One-line solution summary:
An online tuition-free college
Pitch your solution.
Reducing barriers to learning. We propose to use online solutions coupled with blended solutions using open content and self learning approach. It will be a volunteer driven initiative.
Film your elevator pitch.
What specific problem are you solving?
Reducing barriers to learning.
What is your solution?
We propose to use online solutions coupled with blended solutions using open content and self learning approach. We will be using a LMS that can be accessed via an internet compatible device. We have already built a pilot run and looking at ways to improve it.
nidahasvidyalaya.edu.lk/tuition
Who does your solution serve, and in what ways will the solution impact their lives?
The students will be able to learn nearly free as tuition fees are waived off. They pay only for exams and certificates. This can also be waived with sponsors.
Which dimension of the Challenge does your solution most closely address?
Reduce the barriers that prevent girls and young women—especially those living in conflict and emergency situations—from reaching key learning milestonesExplain how the problem, your solution, and your solution’s target population relate to the Challenge and your selected dimension.
Girls can learn in their own homes, at their own pace, in their own language and without tuition-fees. This will allow more females to participate and be job ready. They will be included in education as the costs are low and they in turn can become online teachers through our platform. There will be less interaction with males in societies with stereotypes.
What is your solution’s stage of development?
Pilot: An organization deploying a tested product, service, or business model in at least one communityIn what city, town, or region is your solution team headquartered?
Colombo, Sri LankaWho is the primary delegate for your solution?
Founder
If you have additional video content that explains your solution, provide a YouTube or Vimeo link here:
Which of the following categories best describes your solution?
A new business model or processDescribe what makes your solution innovative.
We have studied different scenarios and developed the solution based on the findings. Example self proctored exams and verified certificates. No cost for tuition as the content is open. No cost for teachers as it is self paced and volunteer driven. Student is only charged as an option a resonable fee. They can always learn free. Localisation increases the number of uses.
Describe the core technology that powers your solution.
Moodle LMS in local languages
A unique model combining e-learning for delivering and traditional learning for verification.
Growing hand held internet devices
Provide evidence that this technology works.
A pilot is already running on our site which can be accessed free of charge after creating an account. This is being improved gradually.
Please select the technologies currently used in your solution:
What is your theory of change?
It will encourage more students to learn and encourage parents to allow them to learn in their own homes at an affordable rate.
Select the key characteristics of your target population.
Which of the UN Sustainable Development Goals does your solution address?
In which countries do you currently operate?
In which countries will you be operating within the next year?
How many people does your solution currently serve? How many will it serve in one year? In five years?
25+ at present
500+ in an year
100000+ in 5 years
What are your goals within the next year and within the next five years?
Promote the message to as many as possible. Develop attractive programmes in local languages. Build partnerships with similar organisations. Move to newer territories.
What barriers currently exist for you to accomplish your goals in the next year and in the next five years?
Need someone who can convince the masses to accept it. They are reluctant to move to non traditional approaches. Finances are draining due to individual initiative. Need to register as a legal entity. Lack of support for startups that are non-profit oriented.
How do you plan to overcome these barriers?
Sourcing a partner with similar visions. Building acceptance in society. Looking at ways of funding by taking part in challenges similar to this.
What type of organization is your solution team?
Other, including part of a larger organization (please explain below)If you selected Other, please explain here.
Not for profit that is not yet registered
How many people work on your solution team?
1 only the founder - part time
How many years have you worked on your solution?
2 years
Why are you and your team well-positioned to deliver this solution?
Working prototype developed with in house expertise. Gradually increasing the number of inquirers and well wishers which is the first step towards acceptance.
What organizations do you currently partner with, if any? How are you working with them?
Directly non at the moment. Indirectly with open content providers
What is your business model?
Tuition-free online courses. Charging only for proctored exams and verified certificates. Creating similar solutions for other institutions with non-profit motives to cut delivery costs to be passed onto students.
We provide them online and use traditional methods if the students are facing barriers. They need it because they pay less and only for what they require. Also institutions can cut down on operational costs which will be passed onto students.
Do you primarily provide products or services directly to individuals, or to other organizations?
Individual consumers or stakeholders (B2C)What is your path to financial sustainability?
Initially through donations and sponsorships but in the long run using sustainable methods like charging for optional services and charging from businesses. Looking at possibilities of crowd funding.
Why are you applying to Solve?
We need to focus on growth and funds are making it slow. If we can cover atleast operational costs then we can focus more on growth.
In which of the following areas do you most need partners or support?
Please explain in more detail here.
We like to improve our service and connect with not profit organisations who will be of support to us.
What organizations would you like to partner with, and how would you like to partner with them?
MIT e-learning team
Solve members
Other non-profits specially education related
Solution Team
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MR
Mr Mohamed Rifai AMABE Online Tuition-Free Courses and Degrees, Nidahas Vidyalaya
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Solution Name:
Freedom College