Leaning on one of its core values, “Being Where Needed,” JAAS Foundation has been helping more than ever during this pandemic. COVID-19 has affected families across the globe, and while most are sheltering in place the JAAS Foundation has been helping local and international communities with essential supplies, and grants. In Uganda, essential supplies such as food, water, thermometers, and other items were purchased and disseminated to the children and families to help ensure the overall health and wellness of the community. Meanwhile, in Washington, grants were awarded to refugee recipients to help purchase food, pay bills, and help provide peace of mind amidst this global pandemic.
Uganda is an East African country with a struggling education system. While 90% of children in Uganda attend primary school, only 25% make it to secondary school. This is mainly because of limited awareness and a lack of quality teachers. Our self-learning, online portal is striving to increase education in both primary and secondary students.
Colombia is the fourth largest country in South America. About 37% of students in the country get a late start on school and approximately 41% repeat at least one grade by the time they turn 15. This is mainly because of a lack of internet access, low salaries for teachers, and inadequate facilities. Our online portal is shedding light into Colombia’s education system.
Venezuela is situated at the northern end of South America. The country is struggling with a severe shortage of teachers and absence of students. Schools are falling apart and don’t have the resources they need to run efficiently. JAAS Foundation is committed to changing these things and revolutionizing the way students in Venezuela learn.
Kenya, which is located in Eastern Africa and shares a coast with the Indian Ocean. This country has overhauled its education system in 2017 and has implemented a Competency Based Curriculum to replace the 8-4-4 system. The Competency Based Curriculum puts emphasis on seven core competences namely; communication and collaboration, critical thinking and problem-solving, creativity and imagination, citizenship, digital literacy, learning to learn and self-efficacy.
Ethiopia is known as the second most populous country in Africa. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the least developed countries in the world. Due to low participation rates and quality issues, Ethiopia’s education system continues to be underdeveloped.
It’s no surprise that the World Bank considers Ethiopia to be “one of the most educationally disadvantaged countries in the world.” JAAS Foundation is working hard to make sure this will not be the case in the future.
Sri Lanka, which is located in South Asia has an education system that consists of five parts: primary, junior secondary, senior secondary, collegiate, and tertiary. Even though its education system is free, only 35% of the population in Sri Lanka has graduated from secondary school. We’re hopeful that modern education tools such as our online portal will encourage more students to continue their studies past the primary stage.
Students in Washington are working together to make a positive difference in the lives of students in developing communities. At Bellevue High School, for example, the Social Change club and Hack 4 Good teamed up to create K-12 literacy games for those in struggling countries. This was a great opportunity for students to help fellow students around the world build their english reading and writing skills.
JAAS also partnered with the World Relief Foundation, Seattle to deliver laptop donations to support summer camp programs for refugee children. World Relief Foundation is a global humanitarian organization that brings sustainable solutions to problems such as extreme poverty and violence.
By donating to the JAAS Foundation not only do you join our cause but you are directly supporting the educational foundation necessary for children and adults in underserved communities to achieve greatness. No matter how big or small the donation, you have made a lasting impact for the underprivileged of today, and fortified the growth of tomorrow.
