“Education must be practically-oriented; students must be able to design and build projects which can solve the challenges of 21st century like bringing clean water to a community.”– Tendekayi Katsiga, Botswana
Did you know that there are more than half a billion hearing impaired people in the world, and that two-thirds of them live in developing countries? Traditionally, hearing aids have been out of reach for people in the developing world — either unaffordable, or entirely unavailable. That’s where Tendekayi Katsiga comes in. Twelve years ago, Katsiga set out to help this underserved population, and to give them the same opportunities to learn and participate in society as their hearing peers. The solution? The world’s first digitally programmable and rechargeable hearing aid, the Solar Ear.
Today, Solar Ear products, initially created in a small village in Botswana, are sold in over 40 countries, and are also manufactured in Brazil and China. The company makes and sells the first digitally programmable and rechargeable hearing aids, which cost 10 percent of the market cost and meet World Health Organization (WHO) standards. They also produce a solar-powered battery which lasts for 2-3 years and can be used in 80 percent of hearing aids on the market today. Their products are made by the hearing impaired and sold to the hearing impaired in developing countries.
And Katsiga isn’t stopping with the creation of this ground-breaking device – he’s also working to inspire others to innovate, particularly students. He’s on the faculty of Semester at Sea, and was a participant in Unreasonable at Sea, the innovative entrepreneurial program we
covered here several months ago.
The work of Katsiga and his team is making a significant difference in the lives of the hearing-impaired, particularly when it comes to education. Without this affordable device – and the ability to easily charge it – many students would be shut out of the learning process. In today’s Daily Edventure , we hear Katsiga’s views on education and accessibility. We also get a taste of the difference Solar Ear is making in the lives of China’s hearing impaired population through this video. Prepare to be inspired!
What drew you to the field of education? Why is it important to you?
I always believe that education breaks the cycle of poverty. It is important because an educated nation is an informed nation.
Can you tell us about a favorite teacher, or someone who made a difference in your education?
My favorite teacher was Mr. Ruredzo. He taught me to dream big. He used to say, “Keep your eyes on the stars and your feet on the ground.”
Please describe how your professional achievements have advanced innovation in education. What has changed as a result of your work?
I am part of a team which designed the solar-powered hearing aid, which enables deaf children to charge their hearing aid batteries and continue with their education. Many deaf children are able to attend and participate in school.
How have you applied technology in innovative ways to support your work?
We created a technology through harnessing solar power, so that it charges hearing aid batteries. It is cost effective and environmentally friendly.
In your view, what is the most exciting innovation happening in education today?
The most exciting innovation happening in education is the establishment of design schools and vocational schools. This also gives students an opportunity to be innovative and think outside the box. It enables students to be creative and solve world challenges and create employment.
Is there a 21 century skill (critical thinking and problem solving, communication, collaboration, or creativity and innovation) that you are most passionate about? Why?
I am most passionate about engaging students in solving the problems of the 21 century. Students always bring new ideas. l like rapid prototyping and making sure that they include empathy in their design thinking.
If you could give one educational tool to every child in the world, what would it be? Why?
An encyclopedia, so that they can understand many things.
What is your country doing well currently to support education?
My country is having educational programs through television and radio.
How must education change in your country to ensure that students are equipped to thrive in the 21 century?
Education must be practically-oriented; students must be able to design and build projects which can solve the challenges of 21 century like bringing clean water to a community.
What is the biggest obstacle you have had to overcome to ensure students are receiving a quality education?
The biggest obstacle was to make sure that students engage with their teachers, because there is less engagement because of use of technology these days.
How can teachers or school leaders facing similar challenges implement what you’ve learned through your work?
Teachers and students must have a deep diving session to understand the needs of the students, and teacher relationship. Students must also be in a position to seek help from their teachers.