EPNE are working with Global charity to provide education worldwide

Students across Sunderland College, Northumberland College and Hartlepool Sixth Form College are working together on a fundraising project to provide education to marginalised communities across the globe.

Working in partnership with Global Teacher, a charity that believes access to quality education is the key to inspiring tomorrow’s leaders, the students will take on a series of challenges to raise vital funds towards providing one million students worldwide with access to an innovative, off-grid education platform, Pod & Lumi.  

The organisation’s founder, Chris Nutman, was a previous student at Sunderland College and believes quality education should be accessible to all, with traditional methods of delivering education content often fall short in remote locations. Outdated or culturally inappropriate textbooks, heavy and costly shipping, and long delivery times are just a few of the barriers that prevent many from receiving the education they deserve.  

Chris Nutman, Founder of Global Teacher said: “I was a previous student at Sunderland College hence coming back to do this project. It’s very rewarding to be back here and set up this project and 

“I’m really appreciative for the staff and students for being so encouraging.” 

EPNE’s students have been set a target to raise money for two of the education kits and across each of the college’s campuses, they will complete sponsored walks, car washes, and raffles and other activities.  

Ruth Magnus, Director of Student Services at EPNE said: “We are delighted to be involved with this project. We’ve done lots of work around community social action, but very much on a local level, so the idea of this project is to take it global and bringing together all of our colleges with some positive ideas.  

“I’m looking forward to seeing the impact that this will have at the end of the project and for the students to see the difference they will have made.” 

Based a stone’s throw away from “the greatest shipbuilding port in the world,” Global Teacher team are proud to draw upon Sunderland’s ‘maker’ heritage and aims to give back to the city Sunderland by designing and building a Pod which will be located in the heart of Wearside. 

Craig Clark, Student Participation Coordinator at Sunderland College said: “We’re delighted and privileged to be asked to be a part of this Global Teacher Fundraising project.  

“It’s great to see one of our previous students excel in what they went on to do after leaving college.” 

The Global Teacher Kit will bring access to quality digital education even when there is no internet or electricity, putting curriculum, language and culture appropriate content in the hands of the hardest to reach.