GNG Using Polycom Technology to Change the World for Youth

[Jamie Passantino (Jamie_Passantino)]

Recently we shared how students in Alaska are using Polycom solutions to improve their educational opportunities and access to the world outside their isolated state.

Another group—Global Nomads Group, whose mission is to foster dialogue and understanding among youth—is also changing the world for the next generation with our technology.

As a longtime supporter and partner of GNG, Polycom has donated solutions to the group that enables them to connect the world’s youth face-to-face, defying the barriers of distance and cultural differences to bring about unity and compassion.

GNG Co-Founder and Executive Director Chris Plutte recently shared a snapshot of their latest accomplishments and highlights, including:

• In April, the Healing Classrooms webcast connected U.S. students and Syrian refugee students living in Lebanon. Hosted by VICE correspondent Ahmed Shihab-Eldin, over 292 sites from 18 countries tuned in from around the world to learn first-hand about the Syrian crisis. Watch the webcast online.
• Through Youth Voices, GNG connected over 1,400 students and 100 educators between the U.S. and 11 countries, including Jordan, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, Qatar, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. Participants engaged through live video conferences and an online platform. Topics ranged from cultural exchange and media literacy to conflict analysis and global citizenship.
• GNG is investing in long-term innovations to serve even more young people. They are wrapping up the first year of a three-year strategy to innovate, scale, and exponentially increase their impact. Campfire, the core program of this strategy, invests deeply in network partnerships, allowing GNG to scale its impact and connect thousands of students across borders and time zones. An estimated 12,000 students in 586 classrooms between the Middle East, North Africa, and the United States will be connected in just three years!

Chris also shared that students in Pakistan demonstrated their deep engagement and commitment to GNG’s programs by staying at school after hours during a power outage to continue talking with a classroom in New York. (photo below)

 

Educators connect for a professional development workshop using donated technology from Polycom. (below)