IFA/iConnectED - holistic learning and mentorship platform

In 2015, the IFA embarked on a mission to increase the representation of Indigenous peoples in the Canadian tech sector (currently only 2.2%). Today, the IFA is achieving this by delivering educational programs that are grounded in Indigenous pedagogies and worldviews. Our INDIGital program immerses participants in teachings from Indigenous leaders and digital literacy with art and coding options. Our IndigiTECH program provides ongoing support to help develop career pathways in the fields of Web Development, UX Design, Client Care, and Business and Marketing. These programs involve mentorship and paid internship opportunities (and possibly full-time employment) at partner organizations that include the likes of Accenture, Deloitte, Interac, KPMG, Nokia, and many more.   

To date, IFA has graduated over 500 Indigenous youth, with several success stories like Michael’s, an IndigiTECH graduate. His time at Phyxable as an intern afforded him the opportunity to work on a medical prototype for the Canadian Space Agency’s (CSA) Health Beyond Initiative. And Melissa, who secured an internship at WomenatthecentrE as a Communications Coordinator. Her positive experience at IFA profoundly impacted her three nieces, who are all currently enrolled in the latest iteration of IndigiTECH.  

The IFA is now ready to go further. How? With its newest innovation iConnectED, a holistic learning and development platform that leverages the familiarity and reach of social messaging apps like WhatsApp and Messenger to make quality education, mentorship, and jobs more accessible to Indigenous peoples.

Problem Description: The specific problem that we are addressing is the lack of access to quality education, mentorship, entrepreneurship, and future-driven career pathways for Indigenous youth and communities, particularly those in remote and other underserved areas. Many Indigenous peoples face several barriers such as limited access to technology and physical infrastructures, as well as cultural disconnection with traditional education systems. This contributes to high dropout rates, high unemployment rates, and an overall disconnect from their Indigenous culture and identity.

Scale of the Problem: The problem affects Indigenous communities locally and globally. In Canada alone, only 48% of Indigenous students graduate high school compared to the national average of 87%. And globally, Indigenous peoples represent approximately 6% of the world's population but account for 19% of the world's impoverished individuals, according to the World Bank.

Number of People Affected: While exact numbers may vary, millions of Indigenous youth are challenged by a lack of quality education, mentorship, and employment due to systemic and structural obstacles. 

Factors Contributing to the Problem: The failure of traditional education systems to incorporate Indigenous perspectives and cultural teachings, along with language barriers, limited access to technology and resources, geographical isolation, and historical and systemic challenges stemming from colonization, are the main factors contributing to the problem. 

Solution: iConnectED enables easy access to results-driven mentoring, culturally-relevant content, quality educational resources, and rewarding career opportunities. The mentorship component serves as a pivotal feature, offering tailored support and guidance to navigate educational and career pathways. This humanizing approach fosters a sense of care and support within the virtual learning environment.

iConnectED serves as a comprehensive hub for Indigenous persons, communities and partners to access and share educational resources, connect with mentors/mentees, engage members, and explore career pathways. 

Learners will gain access to a range of educational materials created by approved educators, covering various topics relevant to learner interests and aspirations. Through the mentorship component, mentees can connect with approved mentors for guidance and support in areas such as health and wellness, career development, and entrepreneurship. These mentorship relationships will be tailored to the individual needs and goals of each learner/mentee, ensuring personalized support and assistance.

For example, if a mentee desires to become a data scientist, iConnectED would match that person with a mentor in the field. This would be done through algorithmic, manual and self-matching options that take into account other criteria as well.  Another example is a mentee that wants to take the entrepreneurial route and gets matched with a mentor to help get their idea off-the-ground.  

Currently, only the educational component is being developed with “accessibility” in mind. Through a web app, educators manage their courses and participation in discussion boards and sharing of educational resources. 

On the other end, we are leveraging the familiarity and reach of social messaging apps like WhatsApp and Messenger to make it very accessible for learners, especially in remote areas where internet connection is limited. They enroll and receive/submit assignments via their preferred messaging app. There is an AI chatbot that bridges the communication between the web app and the messaging channels - engaging learners using simple text commands, buttons and lists. We plan to make the interaction more conversational with NLP.

A short demo of the existing system can be found at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SXQyLbkHLk19naxxKEGbshZK7i_O7cXC/view?usp=drive_link.

The mentorship module is however in the conceptual phase. Essentially, mentees would be matched with the right mentor(s) to support their specific need(s), whether for spiritual, mental, physical or emotional (holistic) well-being; career development; and/or starting a business. To ensure the right connections are made, mentees can either search for a suitable mentor using specific filters and keywords and/or browse recommended mentor profiles automatically generated using AI. Program admins would also have the option to establish the matching criteria and bulk assign mentors. For this, we are already designing new profiles and functionality to foster successful mentorship relationships.

As mentioned, one of the mentorship pathways is career development which involves an integrated job portal that gives Indigenous learners access to employment opportunities. This iConnectED job board is already being designed and is a requirement for the IndigiTECH program. We also plan to develop a career pathway framework to support career guidance.

A robust data model is also in the early stages. We would use AI to identify learning anomalies and provide true personalized learning experiences while enabling access to advanced reporting and analytics. Parents/guardians would also be invited to monitor the progress of their child(ren).

Currently the IFA serves Indigenous youths across all communities in Canada.  We have and have had participants from various Indigenous communities like the Algonquin, Chippewa, and Wasauksing First Nation to name a few, and from almost every province.  Here are the average percentage ratios of our participants per province : Alberta 23%   /   British Columbia 7%   /   Manitoba 5%   /   New Brunswick  5% Newfoundland and Labrador 1%   /   Nova Scotia 2%   /   Ontario 47%   /   Québec 1% / Saskatchewan 8%   /   Unknown 1%.    

With iConnectED, our primary beneficiaries would remain Indigenous communities across Canada before expanding to other markets such as the U.S and Latin America. However, iConnectED started in “Mechico” and we are committed to continuing our work with Indigenous communities there as well. We also want to support Indigenous individuals, including young learners and post-secondary students, all who aspire to access quality education, mentorship, and career opportunities without having to leave their communities to do so.  

iConnectED’s focus on adaptive learning experiences will not only elevate academic accessibility but also foster a sense of cultural pride through localized content. The IFA’s programs empower Indigenous youths, enabling them to actively participate in their communities. Additionally, the platform's success opens access to learners and educators beyond the IFA, promoting inclusivity and sharing culturally-relevant content with a broader Indigenous audience. By breaking geographical and technological barriers, iConnectED contributes to the empowerment of Indigenous youths, creating a more equitable educational landscape.

What we are doing to understand and how we engage

The IFA prides itself in its ongoing efforts to build strong, reliable and engaging partnerships with several Indigenous communities, organizations, associations and partners.  We host or participate in different consultation efforts through meetings, workshops, surveys, and sharing circles to gather insights, concerns, and ideas.  

Our Community and Partners include: 

• Network of Elders and Knowledge Keepers supporting knowledge expansion, access to culture-based activities, languages, and rights, and building relationships with Indigenous communities.

• IFA Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) - comprising talented Indigenous youth from around the country to advise the IFA. They assist in all aspects; educational & cultural programming, data collection, governance, virtual & in-person events, creation of future internal and external opportunities, mentorship to staff & students, traditional teachings & knowledge sharing, best practices in working with Indigenous people, and more.

• Indigenous Tech Circle - supported by its founder Ryan St. Germaine, for advice on venture creation and strategies, and access to a strong network of Indigenous business leaders and startup founders.

• Ashoka Canada - brings invaluable support to the IFA by facilitating innovative social entrepreneurship opportunities that resonate with Indigenous values and community goals. Their extensive network of change-makers and strategic resources enhances our initiatives, amplifying our impact across communities. 

• Mentor Canada - providing education regarding adopting best mentorship practices, a network with other mentorship programs to continuously improve our framework/approach. 

• Yenza3 (a learning solutions development consultancy) - for support in the development of the iConnectED data model.

The IFA team is well-positioned to design and deliver this solution because of our deep understanding of and connection with Indigenous communities we serve. Our organization is led by Indigenous individuals and non-Indigenous allies who have firsthand experience with the unique challenges faced by these communities. As a mandate, to be coherent with our mission and the communities we serve, the Board of Directors is always majority self-identified as First Nations, Inuit, or Métis individuals in Canada.

The IFA also has several years of experience delivering successful hands-on educational programs grounded on Indigenous pedagogies and worldviews, curating a holistic and successful digital learning environment that focuses on technology, coding, design, digital arts & mental health. Our innovative and integrated programs, INDIGital and IndigiTECH support Indigenous youths with the skills and training needed to reduce the educational and employment gaps in the tech sector, and we offer internships with ongoing support for employment research.

Our iConnectED project is led by Alejandro Mayoral Baños, PhD, Executive Director of the IFA. With his academic pursuits in decolonial computing and Indigenous media, Alejandro brings a distinct perspective to our work, emphasizing ethical principles in digital design. He works tirelessly to promote tech equity, digital sovereignty, mentorship, and sustainable career pathways for Indigenous communities. Alejandro's extensive background includes volunteering and leading various projects centered on Indigeneity and social action, spanning countries like Canada, Mechico, Peru, Guatemala, Chile, Bolivia, and the United Nations. Alejandro's commitment to supporting Indigenous communities through technology and education is deeply-rooted in personal connection, social justice, and cultural preservation.

Under the guidance of our Product Manager, David Romeo, who possesses over 10 years of management experience with expertise in product strategy and business transformation, the team is well-coordinated. David also spent 6 years in the Higher Education sector (in the Caribbean), administering IT programs and ensuring compliance with regional and international accreditation bodies and partners.    

Our recently formalized Research department is also very instrumental. It supports our mission in advocating for digital pathways, while rooted in the tenet of self-determination to address the barriers experienced by the Indigenous youth from entering and transitioning towards sustainable careers in tech and innovation. We build an ecosystem that ushers Indigenous communities to participate in the digital future.

At the IFA, we prioritize community engagement throughout every stage of development across all that we do - ensuring that our programs and now our iConnectED solution, reflect the needs, preferences, and aspirations of the people it serves. To gather community input, we conduct extensive consultations, workshops, surveys, and focus groups. These sessions allow community members to share their perspectives, identify challenges, and propose solutions that resonate with their lived experiences. We also actively listen to community feedback as it is their voices that guide us towards the success of the solution.

At present, we have over 2,000 learners and educators registered for free on the platform. These users are based in the Tzeltal communities of Mechico where the solution was actually originated by Magtayaní AC, under the name Pásame la Tarea. They continue to provide valuable inputs on how to improve the platform. 

Despite having these users, iConnectED is still considered conceptual as we have key components pending in order for the solution to have a solid initial launch. The mentorship module is the highest priority at this time. We are also figuring out the best legal setup for iConnectED, as well as the right revenue model to commercialize in future.  

Other key features pending include complete integration with Slack (currently partial), learner profiles in the web-app (partially implemented), and the job portal (in design).

The IFA is applying to the Solve Global Challenge because we are seeking experienced support in overcoming various barriers that hinder our mission to empower Indigenous communities through education, mentorship, and technology. Specifically, we face financial constraints in scaling our programs and implementing innovative solutions like iConnectED. Solve's resources and network can help us secure funding, navigate financial challenges.

Solve's expertise in technology and access to technical partners can assist us in refining iConnectED, optimizing its functionality, and ensuring its compatibility with diverse devices and connectivity levels prevalent in remote areas.

On the legal front, we confront regulatory complexities and intellectual property concerns related to our digital solutions. Solve's legal advisors and partnerships can offer guidance on navigating legal frameworks, protecting our intellectual property, and establishing robust legal structures to support our operations and collaborations.

Solve's diverse community and cultural experts can provide valuable insights and feedback to help us continue to integrate cultural considerations into our designs, content, and approaches, fostering meaningful engagement and impact within Indigenous communities.

Lastly, market barriers pose challenges in scaling our solutions and reaching broader audiences. Solve's platform and connections can facilitate market access, strategic partnerships, and collaborations with stakeholders across sectors, enabling us to expand our reach, amplify our impact, and create sustainable pathways for growth and scalability.

The IFA is submitting to the MIT Global Solve to  ultimately advance our mission to empower Indigenous communities through education, mentorship, technology, and innovation.

Alejandro Mayoral Baños, Ph.D. is an activist, computer engineer and academic who is currently working in organizations in Mechico and Canada on the implementation of participative projects for/with/by Indigenous peoples. Alejandro is the Executive Director and Founder of the Indigenous Friends Association (IFA) based in Toronto, Canada. His entire journey to create the IFA can be found at: http://hdl.handle.net/10315/38... (Chapter 1, 2 & 3). His maternal family comes from Pinotepa, Oaxaca, which is a Mixtec and Afro community in Mechico. Moreover, he has been actively involved with Indigenous communities since 2007, working on community projects with Totonac Indigenous communities in the state of Veracruz, Mechico. He has also maintained strong relationships with these communities through participating in ceremonies, traditional Totonac dances, and compadrazgos, a network of interpersonal kinship relationships.

In 2015, Alejandro was invited to create the Indigenous Friends Platform by Cree-Métis Elder Blu Waters and Mohawk knowledge Keeper Ruth Green. The IFA project grounded his spirit in the territory of Tkaronto, Ontario, Canada, where the IFA is based. Since then, Alejandro has continuously engaged with several communities across Turtle Island through ceremonies, community gatherings, and events. Finally, it is important to highlight that the IFA Board of Directors is always majority self-identified as First Nations, Inuit, or Métis individuals in Canada. Therefore, Alejandro, as a Team Lead, is fully accountable to community members. 

As of November 2023, Alejandro was welcomed as an Ashoka Fellow. Ashoka is an organization that envisions a world in which Everyone is a Changemaker: a world where all citizens are powerful and contribute to change in positive ways.

See his Ashoka profile here: https://www.ashoka.org/en-ca/fellow/alejandro-mayoral-ba%C3%B1os

Here's what makes our solution innovative:

• Accessibility. The fact that iConnectED uses social messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Messenger is very unique and impactful in itself. Not many other edtech solutions  have taken this approach, especially with a focus on Indigenous communities. We note that in Canada, 80% of Indigenous peoples prefer Facebook and Messenger for communication. Natural language processing would also be used to make the learner-to-bot experience more conversational. 

• Mentorship Component. We are taking a holistic approach to empower Indigenous peoples by combining access to quality education with personalized mentorship and career pathways. By connecting Indigenous learners with mentors who understand their cultural context and aspirations would better enable them to overcome barriers and achieve their goals. In so doing, we would also create a comprehensive solution that addresses the root causes of educational and employment disparities for Indigenous communities. 

• Culturally-Relevant Content. While our INDIGital and IndigTECH programs provide educational content that is tailored to the unique backgrounds and needs of Indigenous communities, iConnectED will help to streamline delivery of these programs and serve as a platform for other educators to administer their own content designed specifically for communities. By incorporating Indigenous perspectives, languages, and traditions into curriculum, we ensure that the content resonates with learners and fosters a sense of cultural pride and identity. 

• Job portal. We believe that integrating our own job portal into iConnectED would create additional value in terms of (1) providing Indigenous peoples the opportunity to learn and apply for jobs all-in-one place, while (2) connecting organizations with Indigenous talent - particularly supporting those that want to diversify their hiring practices. We would like to note that a job board is a requirement for our IndigiTECH program, which would be migrated from Google Classroom. Managing job postings in iConnectED would be more efficient than in Google Classroom - bringing features such as applicant tracking and automated reminders and notifications. 

• Data model. Many providers in the edtech space are able to gather insights from common interactions with educational content, but not at the conversational level. By conforming to the Experiential API (xAPI) data standard for learning management systems, iConnectED will be able to gather deep insights about a learner, using AI/ML, and based on every interaction with the platform, while tracking their entire journey to employment. Advanced analytics would be provided across three main areas (1) Learner analytics - to identify learning anomalies at an individual level (2) Program analytics - to improve the impact of specific programs and courses on Indigenous learners, and (3) Platform analytics - to improve the user experience taking into account various factors such as web accessibility.  

Potential for Broader Impact: iConnectED aspires to empower Indigenous communities globally. However, there is also potential to impact the lives of other non-Indigenous groups that are underserved, for example, other remote learners and workers.

At the heart of our initiative lies a belief in the transformative power of mentorship and technology to enhance educational access and quality for Indigenous peoples by building meaningful partnerships, nurturing mentorship relationships, and developing interactive learning tools.  

The real changes in people's lives resulting from the achievement of the outputs include improved access to quality education, increased mentorship opportunities, enhanced technological literacy, better employment opportunities, and greater empowerment for Indigenous communities. These changes lead to bridging the digital divide, promoting cultural preservation, fostering economic opportunities, and empowering Indigenous peoples to thrive in the digital age.

To achieve these goals, we're committed to supporting educators by forming alliances with local organizations, governments, and nonprofits. These partnerships are crucial for spreading awareness about our solution, fostering mentorship opportunities, and promoting cultural exchange within our digital communities. We're expanding our reach to platforms like Slack, Discord, and Telegram, beyond WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger, to ensure inclusivity and accessibility for everyone. Additionally, we're creating interactive applications within these messaging platforms to enhance engagement between students and educators, making learning fun and accessible. 

These efforts culminate in a web-based platform fostering teaching and learning communities. AI learning bots deliver personalized digital content reflecting Indigenous languages, cultures, and traditions. In the short term, our goal is to cultivate digital communities where Indigenous peoples feel connected and supported, creating content that resonates with their identities. Looking ahead, we envision empowering Indigenous peoples to access quality education and job opportunities while asserting their digital sovereignty. Through mentorship, technology, and inclusive platforms, we're building a future where everyone has the tools and opportunities to succeed.

Currently, our research department is developing a theory of change centred around the benefits, outcomes, and long-term advantages of mentorship.

Our impact goals for iConnectED encompass several key areas aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically targeting SDG #4, #8, and #10. 

• SDG #4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

  • Measurement:

    • Increase in the number of learners accessing the platform.

    • Regular tracking user engagement metrics such as course completion rates, quiz scores, and participation in interactive learning activities.

    • Surveys and feedback mechanisms to assess user satisfaction, perceived learning impact, and areas for improvement.

• SDG #8: Reduce inequality within and among countries.

  • Measurement:

    • Reduction in the gap between privileged and Indigenous peoples in accessing education, mentorship, and job opportunities.

    • Increase in the representation of Indigenous peoples with low-income backgrounds, in educational and employment programs.

    • Increased collaboration with local organizations, governments, and community leaders to identify and address barriers to education, mentorship, and employment.

• SDG #10: Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.

  • Measurement:

    • Increase in the number of job postings and opportunities shared on the platform, including internships and full-time employment.

    • Tracking the number of learners who have successfully transitioned to employment or entrepreneurial opportunities after completing learning and mentorship programs.

    • Monitoring the alignment between the skills acquired through the platform and the demands of the job market.

    • Collaborating with employers and industry partners to measure the impact of programs on workforce development and economic empowerment.

By integrating learning, mentorship, and job opportunities into one comprehensive system, iConnectED aims to create a holistic approach to empowerment that addresses the interconnected challenges of education, employment, and inequality. Through rigorous monitoring, evaluation, and collaboration with stakeholders, we strive to achieve measurable progress towards our impact goals and contribute to the realization of the UN SDGs.

iConnectED will integrate cutting-edge technologies aimed at delivering a seamless and impactful learning experience. Here's an overview of the key components:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)

  • AI and ML algorithms to drive personalized mentor recommendations, adaptive learning paths, and real-time feedback mechanisms.

  • They will analyze user data, such as learning preferences, performance metrics, and engagement patterns, to tailor learning experiences to the individual needs of each learner.

• Natural Language Processing (NLP)

  • We will use NLP technology to facilitate conversational interactions between users and the system.

• Multi-Channel Communication Integration

  • Our solution integrates with multiple communication channels, including WhatsApp, Messenger, and Slack (with Discord and Telegram being added later). This enables learners to access educational content and interact with the platform seamlessly across their preferred channels, regardless of geographical location or connectivity constraints.

  • We started to develop our own custom API to ensure seamless connectivity and interoperability across all channels, while enhancing the platform's versatility and scalability. Currently we have limitations relying on third-party integration services.

• xAPI Integration

  • The Experience API (xAPI) standardizes data collection and tracking across various learning activities and platforms.

  • xAPI integration enables comprehensive tracking of learner interactions, allowing for deeper insights into learning behaviors, preferences, and performance.

• Low Bandwidth Optimization

  • To ensure accessibility in remote and low-connectivity areas, the platform will further incorporate optimization techniques for delivering content efficiently over low-bandwidth networks.

  • This includes the compression of media files, adaptive streaming, and asynchronous data synchronization to minimize data usage and loading times while maintaining a seamless learning experience.

• Data Analytics and Insights

  • We will employ robust data analytics and BI tools to collect, process, and analyze data generated by user interactions, learning activities, and performance metrics.

  • These insights will help in understanding user behavior, evaluating the effectiveness of educational content and mentorship programs, and making data-driven decisions for continuous improvement.

• Cloud Infrastructure and Scalability

  • We are leveraging cloud computing infrastructure to allow for scalability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness in handling varying levels of user demand and data processing requirements.

• Security and Privacy Measures

  • We require support to implement robust security protocols, encryption techniques, and data privacy measures to safeguard user information and ensure compliance with relevant regulations.

In addition to modern technologies, iConnectED also embraces traditional knowledge systems and technologies, recognizing the value of ancestral wisdom in Indigenous communities. 

By combining modern and ancestral technologies, we aim to create a holistic solution that addresses the diverse needs of Indigenous youth and fosters cultural preservation and empowerment.

We are 100% online and can currently operate across all provinces of Canada.

For the next year, Canada remains our main focus.

Currently, the iConnectED project team comprises 2 full-time staff and 4 contractors. The FT staff includes a Tech Lead and a Senior Frontend Developer. The contractors include a Senior Full Stack Developer, a Junior Frontend Developer/ QA Tester, a Product Manager, and a UI/UX Designer, all operating on a part-time basis. 

We also have the support of a Senior Backend Developer contracted by our partner organization, Magtayaní AC in Mechico. 

Two volunteers are also supporting the initiative - frontend development and data analytics.

The project is now 3-4 years old. It was started in Mechico by Magtayaní AC during the pandemic. As social distancing mandates came into effect, rural schools faced enormous challenges to transition to e-learning. Following previous attempts to develop a sustainable solution, the team alongside the teachers realized that a WhatsApp-based platform could be the answer since WhatsApp is a widely used communication channel, even in remote locations. This triggered an investigation into the WhatsApp API, and without much delay, development work started.

The IFA has since taken the lead with a new vision and strategy being defined.

As an organization, these are our diversity and inclusion statement and ongoing objective: 

The Indigenous Friends Association was founded through the guidance, and support of Traditional Knowledge Keepers and Elders.  The organization was founded by Indigenous youth, and we have set out to remain an Indigenous-led organization. Our leadership is by Indigenous peoples, BIPOC and allies, inclusive of women and LGBTQA2S+ identifying young people.

Additionally, IFA has prioritization policies for hiring previous participants from our educational programs and providing extended digital training that develops other skills in our staff that fosters the development of the organization. Since we work with a diversity of Indigenous peoples and Nations, IFA strives to honour the protocols applicable to their context and cultures. These policies are done by adapting content to the local context and building relationships with youth leaders and community workers to incorporate their knowledge into the projects.

The IFA is an incorporated non-profit organization and registered charity in Canada. Here’s a summary of our business model: 

• Key Customers and Beneficiaries

  • Indigenous Learners: Indigenous youth and communities who lack access to quality education, mentorship, and resources. 

  • Educators and Mentors: Subject matter experts, educators, and mentors interested in sharing knowledge and facilitating learning experiences to Indigenous peoples. The IFA plans to formalize a train–the-trainer program to better equip educators and mentors to engage Indigenous learners.

  • Other Non Profits: We also see potential for iConnectED to help other nonprofits streamline the delivery of their programs.

• Products and Services

  • INDIGital and IndigiTECH: iConnectED can streamline the delivery of the IFA programs. These are hands-on educational programs grounded on Indigenous pedagogies and worldviews.

  • iConnectED: Holistic learning and development platform that provides access to the IFA programs and other culturally-relevant educational content, personalized mentorship programs, and resources for skill development and career advancement.

  • Mentorship: Already infused in the IFA and its programs, with the concept in place to integrate a comprehensive mentorship module in iConnectED.  This will be centred on providing tailored support and guidance in areas such as education, career development, entrepreneurship, and cultural preservation.

  • Job Placement: iConnectED’s job portal will help IFA alumni and other Indigenous learners secure employment and advance their careers.

  • IFA Research: Supports our mission in advocating for digital pathways while rooted in the tenet of self-determination to address the barriers experienced by Indigenous peoples. 

• How We Provide These Products and Services

  • Online: IFA’s educational programs are currently facilitated on Google Classroom, Zoom and Slack, which has several limitations and requires a lot of administrative effort. Once fully developed, iConnectED will help to automate a lot of the manual activities and enhance the communication amongst IFA learners, educators, and program admins.

  • Strategic Partnerships: We collaborate with local organizations, governments, non-profits, and educational institutions to facilitate the creation of digital educational content, mentorship programs, and ensure access to resources tailored to the needs and aspirations of Indigenous youth and communities.

• Why They Want or Need Them

  • Accessibility: iConnectED provides convenient access to high-quality educational resources and mentorship services, which is essential for Indigenous youth to succeed in the digital age and pursue opportunities for personal and professional growth.

  • Personalization: Indigenous learners would benefit from personalized learning paths, tailored mentorship experiences, and targeted job placement support, enhancing their learning outcomes and career prospects. 

  • Culturally-Relevant Content: Indigenous youth and communities seek educational content that reflects their languages, cultures, and traditions, empowering them to preserve their cultural heritage while acquiring new skills and knowledge.

  • Community Engagement: Learners, educators, mentors, and employers engage in a vibrant online community, fostering collaboration, networking, and knowledge sharing opportunities.

• Finances - Revenue 

  • Since the IFA is a nonprofit organization, we rely on grants, donations, fundraising events, and online campaigns.

  • However, we plan for iConnectED to be a separate social enterprise in future. This could mean that a freemium model is offered to individuals, while subscription fees and white labeling options are available for organizations.

When the IFA started, Alejandro, our team leader, took on the weekly routine of seeking and securing funding for all of our projects. As the IFA grew, new staff members came onboard, and now we have an active fundraising team of three individuals – Paavneet, Karm, and Marie.

The fundraising department's goal is to diversify fund sources. The team actively seeks potential funders and crafts detailed proposals, such as this one. Securing funding also involves working on peer-to-peer campaigns, social media efforts, and corporate programs with our partners. We also aim to diversify our revenue streams as much as possible, to avoid reliance on one or two sources of funding.  The process is meticulous and requires a deep understanding of all our potential funders' programs and objectives. It's a challenging yet rewarding part of our role, as securing funding is essential for the sustainability and expansion of our programs, including this solution, enabling us to have a more significant impact on the communities we serve and those we want to serve.

Our Sustainability strategy: We have proven our organizational sustainability by securing the generous funding support of the Employment and Social Development Canada, Ontario Trillium Foundation, Canadian Heritage, Future Generations Foundation, Interac, CIBC, Canadian Roots Exchange, and Toronto Foundation. Besides, we have support from partner organizations like Digital Wellness Centre, CILAR and YWCA, who support the program implementation.

In the last few years, we experienced rapid growth and are navigating the growing pains that come along with it. So far, the strategies we've used have been successful, but in all transparency, it's been more challenging to appeal to potential funders when it comes to technology-based solutions and/or projects.  

We have also started to engage in discussions to explore blended financing options.