Sustainable Development Goal 4 requires a number of targets to be met by 2030, including teacher development, early childhood development, tertiary education, skills development, eliminating gender disparities, among others. Since 2000, there has been enormous progress in achieving the target of universal primary education.
Progress has been difficult in some developing regions due to high levels of poverty, armed conflicts and other emergencies. Children from the poorest households are up to four times more likely to be out of school than those of the richest households, and the Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated this. Disparities between rural and urban areas also remain high.
Meet Frankie, Ashlee and Billie, identical triplets from London and all with a different approach and view to learning. They are creative, curious and inquisitive. We explore just how inclusive and accommodating of different learner needs the education system is. Follow their journey as they are tutored by Professor Sugata Mitra, computer scientist and educational theorist.
In early 2022, the class met face to face for the first time. Through curiosity, group discussion and reflection, Frankie, Ashlee and Billie and the Class learned that small but consistent actions from each of us make a considerable impact as a collective.
Join the movement.
Meet Frankie, Billie and Ashlee Archibald
The triplets begin their discovery of SDG 4
We invited Frankie, Ashlee and Billie to join the Class of 2030 to focus on SDG 4. Lessons took place online, with a single goal in mind: to give the girls insight into the SDG to help them understand its relevance in achieving the 2030 goals.
WATCH THE TRIPLETS’ STORY
The triplets and their mum reflect on their experience with the Class of 2030
As the youngest founding members of the Class of 2030, Frankie, Billie and Ashlee are living proof that education is not a simple topic. It’s a uniquely personal journey for each individual. Their mum firmly believes that without education there is no future, and her wish for her girls is that they learn to love learning. It’s critical to realise that the decisions we make today determine the future of the next generation.
Meet the tutor
Prof. Sugata Mitra
Professor Sugata Mitra is professor emeritus at NIIT University, Rajasthan India, holding a Ph.D. in theoretical physics. In 1999, he conducted the Hole in the Wall experiment, embedding a computer in a wall in an Indian slum at Delhi that children were allowed to used freely. Indian diplomat Vikas Swarup read about Mitra's experiment and was inspired by it to write his debut novel that went on to become the Oscar-winning movie of 2009 - Slumdog Millionaire. Amongst many other awards, Sugata was awarded the $1 million TED Prize in 2013.
Find your impact with the Class of 2030
Investec's commitment to SDG 4: quality education
SDG 4 is one of Investec's key priorities. Our Promaths programme provides extra tuition in maths and science to learners in grades 10 to 12 at selected schools across South Africa. Maths and science are the two subjects deemed most vital for the ongoing growth of our economy. Investec wants to support the South African education system and help produce today, the accountants, scientists, engineers, and even the astronauts of tomorrow.
Learn more about the Investec Global Sustainability Equity Fund
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Investec’s approach to the SDGs
We believe that the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a solid framework for us to assess, align and prioritise our activities. Our strategy is to harness the expertise in our various businesses and identify opportunities to maximise impact by partnering with our clients, investors and various stakeholders to support delivery of the SDGs, and build a more resilient and inclusive world.
