AEGIS TRUST: DIGITAL PLATFORM TO SUPPORT EDUCATION FOR SUSTAINABLE PEACE IN RWANDA
Aegis Trust is currently implementing a Digital Platform to Support Education for Sustainable Peace in Rwanda (DP-ESPR). Digital information is already an important component of the work at Aegis with the Genocide Archive of Rwanda containing large amounts of digital media (images, texts, audio and videos), whilst opportunities to translate components of Aegis’ Peace Education program into interactive online learning are also being considered. Information and communication technology (ICT) is an extended term for information technology (IT) which stresses the role of unified communications and the integration of telecommunications, computer hardware, software, storage, and audio-visual systems, which enable users to access, store, transmit, and manipulate digital information.
Understand models and experiences that may be setting user expectation
Identify best practices for communicating, delivering and distributing peace and values framework
Expand our vision, conversation and the possibilities for delivering, distributing and engaging with the peace and values framework
Build additional domain knowledge within the education and peacebuilding field
OUR GOAL
In order to gain more knowledge on how construct the platform, Inzovu contracted me to work on a competitive analysis document for the Aegis Trust team in Rwanda. We reviewed similarly related models and experiences to see how organizations have constructed “platforms” that enable communication, distribution, engagement and extension of ideas (e.g., education, curriculum, frameworks, methodologies) and in doing so defined what a “platform” was in this context.
WHAT IS A PLATFORM?
A platform can be described as some sort of architecture both physical or digital that houses or compliments our conceptual framework. A conceptual framework is an analytical tool with several variations and contexts. It is used to make conceptual distinctions and organize ideas. Strong conceptual frameworks capture something impactful in a way that is easy to remember and apply. Frameworks are learning tools. All frameworks in this evaluation were defined by the following substrates, or methods of delivery:
Digital
The Digital engagement framework. The Digital engagement framework helps you identify the value creation opportunities of digital engagement for your organization and develop the strategies, processes and technologies to structurally engage your audience to maximize your co-created value. This consists of websites, videos, applications, forums, and various digital spaces.
Physical
The Physical engagement framework helps you identify the value creation opportunities of physical engagement for your organization and develops the strategies, processes and technologies to structurally engage your audience to maximize your co-created value. This consists of documentation, classes, personal discussion, meetups, workshops, and a variety of other methods.
FINDINGS
Covering a variety of different platforms each with their own strengths and weaknesses, we found that the most notable platforms were multifaceted. These platforms have extensive methods of outreach at their disposal allowing them to connect with users effectively. IDEO Design Toolkit, Leap Innovation, and P21 are all toolkits that use both digital and physical elements that help to promote learning and development of the framework. These frameworks also help to engage with multiple user’s groups promoting community engagement both inside and outside the of the platforms.
Ideo ToolKit and Methods Kit focus heavily on design and branding. This allows each platform to carry their own personality. This ability to focus on brand allows both of these frameworks to stand out among the competition. A brand is more than a name, it is the sum total of a consumer’s experiences with a recognizable and powerful product. This power carries a voice, speaking on behalf of the users and the great things they are trying to accomplish.
Rwanda Stories and Vanishing Point show us how multiple platforms can connect and make a powerful relationship. Users have the ability to use Rwanda Stories as an educational platform weaving the story of the people of Rwanda into actionable knowledge. How can a user act? How can they learn more? The relationship with Vanishing Point allows users to take courses and gather supplemental materials on the subject matter. Users can then take this information and collaborate with various groups working with and for the people of Rwanda. This system helps to promote, education, and act on the framework.