DigiPals

In language learning classrooms around the world, students are memorizing grammar concepts, completing worksheets, and studying to pass standardized tests. After completing language classes, and students getting out into the real world, students realize that these alone aren’t sufficient to being proficient in a language. Students struggle to express themselves and feel unconfident speaking in the target language. 

In addition to this, it is becoming essential for students to be globally competent in order to thrive in the diverse, interconnected world we now live in. Yet, there are limited opportunities and resources available to prepare students and develop the skills, behaviors, and knowledge needed to build their global competence, significant for their future. On top of that, students are consumed with fake news via social media and other media outlets leading them to make assumptions and generalizations about the world. Students struggle to obtain valid information and make true connections.

Lastly, due to the pandemic, the well-being of many students has been negatively impacted, and many are still struggling to get back into real life. They also missed out on opportunities to develop social skills and connections with peers. Behavior issues have also been reported making matters worse.

DigiPals builds students' global competence while improving language skills through cross-cultural collaboration and authentic learning to create more human harmony worldwide. In short, we match and connect classes together from around the world, provide activities and project ideas so that students can communicate and collaborate increasing; understanding, appreciation, mutual respect, and empathy for others around the world. These experiences also encourage students to build their social skills and build connections with peers. These connections also provide an opportunity for students who are learning a new language to practice the skills and concepts that they are learning in class and use them in a real-life situation which develops their confidence and competence in communicating in their new language. This brings real-world relevance and meaningful experiences to K12 classrooms around the world, ultimately preparing students to thrive in the 21st century and beyond.

DigiPals serves K12 classrooms around the world. Our solution will impact their lives by providing meaningful connections with peers, engaging and authentic learning experiences, and opportunities to build their global competence, which is essential for their future.

I am a former ESL teacher and global citizen. By traveling to many places around the world and getting the opportunity to live, learn, and work in the UK, USA, and Israel, I've been able to mix and mingle with people of widely different backgrounds and cultures. These experiences have opened my eyes and heart in many ways and developed strong social, communication, and intercultural skills. As a result of these experiences, I knew I needed to use my knowledge to help others develop these skills. I wanted to create an effective and engaging way to help students learn about the world and the people in it to reduce judgment, increase kindness, and help prepare students with the tools to succeed in the diverse, interconnected world we now live in.

As an ESL teacher, I saw how the students were able to complete classwork, do well on tests, and communicate with me (in the limited class time we had), but when it came to using the language in real life, it was clear they were unconfident. It's an issue that outside of langauge lessons, there are little opportunities to practice the skills they are learning to develop proficiency. I understand this issue and want to provide the necessary tools to help. 

We would find it incredibly meaningful to be connected to like-minded people, who are also passionate and dedicated to positively impacting the world. To be part of a support group where we could get this opportunity would be extremely beneficial so that we can support each other, share learnings and offer guidance. In addition, getting the opportunity to join a powerful network of impact-minded leaders would be so helpful to us on a mission as we can learn from others' experiences and continue to be inspired.We are also looking to learn from and meet people in the education sector in the US and also outside the US to get strategic advice about how to make sure our product is an effective one that can help students. It would be so helpful to get access to mentorship, coaching from experts, and the Solve and MIT networks as we would love them to point us in the right direction and get us to the next stage. On top of this, getting access to resources from Solve member and partner organizations and getting opportunities for financial assistance would be incredible to help us build our team and expand our product offering to make it truly impactful and accessible by as many classes around the world as possible.

Diversity, equity and inclusivity are at the very core of DigiPals. We are currently a small team but as we grow, we are determined to build a team that incorporates diversity - we believe a variety of people with different backgrounds and attributes with an array of experiences to share will help us learn, grow and ultimately empower us to build a stronger team and product. Everyone will be given equal opportunities to grow and succeed within the company and feel comfortable giving feedback. The atmosphere will be an inclusive one where everyone is welcome and all holidays acknowledged and celebrated.

It is significant that employees feel comfortable, valued, supported, and happy at DigiPals and a place where they can be themselves.