How to GREEN your English classes...

By incorporating sustainability into literature and composition classes, educators can foster empathy, critical thinking, and a deepened appreciation for both the environment and the power of literature to reflect and influence societal values. This approach not only enriches students’ academic experience but also empowers them to become more thoughtful and informed citizens.

We can do better!

99% of the international education industry exists to serve the rich schools or 1% of the market.

The international education industry is predominantly structured to serve the wealthiest schools, catering to just a small fraction of the global market. This phenomenon is largely driven by capitalism, where profit motives shape the availability and distribution of educational resources. Here's a closer look at why this happens, with examples from prominent companies like Pearson, the International Baccalaureate (IB), and Cambridge.

A Vision for Transformative Education in the Global South

The international EdTech industry is predominantly structured to serve the wealthiest schools, often neglecting the vast majority of students in the Global South. At Urban Green Education (UGE), we believe in a different approach—one that prioritizes inclusivity, accessibility, and genuine educational improvement for all. This pitch outlines how UGE, in partnership with Lincoln Learning Solutions and Agilix Labs, is poised to create lasting and impactful change by aligning our actions with our mission to make high-quality education accessible to every student, regardless of their economic background.

How would you feel if a less qualified coworker made five times your salary? The Case for Empowering Local Teachers Over Expatriates

In the global landscape of education, significant disparities often exist between the compensation and resources allocated to expatriate teachers compared to their local counterparts. This financial imbalance not only carries substantial opportunity costs but also raises serious moral questions and issues of personal humiliation for local educators. These disparities need urgent reassessment to foster a fairer, more effective, and dignified educational system.

The Missed Opportunity: Bridging the EdTech Gap in the Global South

In recent years, the EdTech and international education industries have seen unprecedented growth, spurred by technological advancements and the increasing digitization of education. However, despite these advancements, there remains a significant oversight: the vast majority of students in the Global South are yet to fully benefit from these innovations. This oversight not only hampers educational opportunities for millions but also represents a missed economic and developmental opportunity for the industry.

To the EXPAT TEACHER! - "don't forget - your students will live in THEIR country not yours"

Educators must immerse themselves in the local culture, traditions, and social norms. This understanding helps in delivering lessons that are relevant and respectful of the students' background. Avoid Imposing Values: Instead of imposing their own cultural values, teachers should appreciate and integrate the local values into their teaching methods.

The inclusion of a rich study of local history and literature in the curriculum of countries that have experienced colonialism holds profound importance...

Colonialism often sought to suppress and marginalize indigenous cultures and literature, replacing them with those of the colonizers. By emphasizing the rich literary history of these nations, educators can help reclaim and celebrate the unique cultural identities that were threatened. This process of rediscovery and reaffirmation aids in preserving languages, traditions, and stories that form the bedrock of a society’s heritage.

EdTech does a wonderful job serving the rich. We can do better.

Picture an urban slum in Jakarta. This image poignantly illustrates the stark disparities in living conditions and access to resources, including education. This scene is a powerful reminder of the vast untapped potential within these communities, where countless children are denied the educational opportunities that could lift them from poverty.

The international education industry, dominated by big companies, often focuses primarily on serving affluent markets, thereby neglecting the needs of the vast majority. These companies typically target wealthy schools and regions, where the financial returns are most significant. This profit-driven approach overlooks nearly 99% of the potential market—students in underprivileged areas who could benefit tremendously from educational advancements.

The Limitations of Major EdTech Companies in Transforming Educational Opportunities in the Global South

The rapid advancement of educational technology (EdTech) has promised to revolutionize education globally. Major companies like Pearson, the International Baccalaureate (IB), and Cambridge Assessment International Education have dominated the EdTech market, offering high-quality resources and sophisticated learning management systems (LMS). However, their impact on educational opportunities in the Global South remains limited. This article examines the constraints these big players face in truly transforming education in economically disadvantaged regions.

Reimagining EdTech: Questioning White Savior Complex, Colonial Legacy and Bloated Zero-Value-Added Salaries, and Finally Empowering Local Teachers

The international EdTech industry is replete with mission statements promising to make the world a better place through education. Yet, the reality often starkly contrasts with these lofty ideals. The industry predominantly serves the wealthiest 1% of schools, driven by profit motives that neglect the vast majority of students, particularly those in the Global South. At Urban Green Education (UGE), we believe it is time for a paradigm shift. By investing in local teachers and providing them with the necessary tools, we can create a more equitable and effective global education system. This article explores how UGE, in partnership with Lincoln Learning Solutions and Agilix Labs, is leading this change and how the EdTech industry can realign its actions with its mission to serve all students.

Mr. Adi's Perspective: Witnessing a Transformation

Mr. Adi stood before his class in one of Jakarta's most impoverished neighborhoods, tasked with teaching biology without adequate textbooks or resources. His students, bright and eager, were hindered only by their lack of access to quality educational materials. Despite these challenges, Mr. Adi remained committed, using whatever tools he could scrounge up to ignite curiosity about the natural world…

Transforming Education: How You Can Help Shape a World of Opportunity

In a world that's more connected than ever, the disparity in educational resources between different regions remains stark. However, a revolution is underway. A shift from financial barriers to equality and opportunity in education is not just envisioned—it is happening now. And you can be a part of this transformative movement.

Imagine a world where schools once devoid of even basic textbooks now have access to the same world-class digital materials as the most prestigious institutions. This world is our reality today. By leveraging digital technologies, we are bridging the gap and offering every child, regardless of their socio-economic status, the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.

Sari's Journey: From Textbook-less to Trailblazer

In the heart of Jakarta's sprawling urban slum, Sari attended a modest local school that lacked even the most basic resources. Textbooks were shared and tattered, and classrooms were overcrowded and underfunded. Despite these conditions, Sari’s curiosity was boundless. Her parents, though struggling financially, encouraged her thirst for knowledge, telling her stories of educated individuals who transformed their lives through learning.

Maximizing Educational Investments with UGE’s International Pack: A Game-Changer for Indonesian Schools

In the current educational landscape, schools face significant financial decisions about how to best use their budgets to impact student learning effectively. Urban Green Education's International Pack presents a transformative solution for Indonesian schools, offering an all-in-one digital resource package that replaces traditional textbooks and workbooks at just 500 million IDR per student per year. This cost-effective approach not only modernizes education but also frees up substantial budgetary resources for other critical needs.

Every Dollar Counts: How UGE’s International Pack Maximizes Investment in Indonesian Education

In a world where every dollar spent on education must yield maximum impact, decision-makers face the challenge of allocating funds efficiently. Urban Green Education's International Pack offers an innovative solution for Indonesian schools, providing a comprehensive digital resource that replaces traditional textbooks and workbooks for just 500 million IDR per student per year. This initiative not only streamlines costs but also enhances the educational tools available to both students and teachers.