We have a large action research study on Altruism titled "You are not alone" A component of this large study is a sub project on Activating Empathy among school children. Here, we use a tablet based software in schools to activate empathy among children. We are currently working with 4 schools in Nairobi, Kenya and are in the pilot stage. The pilot stage involves tracking children who are given tablets with interesting stories, activities and fun facts that encourage empathy and helping behavior among children. They will then be measured after a year. If research shows success we will partner with schools across Africa in introducing the fun curriculum and also with tablet manufactures.

Problem

We are trying to bring about altruistic and social consciousness among children in an increasingly self centered world. We live in a world of social media, where children are exposed to social networks, web spaces, and platforms that are outwardly keeping them 'connected' but in reality actually 'disconnects them from reality. Studies have shown that children spending time on laptops and social networks tend to show narcissistic and selfish and self centered behavior. Approaching this problem requires a solution that will reach to the Generation Y and Z. So we want to introduce a social media tool in to children's curriculum, which helps them become more socially aware, conscious and promote empathetic and altruistic behavior.

Solution

We are introducing an ICT Based solution which will provide children in schools fun ways to learn about socially responsible behavior and being empathetic to others. As part of our larger organizational mandate of being a development incubator, we have partnered with a start up software firm and developed a software called E-Limu (meaning Education in Kiswahili). This software is jointly developed by us and will be downloadable in tablets and smart phones. This will have fun modules which promote empathy and socially responsible behavior.This will be pilot tested in 4 schools in Nairobi and impact measured before full scale deployment.

Exemple

The idea behind our solution is making learning a fun activity. The software will harness the following skills in children in schools. Foundation Skills, Interaction Skills, Affective Skills and Cognitive Skills This will be through Animations, Videos, Music, Songs, Stories, Games and Activities. These content will help promote albeit in a subtle way the concepts of Altruistic behavior, more specically on promoating Empathy and the principles of care. Children will learn the importance of being empathetic in a fun way rather than instructive manner.

Marché

There are lot of learning aids and teaching software in the internet. Some examples: Class room management and Teaching Software http://www.netop.com/classroom-management-software/products/netop-vision Learning Aids http://www.softwareforkids.com/children-software/3rd-5th-grade.html http://www.magiclearning.com/ http://www.planetcdrom.com/discount-software/Education-Grades-K-8/ However these are generic Teaching Aids and do not focus on empathy or social and behavioral change. As far as our solution is concerned its an innovation so we do not foresee serious challenges to the growth of this software as it successfully combines psychological theory with play learning, backed by sound impact measurement techniques to constantly improve the software.