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Finland-based programme receives 2023 UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prize
Illiteracy affects 1.2 billion individuals and dyslexia affects over 700 million, highlighting its global challenge with devastating socioeconomic consequences. The creation of GraphoGame, located in Helsinki, Finland, was motivated by a strong dedication to tackling this urgent problem. One of the laureates of the 2023 UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prize, GraphoGame’s inspiration stemmed from a deep desire to give every child the essential skill of literacy, guaranteeing equal educational opportunities for everyone.
At the core of this inspiration was the realization that millions of children faced formidable barriers to reading, which in turn hindered their educational journeys and future prospects. Extensive research underscored the far-reaching impact of literacy on individuals and societies, and this understanding fueled their aspiration to bridge the literacy gap and make a transformative difference in children's lives.
Ms Mervi Palander, CEO of GraphoGame, shared that their inception was underpinned by a commitment to evidence-based research, innovative technology, and close collaboration with experts in the field. Ultimately, the driving force behind GraphoGame is the belief that every child deserves the chance to unlock their potential through literacy. By providing an engaging and effective learning solution, they aim to uplift communities, break the cycle of disadvantage, and contribute to a more inclusive and empowered world.
The world is in a constant state of transition, and education must evolve to meet these changing needs. GraphoGame is committed to adapting to this dynamic landscape by employing strategies that align with the evolving nature of education and communication. GraphoGame offers literacy support in various languages, enabling learners to acquire skills in their native tongues while facilitating multicultural communication.
Bridging the literacy gap
The team maintained close collaboration with educators to ensure their programme remains in harmony with changing classroom dynamics. Continuous teacher feedback informs their updates, making the programme adaptable to evolving pedagogical approaches. Therefore, GraphoGame's data platform empowers teachers and parents with real-time insights into student progress, enabling educators to tailor interventions based on individual needs. This dynamic approach ensures that challenges are addressed before they escalate into deeper issues.
Furthermore, their commitment to ongoing research ensures that the programme remains at the forefront of educational innovation. They incorporate emerging findings to refine teaching methods and better serve evolving learning environments.
Through partnerships with governments and educational institutions, GraphoGame is pre-installed in devices such as tablets, which are then distributed to areas with limited access to teachers and educational resources. This strategy democratizes access to high-quality literacy education, regardless of geographical barriers.
They also collaborated with local innovators and organizations to integrate GraphoGame into existing educational technology platforms or systems. This can involve developing APIs, data integration solutions, or customizing the solution to align with specific educational frameworks or requirements.
In essence, GraphoGame thrives within the evolving technological landscape by embracing digital innovation, personalization, accessibility, and research findings. By combining the power of technology with effective pedagogical approaches, they ensure that their programme remains adaptable, relevant, and impactful in preparing learners for the challenges and opportunities of the digital age.
For the International Literacy Day, Ms Palander sends an encouraging message, “No single individual, company or institution can eradicate the wicked problem of illiteracy alone. But for the first time in human history, we now have the tools with which to achieve this dream.”
