whilst Qatar has made recent history as host to the world Cup in 2022, the country is rising fast, fulfilling their unique and inspirational vision, with their breathtaking skyscraping towers, idyllic waterfront, vibrant streets and commercial business parks. Qatar also holds the inspiration and aspiration combined with the prop and stay of special national and international partners. These
organizations and partner institutions have collaborated with Qatar Foundation to conceive and achieve high quality debates and workshops. They institutions include: Agence Universitaire de la Francophone, (AUF), Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), Institute of International Education, International Association of University Presidents (IAUP), RAND Corporation, United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Al Jazeera Network, Euronews, ExxonMobil Corporation in Qatar, Qatar Petroleum, and Microsoft. These partnerships do demonstrate that Qatar is not just about its beauty and splendor but the premium and heavy emphasis it puts into national and international education goals. That is in essence why WISE was born a year ago, and that is why 43% rise on the number of Qataris studying abroad in the US alone, a total of 663 Qatari students are currently enrolled in colleges and universities in the US. Allan Goodman, President of the US-based Institute of International Education, (IIE), speaking at a press round table held at the US Ambassador’s residence in Doha, said; “ the growing educational exchanges between the US and Qatar promote closer relationship
and dialogue between the two countries.” Moderator: Abu-Wardeh .ima, Journalist and Broadcaster, presenter of BBC World’s Middle East Business Report At the Plenary, Lord David Puttnam, Chairman, Futurelab UK, expressed that ‘ It is a genuine
pleasure to be asked to present. Teachers are the infantry that can help change the world and fight the war against illiteracy. Teachers/pupils represent the foundation. We have to wage a war against a failed present, and build an imaginative /innovative future. We need to be serious about education and urge government to bring new education policies.” He went on to say that “we have to focus on a long term investment on teachers. Revisit the educational budget, conceptualize debt and relevance. This is where technology can help teachers.” “Improving the effectiveness of education by participation in higher education is important and improving the situations of students in the developing world”. He lamented on the Problems of climate change, and that there is a huge Inter-generational alienation such that ‘The young no longer trust us’ because ‘we have stolen their food, and rights. Never before in history have we been living in each other’s pockets. There is an urgent need to bring back young people’s trust and respect.” Another interesting quote from his speech is when he sincerely noted
that “No matter how gifted you are you will never teach successfully anyone who does not trust you.” He concluded that with “Commitment in government, teachers and all other stakeholders in education will make us succeed”. Why innovation matters in school? Innovative teaching practices- teachers learn in and out of the class room, children use ICT and innovative technologies practically. Education has to be of relevance: how to obtain resources relevant to the work is vital. Earning, learning by doing, addresses motivation are all key elements. Making money motivates teaches and learners as well to be very proactive. They have to sell what they produce and use renewable energy. Learning to be productive and entrepreneurial is very important. Let’s try to be innovative and that education can also strive to
pay for itself. Amongst the many workshops and plenary sessions attended, I was drawn to one of the breakout sessions on improving educational systems particularly the section and workshop that focused on “Education and reconciliation”. In Post-conflict zones, reconciliation between the past and present individuals and communities. Speakers who delivered on the topic of education and reconciliation are: Dr. Fanie Du Toit, (Executive Director for Institute for Justice and
Reconciliation in South Africa, Prof Brandon Hamber, Director ‘The International Conflict Research Institute (INCORE), university of Ulster, (UK) to name but a few. Technology made it possible for Jeffery Sachs to address the summit from New York via video conference. Jeffery Sachs. Director of The Earth Institute, Quetelet, Professor of Sustainable Development and Professor of Health Policy and Management at Columbia University; Special Advisor to United Nations Secretary –General Ban ki-Moon (USA), said from a video conference in New York that “Education is the key empowerment to be able to function well in this world. Every society in the world faces the challenge of gaining quality education. Education is about the entire life-time. Early child hood development safe environment, low stress, preschool are crucial before further education start to give children the right to use their potential. Secondary education is also crucial for also young girl”…What WISE is championing is at the heart and soul of societal development. We live in the digital ways. Wireless broadband makes it possible to bring a whole village school in Africa connected to schools around the world. H.E. Abdulla bi Ali Al Thani, PhD, Chairman of WISE noted Thank you for all the feels that you have expressed both for the world cup bid., we do believe in Qatar that indeed we should work hard more than just thinking,. We must work before we talk. The most important lesson that we have realized is that the young people of Qatar and the Arab world is about the participatory. Well- defined practice can also help create an impact into the international arena. Wise has created a launching pad. This conference will give free access to those participating in the project and to yield qualitative leap. WISE looks at very serious projects that are marketable and that can be implemented. We all strive to achieve the MDG and to do this we have to be realistic. During the
conference, I realized how close you were to the issues of the MDG and we had very
constructive ideas, and if all these ideas are properly used will bring new possibilities for qualitative approach. Education for all is one of the main MDG.
WISE is about outcomes. Decisions in the cause of the coming year will help shape WISE. I will like to know more about the many interactions, a website for the exchange of ideas and expand networks and opportunities, sited HAITI as an example of a place to assist and unite in seeking innovative ways to build educational system from the ground-up He mentioned the significant new tool for the global community and announced the international awards have celebrated success and triumph. There has been no major price for what happening around the world. The WISE prize for education that is newly announced will represent the aspirations of innovators in education. We have made real progress in this years program. Want
to thank partners and sponsors. We hope to provide education for the marginalized and provide opportunities in conflict zones. Vicky Colbert, founder and Director at Escuela Nueva puts it this way, “we need an adaptable system of education”.
Her Majesty Sheikha Mozah Bint Al Missned chairperson of the Qatar Foundation
In her key note to the Second World Innovation Summit for Education, Her Majest Sheikha Mozah Bint Al Missned chairperson of the Qatar Foundation said: “ innovation, creativity and best practices are key to the success of this summit.” These words resonated in my mind because I was at Qatar not only to create an establish networks and a long-standing collaboration for BGifted but also to showcase B-Gifted Foundation’s mission in its use of creativity, innovation
and technology to achieve its goals in Sierra Leone. B-Gifted’s mission to use creativity and technology to achieve its goals comes appropriately in the relevance to the conference goals at the WISE Summit, as set out by the Qatar Foundation. Her Majesty Sheikha Mozah Bint Al Missned noted that “ the Qatar Foundation created WISE not merely as a summit, but also as a platform to stimulate dialogue and collaboration among the many individuals and organizations committed to education and to inspire the most original and effective new ideas”. Wise 2010 thus pursued its vision of sustainable innovative education that reaches out to those in need and helps improve the quality of education for all. Her highness emphasized that the United Nations Millennium development Goals are the internationally agreed platform for promoting equality, ending poverty and hunger, respecting the environment and promoting healthy life-styles. The MDG’s can only be achieved through education . WISE is providing a timely opportunity to think about the importance of education as the pillar of sustainable development.” In Sierra Leone, post-conflict encumbrances such as poverty and economic crises, ill-health, trauma, impact and impede the quality of education and the access to quality education both at the primary, secondary and even tertiary institutions. At B-Gifted Foundation, we strive to
narrow some of these gaps and contribute to the realization of the Millennium Development Goals. Working closely with other groups such as Heart in Action Enterprise http://www.heartinaction.com, we hope to connect youth not just in Sierra Leone but throughout Africa. We intend to provide access to various projects from around Sierra Leone and across Africa that are taking action towards promoting and making changes and positive transformations in the world. The host organizations are dedicated to providing the most advanced communications technology available to enable and empower individuals and groups to collaborate on and find solutions for critical and key problems and issues faced by the world B-Gifted Foundation Sierra Leone striving to bring basic primary education as part of the MDG for children
of amputee parents at the amputee camps in orthern Sierra Leone, and hope to build schools for these children so that they can study in a conducive and safe learning environment. I was delighted to be part of the growing WISE community to further attract the educational sector to be able to help shape policies that can improve education in Sierra Leone through the examples set by WISE, and the summit actually sparked my imagination and inspired me more towards contributing in the area of educational development and innovative approaches. It is my hope and that of B-Gifted that through the WISE program and its partners, B-Gifted will find and
provide concrete solutions in education and enable the young people of Sierra Leone who have been impacted by war and war’s effect to acquire quality and valuable education that can impact. B-Gifted Foundation hopes to gain support to Providing more access to Information Communication Technology for youth in post-conflict Sierra Leone B-Gifted Foundation congratulates QATAR FOU.DATIO., PART.ERS A.D WISE for hosting such a wonderful summit in 2010 and looking forward to practically putting into actions the lessons learnt from this summit. Wish the best of luck for WISE 2011 and collaborative projects and networking opportunities.
Andrew Benson Greene
B-Gifted Foundation Sierra Leone
www.bgiftedfoundation.org
52 Spur Loop Freetown Sierra Leone
Tel: 00232-33-246994 Fax: 00232-22-224439
Welcome to the 2nd World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE).
Andrew Benson Greene Founder and CEO of B-Gifted Foundation of Sierra Leone www.bgiftedfoundation.org has been summoned to attend the 2nd World Innovation Summit(WISE) held in Doha Qatar from the 7th to the 9th of December 2010. The Summit is organized by the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and community Development. The summit brings together 1,000 prominent education, corporate, political and social leaders from all sectors across the globe for an intensive programme promoting debate, inter-disciplinary exchange, networking, and creative thinking and action. Under the overarching and permanent theme of the WISE initiative,’ Building the future of Education, it will focus on two main areas: Improving Educational Systems” and exploring innovative trends’.
Belief In:'Freedom of expression is a cornerstone of democratic rights and freedoms. In its very first session in 1946, before any human rights declarations or treaties had been adopted, the UN General Assembly adopted resolution 59(I) stating "Freedom of information is a fundamental human right and ... the touchstone of all the freedoms to which the United Nations is consecrated."Other Contributions,Quotes, Commendations and Awards:Aureal Writers Club Awards 1996James B. Boskey Memorial Fresh Faces Awards, 2000Goi Peace Foundation Essay Writing Awards 2000Cable and Wireless Childnet awards 2003Bremen Peace Commendation -Threshold Foundation Germany 2003Beyond Borders Listen Up Awards 2003Sauve Scholars Awards 2004Global junior Challenge Awards 2007In addition Greene was on the shortlist for the 'digital Visions Fellows' at Stanford University california USA.
23.9.10
Go Digital! Go Creative! Inspire!
Andrew Benson Greene has set himself apart from others in his field. He is currently the Founder and CEO of B-Gifted foundation of Sierra Leone. www.bgiftedfoundation.cfsites.org and the West African Represntative of the Global Peace Partners Inc. Andrew Greene has 10+ years experience in the non-profit sector, youth and technology and the issues of former child soldiers and human rights of children in areas of conflict. His slogan is 'just as it takes acts of war to make war, it takes acts of peace to make peace'. Andrew has worked tirelessly to locate resources so that children and youth can engage in global education for peace building and human rights. His initiatives helped to train over 800 Sierra Leonean youth and children to develop ICT skills with the intent to reclaim their potentials as productive citizens. His project has touched the hearts of so many people. In an interview with Tracy Logan, producer of 'Go Digital Technology' at the BBC studios in London in 2003, Andrew stated to the world that; "we are proud of our accomplishment so far, but remain in dire need of technical, moral and financial support to train our youth, and give them a voice through the power of new technologies and the internet". He has traveled world-wide, from Beijing to Moscow, to Washington, to share his vision of using information technology amongst children and war scarred youth. A referee once noted that: 'Mr. Greene's efforts have had a profound effect on the minds of young people around the world, from Sierra Leone to Cambodia to Afghanistan. His efforts attracted the United Nations to his project as a model to be used in countries affected by war". Mr. Greene contributed enormously as a Guest Speaker to the Canadian International Development Agency CIDA in Ottawa, in 2004 during the International Corporation Days Millennium Development Goals: Moving from Consensus to Momentum. He was also a speaker and presenter at the 'Africa Now Untold Stories Conference', hosted and supported by CIDA at the University of Carleton in Ottawa, Canada in 2005, where with other distinguished speakers like Alan Rock (Former Justice Minister of Canada), and Romeo Dellariara (The decorated Canadian General), he helped to raise over 5 Million Canadians Dollars through the Canada Fund for Africa, for War Affected Youth in Africa. He was a presenter at the Youth Panel of the 1st World Summit on Information Society in Geneva, and the 1st World Ethics forum for Leadership and Integrity in Oxford UK. Mr. Greene has gathered multiple awards, citations, and bursaries for his peace building efforts and Internet-based innovations. For several years in Sierra Leone, he has overseen and coordinated the successfully implementation of War Child Canada DFAIT funded project No War Zone. Andrew was a distinguished Sauvé scholar at McGill University, Montreal Canada. Mr. Greene was contracted twice by the World Bank in DC to produce video documentaries for the World Development Report 2007 focusing on youth unemployment in Sierra Leone and the ‘Next Generation. In 2003, he was the script writer, mentor, and producer of the Internationally acclaimed award-winning video, 'We don't wanno war' for Beyond Borders, Personal Stories from a small Planet hosted by Listen UP! in NY, USA. In 2005, he made a significant contribution to the book, 'Raise Your Voice, Lend A Hand, Change The World' written by Susan Hughes and produced by Scholastic Canada. He holds a BA in English Civil Law and International Relations and is currently a double Masters Candidate for an MA Program in Coexistence and Conflict in US. Andrew is a real trailblazer. Another referee noted: "It’s not just that Andrew Greene is mold breaking. What’s most important is that he is a powerful model for other young African leaders".
His Professional Profile: http://www.linkedin.com/in/bgiftedfdn
His fire-blazing blog: www.traversewithandrewgreene.blogspot.com
His Honors: www.sauvescholars.org
His vision: www.bgiftedfoundation.cfsites.org
His courage: http://www.couragetotraversethethreshold.blogspot.com
His artistry: www.digitalselfpotrait.blogspot.com
Breath-taken Milestones & Achievements of Founder in relation to the strength of his vision, courage, Recognition for peace, human rights, and ICT at the national and International Level: Andrew sets himself apart from others in his field.
Andrew the Director won the 2004/5 Sauvé Scholarship from Jeanne Sauvé the first woman named Governor General of Canada to enroll at McGill University in Canada in August 2004.
Jeanne Sauve Scholar Andrew Benson Greene was Shortlisted winner and finalist at The Global Junior Challenge in Rome Italy 2007, and honoured to be invited for the awards. His winning presentation which has been so far replicated in other war-affected countries is: "Closing The Digital Gap Amongst Children and Youth Emerging from Wars". This was on the Fourth edition of the Global Junior Challenge, which took place in Rome from the 3rd to 5th of October 2007. It was hosted by the 'Fondazione Modeo Digitale', (a non-profit organization founded by the Municipality of Rome). He was welcomed to participate at the exhibition of finalist projects of the 'Global Junior Challenge' (Rome, Galileo Galilei Institute) and at the Award Ceremony (Rome, Campidoglio City Hall) in the presence of the Mayor of Rome, Walter Veltroni.
Jeanne Sauve Scholar Andrew Benson Greene won the Cable & and Wireless ChildNet Awards Science Museum in London, UK in April 2003 in the new to the net category. In endorsing the awards, former Prime Minister of Britain Tony Blair noted that 'The Internet is for everyone, providing social and economic advantage and limitless opportunities to all those who use the web. We are delighted to welcome the winners to the UK, one of the world's most connected economies.' Swati Patel and Joe Franses from Cable & Wireless joined the winners during the Awards week. Cable & Wireless is one of the world's leading telecommunication companies. Provider to the largest users of telecoms services across the Globe.
Andrew Benson Greene was shortlisted and commended by the Threshold Foundation in Germany - Bremen Peace Awards 2003. Under the category of the award for the Unknown Peace Worker, Andrew was commended by The Threshold Foundation, in Bremen, Germany for his peace mission via tele-education. This category targets at little known, small initiatives/projects, but also at committed single persons working in the fields above with special emphasis for unconventional initiatives at the grassroots level of peace work
Beyond Borders Listen Up Award winning video project for personal stories from a small Planet Hosted by Listen Up New York, USA
'We don't wanno war' was the title of Andrew's video which was featured in CNN amongst 15 shortlisted entries from around the world.
Lead Presenter at the African-Canadian Youth Symposium for Leadership and Integrity, held at the Coady International Institute, Saint Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada June 2003.
Andrew was Guest Speaker at The Hague International Model United Nations (THIMUN). THIMUN exist to uphold the principles of the United Nations amongst the young. 2004
His presentation for the 'Migration between States and Markets for the Research Committee (RC31), University of Liege Belgium 2003. His presentation in 2003 was 'Refugees and their Impact Upon Migration'.
March 8th, 2005: Andrew Benson Greene Jr participated in a Global Peace Exhibition at the World Bank Headquarters in Washington DC, titled ‘Building a culture of Peace and Non-violence for the Children of the world.
December, 2003: He represented Sierra Leone at the 1st World Summit on the Information Society WSIS in Geneva, Switzerland at the Palexpo Exhibition Centre on the theme "Bridging the digital divide”.
His experience in witnessing the launching of the GeSCI in 2003, a Global Initiative proposed by the UN-ICT Taskforce has been used to propel his organization's goals and vision. This initiative was supported by the European Commission, to connect schools and communities before the year 2015. "...Mrs Kofi Annan noted that ..."and having met so many young ones with their eyes glittering with hopes and dreams, I feel we have to do everything we can to help turn these dreams into reality, and in today's world we must use all our tools in our disposal"
Andrew as director of International Education hosted his first International Workshop in China 2000 ‘Use Of Tele-communications Technology to illustrate ‘Conflict Resolution in the 21st Century’
Made a trio presentation ‘The Predicaments Faced by Child Soldiers' with Andrew as lead presenter at the University of Cape Town, in Cape Town, South Africa July 2001.
As a Sauve Scholar, he was invited by the Canadian Government to make Presentations at the CIDA Human Security Conference 'War to Peace Transition' supported by CIDA, UNICEF and The Pearson Peace Keeping Centre in Ottawa. 2005
Andrew made presentations at the iEARN International conference in Moscow, Russia in 2002. 'The overall theme was Putting Humanware before hardware and software'. Andrew's Presentation was 'May Peace Prevail On Earth'.
Founded the B-Gifted Foundation - (Benson - Greene International Foundation Towards Enhancing Development) 2007 which is loving memory of his Dad who bears the name.
Andrew Attended the ‘African Canadian Youth Leadership Symposium in St Francis Xavier in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Canada as a lead Presenter in July 2003
Andrew was a Guest Speaker at the Hague International Model United Nations in January 2004 the Hague, Netherlands. He also taught peace studies at the International School of Amsterdam
Andrew meets with and made links with Romeo Dalliare and Secretary David Hyman in the following conferences: ‘Peel District School Board Conference’ in Toronto November 2004, The International Corporations Days Hosted By CIDA in November 2004, and the ‘Africa Now Untold Stories Conference at Carleton University in March 2005, and later at the Kofi Annan International Peace Training Centre in Accra Ghana.
Director Andrew Greene named ‘My Hero’ in 2004 www.myhero.com that celebrates the best of humanity.
Andrew was selected by the World Bank in DC to participate amongst other notables such as Mary Robinson and presented at the 1st World Ethics Forum for Leadership and Integrity in Oxford England April 2006.
Andrew was chosen to become an adviser for teen producers at the Irmas International Youth Media Summit in Los Angeles California. July 2006. He had the privilege to meet with and consult with Hollywood film-makers and stars, and helped teens around the world to produce videos, Public Service Announcements (PSA), on themes that include Peace and war(violence), racism, environment, health, women's issues, youth empowerment, poverty, etc
Andrew was a Guest Speaker at the Education without Borders (United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi) February 2007 and met with such renowned individuals as Professor Muhammad Yunus 2006 Nobel Peace Prize Winner, Plácido Domingo (world-renowned award-winning singer and conductor), Professor Johannes Georg Bednorz, (1987 Nobel Prize for Physics), Chris Cramer, (former CNN Director) to name but a few
Andrew Greene was summoned as Guest Speakers in a campus-wide lectures, at Kenyon College, Gambier, Ohio on the topic ‘Children in the Crossfire’. March 2007. His expertise was also requested in a one day campus-wide lectures at neighbouring Nazarene University in Ohio, USA.
Was chosen as one of 5 Young Leaders chosen from across the continents at the Technopreneurship conference hosted by Y2Y, World Bank in Washington DC. As part of week long celebrations to mark the 60th Anniversary of the United Nations that year, the WB's Youth to Youth Community (Y2Y), in association with the East Asia and Pacific Vice Presidency , IT SLC Quickstart Learning Program, eDevelopment Thematic Group, UNANCA, TakingITGlobal, YABT (OAS) and IDB YOUTH hosted a day of activities on Youth led development, on October 27th 2005, from 9:00 am to 6:30 pm at the World Bank Headquarters in Washington D.C. Other participants include;
*Saurav Kumar, Co-founder, Community Friendly Movement (CFM) - India, Educating for sustainable development through the use of Information and communication Technologies (ICT):
*Cecilia Iglesias, Founder, EcoPibes - Argentina,
*Andrew Benson Greene, of Sierra Leone; co-Founder, Child Soldiers Project - Sierra Leone
*Wu Yang, Founder, Household Wastewater Recycling Management Project - China
Andrew was consulted and contracted by the Global Integrity Alliance USA as a Contract Reader in 2005.
Andrew made several presentations to the youth at the Boys and Girls Club of the Peninsula, San Francisco Bay Area. California 2008
Andrew visited Connie Linda of the Insight Creative Communications, Peer1 Network and benefactors (for possible development of his Projects in Canada, April 2007. the result of the visit was a meeting held with several British Columbia investors and the support of a 1Giga Bytes per second internet service support to his project.
Andrew was a participant at the Exercise Prodigal Child – Child soldiers simulation Exercise Accra Ghana 2007.
Successfully Implemented the Plan Netherlands initiative 'Rap for Rights' April 2004. This powerful and creative initiative is committed to a tireless global campaign of making the issue of children’s rights known. Using rap music and social activism, Plan Netherlands targets politicians and educates them about the need to restore the dignity of children, the rights of the child and the rights of humanity as a whole. In the process, participants are empowered to make a difference in the lives of others.
Under the title ‘Rap for Rights’ a number of 'rising' Dutch rappers travel to Africa, Asia and Latin America to make contact with children living in extreme circumstances. The rappers’ tour includes, among other countries, Indonesia, Honduras, and Guinea where they meet child workers, war affected youth, child soldiers, and youth gangs.
Formally Launched the International Education and Resources Network Program at the National Stadium in 2003 supported by Dr. Denis Bright, former Minister of Youth and Sports
Andrew helped to successfully pilot the Digital Ambassador's Project or widely known as the Planet Project using Palm Pilot Computers in a Global Digital Survey, supported by Microsoft, 3Com Corporation in America, and the International Education and Resource Network in 2000
Andrew was supported by CIDA (Canadian International Development Agency) and the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) to participate at the 2004 'Leaders in Action for Education Conference in Toronto.
Andrew was consulted by the World Bank in DC 2007 (and as part of the consultation team) produced video documentaries for the World Development Report, focusing on youth unemployment and the 'Next Generation'.
Andrew was consulted and contracted by the Open Society Institute in Budapest in his use of ICT in education and post-conflict Societies 2005.
Andrew was selected as the West African Representative for the Global peace Partners Inc USA 2009
Andrew contributed to the Harvard University Program on Negotiation and Conflict Resolution (PON) presented by Dr. Frank Elbers PhD. 2004
Andrew was in the short list of the Digital Visions Fellows at Standford University, California in 2004.
Andrew taught peace and non-violence at the WH Day Elementary School in Bradford, Ontario Canada 2004/5
Andrew Taught Peace at the Anthropology Class at the Concordia University Montreal Canada 2005
Andrew was Chair person at the three days workshop. The theme of the forum was: 'ICT and the Youth: A Rebirth After War' and was held at the British Council in Freetown Sierra Leone 2003, where the youth of Sierra Leone, leaders in the new round of information technology, hosted radio discussion and phone-in programmes over two days and a three-day national interactive forum to synchronize the WSIS activities with the preparations in Geneva, Switzerland.
-Presentations UNFPA - Sierra Leone 'State of the world Population' - (Moving Young) 2006 Miatta Conference Freetown.
Contributed to the Global Campaign for Education with a PowerPoint Presentation on April 9th 2003 (the largest simultaneous lesson and a world record attempt at the largest lesson in support of the campaign for Global Education for All
Campaign for Good Governance, Democracy and Human rights in Conakry, Guinea 1998, producing advocacy materials for the restoration of democracy in Sierra Leone
Student Representative Council (SRC) Fourah Bay College 1995-6
*Assist Secretary General for the Fourah Bay College Students Union Government 1996-1998
School Prefect, Bo Government Secondary School 1992/3
* Secretary (Catholic Youngmen's Association) (CYO) LAdy Star of the Sea Juba Freetown 2005-6
Radio and TV showcase -
-BBC Studios interviews London 2002,
BBC Studios 2003 (Go Digital Technology) with interviews with Tracy Logan
- Tele-Quebec, Montreal, Province of Quebec Canada 2005
Other media featured series:
- Canada's Globe and Mail June 2004
- BBC world service news (Technology 2003)
- Sierra Leone news 2003
- SLBS TV (now SLBC), ABC TV, 2003/4/5/6
-Radio Democracy Sierra Leone 2001
- UNAMSIL Radio 2006
- Star Radio 2010
Belief In:'Freedom of expression is a cornerstone of democratic rights and freedoms. In its very first session in 1946, before any human rights declarations or treaties had been adopted, the UN General Assembly adopted resolution 59(I) stating "Freedom of information is a fundamental human right and ... the touchstone of all the freedoms to which the United Nations is consecrated."Other Contributions,Quotes, Commendations and Awards:Aureal Writers Club Awards 1996James B. Boskey Memorial Fresh Faces Awards, 2000Goi Peace Foundation Essay Writing Awards 2000Cable and Wireless Childnet awards 2003Bremen Peace Commendation -Threshold Foundation Germany 2003Beyond Borders Listen Up Awards 2003Sauve Scholars Awards 2004Global junior Challenge Awards 2007In addition Greene was on the shortlist for the 'digital Visions Fellows' at Stanford University california USA.
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