The Diplomat
The Organization of Ibero-American States for Education, Science and Culture (OEI) and the Spanish Agency for International Cooperation (AECID) yesterday launched the first edition of the Ibero-American Prize for Educational Innovation, which will award 3,000 euros to the best innovative initiative related to digital competence and inclusion.
The award seeks to recognize the work of educational centers, civil organizations or research groups in the region that have worked on initiatives that promote innovation in the classroom, especially the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) in early childhood, as well as projects and research related to the educational inclusion of vulnerable populations, according to both organizations.
The call will be open until January 19, 2022 and initiatives or studies that have been launched during the previous year or that are in the process of being implemented this year will be eligible. The winning projects in each theme will be awarded 3,000 euros each.
The award is open to initiatives from Andorra, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Portugal, Spain, Uruguay and Uruguay. Those interested may submit their proposals through this online form.
This first edition of the award consists of two themes. The first, focused on innovation in digital skills, will focus on recognizing projects or research that, among other aspects, incorporate digital tools in early childhood work in the classroom, as well as the creative, critical and safe use of technology, or that are related to teacher training in skills linked to technologies in this early formative stage.
The second theme on innovation focused on inclusion will reward projects or research related to the promotion of diversity and work with groups vulnerable to exclusion or that take into account the barriers to participation and communication of students with disabilities or other languages. Also eligible are initiatives that apply theoretical and practical knowledge – whether or not supported by ICTs – on issues of peace and global citizenship with a focus on social justice, democracy, gender equality, immigration, valuing identity and cultural diversity.
The jury, made up of experts from the organizations involved, academics and specialists in the field, will select the best initiative in each category in March of next year. The selected proposals, in turn, will participate in the closing event of this first edition of the award, which will be organized by the OEI in a virtual format in April 2022.
