UNICEF, KITE collaborate to develop AI programs for Kerala's special needs students

Thiruvananthapuram - The United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) is partnering with Kerala Infrastructure and Technology for Education (KITE) to support the Little KITEs project. This initiative aims to utilize Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to develop educational programs for children with special needs (CWSN) in Kerala's public schools.

The first step of the collaboration involves conducting 260 camps across the state over two days, starting Saturday. These camps will focus on creating animation programs that leverage AI to raise awareness about environmental conservation. The camps will create animated films about two birds restoring a devastated area to greenery.

Significantly, the camps will also develop AI-powered programs to aid children with speech and hearing difficulties in communicating through sign language. These modules will not only teach sign language but also encourage interaction with these children. Additionally, video classes will be introduced to support this initiative.

K. Anvar Sadath, CEO of KITE, announced 15,668 students selected from school-level camps will attend sub-district camps. This is part of the larger 2.08 lakh members across 2219 Little Kites units active this year. “1200 trainers have been equipped for this purpose," Sadath added, emphasizing that the camps have been scheduled in batches to avoid disrupting school days.

KITE, a state government enterprise, is dedicated to modernizing education in Kerala. The organization, established as a Section 8 Company, evolved from the successful IT@School Project and is known for its work in integrating technology into the state's education system. KITE has also established an Infrastructure Division to upgrade the infrastructural facilities in schools.

(Source- IANS)