Pioneering AI Education Where It Matters Most
When we introduced artificial intelligence literacy into our curriculum last year, some people asked us why. Why teach AI to refugee youth? Why now? The answer is simple: because they need it most.
AI isn't just coming – it's here, reshaping our world in ways both visible and invisible. From the phones in our pockets to the services we use daily, AI is becoming as fundamental as reading and writing. But here's what keeps me up at night: while most of the world debates AI's future, refugee youth and underserved communities risk being left behind. Again.
Think about it: When ChatGPT launched, many of us had the luxury of experimenting with it and understanding its strengths and pitfalls. But AI was a complete mystery for most of our students in Arbat Refugee Camp. In fact, only about 20-25% of our students had even heard of AI before joining our program. We couldn't let this digital divide grow any wider.
What we're seeing in our classrooms fills me with hope:
Students who were initially unfamiliar with AI are now confidently exploring tools like ChatGPT, not just for our classes but for their storytelling projects too
Young minds are lighting up during discussions about AI ethics and its impact on their community
Interactive group activities are turning complex concepts into engaging conversations
But it's not all smooth sailing – and that's okay. We're learning too:
Our teaching team is constantly simplifying complex AI terminology to make it more accessible
Explaining concepts like AI bias to young students has been challenging, but it's crucial for their digital future
What matters most? Our students are not just learning about AI – they're becoming active participants in shaping its future. They're asking questions, challenging assumptions, and thinking critically about how this technology will affect their communities.
As one of the first NGOs to integrate AI literacy into refugee education, we're not just teaching technology – we're empowering our students to be informed, ethical users and creators in an AI-driven world. Because when it comes to technological revolutions, no one should be left behind.
