The Partnership began in 1997 as a corporate initiative of Discovery Communications, in line with its mission to help people explore their world and satisfy their curiosity. The Partnership extends these opportunities to people living in underserved areas who would otherwise have little access to educational resources.
Discovery Channel Global Education Partnership applies a unique and sustainable approach for bringing information to underserved communities: through Learning Centers. Learning Centers are locally-managed, television-based media hubs, located primarily in existing schools and equipped to meet the area�s educational needs. Over a three-year period, the Partnership works closely with a community to develop a Center and ensure its on-going impact and success.
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Discovery Channel Global Education Partnership’s Learning Centers reach nearly 200 communities around the globe, providing education and enrichment opportunities for more than half a million students and 1.5 million community members.
One of the most important indicators of the success of the initiative is that 95% of Learning Centers are self-sustaining beyond the three-year training period.
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Discovery Channel Global Education Partnership invites corporations, foundations, governments, non-governmental organizations, and individuals to join us through donations and in-kind contributions. Our partners and supporters enable us to extend the educational benefits of Learning Centers to a growing number of children and communities throughout the world. We would like to thank the organizations and individuals that have so generously provided funding and support: |
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Special thanks to Calabash music www.calabashmusic.com for providing music for this site.
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| John Hendricks Founder and Chairman Discovery Communications |
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| The Honorable Jack Fields Chief Executive Officer Twenty First Century Group, Inc. |
Willard O. Freeman President, Freeman Gersten Partners, LLC |
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| Gail Ifshin, Ph.D. Executive Director Discovery Channel Global Education Partnership |
William Irwin Manager, International Government Affairs Chevron |
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| The Honorable Donald M. Payne United States House of Representatives |
Johnathan Rodgers President and Chief Executive Officer, TV One |
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| Carole Wainaina Advisor to the Chairman and CEO, The Coca-Cola Company |
Judith McHale Founder, Discovery Channel Global Education Partnership |
Advisory Board
How does Discovery Channel Global Education Partnership measure/evaluate the impact of its Learning Centers?
In 2003, the Partnership commissioned an independent evaluation of Learning Centers in three countries: South Africa, Uganda and Zimbabwe. The evaluation confirmed that, when compared to control schools, Learning Centers are making a positive, measurable and demonstrable impact on students, teachers and communities. Some of the specific findings include:
- Improved student motivation
- Improved concentration and memory, in particular the ability to grasp abstract concepts
- Improved English language skills and creativity
- Increased access to teaching aids for teachers
- Increased use of a variety of teaching tools by teachers
- Improved professional development for teachers
- Increased parent and community involvement in schools
- Increased enrollment and attendance in some project schools
- Increased retention rates in some project schools
- Improved pass rates on matriculation exams in some schools
How did the Discovery Channel Global Education Partnership get started?
The Partnership began in 1997 as a corporate initiative of Discovery Communications. Committed to providing underserved schools with access to information via video and television, we developed and implemented our first Learning Centers in Africa. As global demand for Learning Centers gained momentum, it became apparent that a single corporate donor was not enough to meet the significant need for educational resources. In response, the initiative became an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization called Discovery Channel Global Education Fund. In 2004, the name was changed to the Discovery Channel Global Education Partnership, more accurately describing our nature as an organization powered by partnerships to bring education resources to communities around the world.
What is the relationship between the Partnership and the Discovery Channel?
Discovery Channel Global Education Partnership is an independent, public, nonprofit organization. The Discovery Channel is the flagship brand of Discovery Communications, a global media and entertainment company. Discovery Communications spearheaded the Global Education Partnership in 1997 and continues to be a major and committed sponsor. The Discovery Channel and Discovery Communications' global television networks provide us with considerable support, including production staff and access to Discovery�s 70,000-hour library of high quality documentary programming.
Other than Discovery Communications, does the Partnership need additional sponsors?
The worldwide need and demand for effective educational resources is enormous. In every country where we work, there are many requests and long waiting lists for the community Learning Centers. In order to respond to the need, we rely on corporate, private and private sector donors, foundations, and individuals to get involved.
What other organizations support the Partnership?
Discovery Channel Global Education Partnership receives support from many partners, including private corporations, foundations and individuals. We are committed to leveraging our resources through partnerships with other non-governmental organizations and public sector entities.
What are the responsibilities and benefits of corporate sponsorship?
Involvement in a visible and well-received education project in the developing world represents a corporation’s commitment to supporting the success of future generations. The Partnership invites corporations to “adopt” a school, community or underserved area and invest in its education and development by helping to create effective and sustainable centers for learning.
To discuss corporate partnership opportunities, please contact us at +1.240.662.2986.
Where does the Partnership focus its efforts?
We work in underserved communities around the world. Specific countries and regions of involvement may be requested by donors and partners.
What does the Partnership provide when creating a Learning Center?
We carefully tailor each Learning Center to its location, however the underlying model is one that has proven its success in 10 countries to date. We equip Learning Centers with a television, VCR/DVD player, satellite or cable technology (where feasible), 3 years of teacher training, resource guides and relevant video programming from a variety of sources.
Does the Partnership provide computers and Internet access?
The Partnership focuses on creating television-based Learning Centers. We do not donate computers or provide Internet access. Usually we work in communities that are so under-resourced and/or remote that the first – and most practical - introduction of technology is television. Where appropriate and of interest to communities, we partner with organizations that specialize in establishing computer centers and community Internet access.
Does the Partnership ever direct and/or develop curriculum for teachers?
The Partnership does not develop curricula, but rather provides resources to complement existing national and local curriculum objectives. With the approval and support of Ministries of Education we produce video programs on a variety of topics requested by local educators and the communities themselves. Resource guides that accompany these videos provide additional background on each subject and help connect the programs to the local curriculum. Television is a powerful and practical teaching tool. Our goal is to equip schools and communities to set their own course with this technology. To that end, we help teachers meet their classroom objectives by providing in-depth training on the interactive and versatile educational uses of television and video.
How can technology help people with unmet basic needs?
The communities where we work have many fundamental needs, including education. While education may not meet every immediate need – such as hunger or vaccinations -it is a critical foundation for long-term development. The Partnership is sensitive to the challenges of the populations we serve, and only works with schools and communities at their request. Technology can support and enhance the delivery of valuable nutrition information and basic health awareness and provide the skills people need to earn a better living and enhance their quality of life.
How does the Partnership ensure its programming is culturally appropriate and understandable?
Local communities decide what information and topics are most relevant and we do our best to respond to their requests. Community representatives and educators review program outlines and scripts for programming we produce. We continually evaluate our programming based on community feedback. The Partnership also customizes programming into the appropriate language, spoken with the appropriate accent.
How does the Partnership choose sites for establishing Learning Centers?
Once funding is in place, sites are chosen based on a variety of criteria, including need, location, leadership and community commitment. We only work with schools and communities at their request.
Does the Partnership work in the United States?
The organization was established primarily to help narrow the growing information and opportunity gap between developed and developing countries. We focus our attention on countries outside of the United States where access to the educational benefits of television and video do not exist or are extremely limited.
How can I make a donation?
Tax-deductible donations can be made online or by mail. To donate online, please click here.
To donate by mail, please write to:
Discovery Channel Global Education PartnershipOne Discovery Place
Silver Spring, MD 20910
USA
To discuss other partnership opportunities or ask any questions, please contact us at +1.240.662.2986.
How will my donation be used?
Your donation directly benefits children and their communities through the provision of locally-managed, practical, sustainable Learning Centers. Donations help provide equipment and three years of training, as well as the production of relevant educational programs.
