abrdn is funding Hello World to build a further 64 Hubs across Uganda, connecting 80,000 people to first class educational resources and the Internet. arbdn’s generous investment takes Hello World to a new level, transforming our capacity and impact.
abrdn CEO Stephen Bird had this to say about our partnership:
“Acting with courage and conviction, being optimistic about the future and building powerful partnerships are all important attributes of the brand we are creating. That’s why I’m delighted that today we can also announce our partnership with Hello World – a charity that, like us, is solving the problems of today and tomorrow with innovative thinking, sustainable values and a futurist approach. Personally, I’m passionate about education and digital skills – and for me this partnership is a perfect fit with what abrdn stands for.”
I couldn't have put it better. It is a real delight to work with such a supportive, skilled and forward-thinking team at abrdn.
Like so many of you, I have had some self-directed learners at our kitchen table over the past year. Our experience of homeschooling has made more people recognise children’s’ ability to initiate and direct their learning if they have the tools: power, a computer, excellent software. Through lockdowns many of us have learned new skills online, from bicycle repairs to bread-making. Many of us have also been reminded of how reliant we are on the Internet to stay in touch with our friends and family. And though virtual hugs on zoom have been a cause for sadness, there are too many people globally who are denied even that luxury. For many refugees phoning home isn't affordable. Hello Hubs have proved to be a lifeline in their communities.
The world is waking up to the severity of the digital divide and its impact, and abrdn is doing something about it.
Connectivity creates connections. As one new arrival at the Kabazana Reception Center for Refugees in Nakivale told us - “I talk to my family every day and that makes me happy”
Would anyone you know like to build their own Hello Hub?
Right from the start, we have wanted to create a comprehensive guide to enable anyone to build their own Hello Hub.
The result of years of hard work are now available for anyone to use. Our new ‘How To’ guide features videos, diagrams, spreadsheets, kit lists, photos and detailed written explanations that provide a step-by-step guide as well as important advice, lessons we have learned (mistakes we’ve made), and everything you need to know to build a functioning Hello Hub in the heart of an engaged and involved community.
This could be world-changing. All of our work and experience are available so that others can replicate it.
As always, thank you for your support and encouragement. We could not do our work alone.
with gratitude,
Katrin
Ps. You can read more about our partnership with abrdn here: abrdn website, The Times (subscription required), Herald Scotland, The Scotsman, FT Adviser
You can read the original newsletter (and sign up for future editions) here.
