Pia Heikkilä
is a multilingual journalist and author. She has been based in South Asia for a decade and has contributed to several international publications such as the Guardian, Al Jazeera, the National and Global Post. She has authored two fiction books, which have been translated to several languages.
Contact: piainkabul@gmail.com; Twitter: @piaheikkila
Singapore’s micro-credential programme gives a chance to update skills in a flexible way
Singapore’s SIT has come up with a way for professionals to update their skills competency with independence, whilst working full time. Stackable credits offer a pathway to short courses or full degrees.
Millions of Indian women still struggling to read
New Literacy policy in India aims at improving learning amongst the women and disadvantaged. To achieve the goal to become a leading economic powerhouse for the 21st century, the country is aiming to make sure that every Indian can read.
Singapore invests in silver learners
The Asian city state wants to keep its older folk active for longer – silver learners are also deemed an important part of the economic growth.
Increasing financial literacy during the pandemic essential for India’s recovery
In Indian megacities millions of people have no access to banking services due to lack of knowledge or technology. Lack of universal education plays a big part.
Our ageing world needs education to survive
The current population of the Western world is older now than at any other time in history. The megatrend of extended life expectancy demands much more attention to be paid to lifelong learning and keeping mature people at workplaces.
Marginalisation leaves education out of sex workers’ reach
Prostitution is an age-old industry. Nevertheless, having a background in sex work qualifies the individual for nothing. Getting a proper vocation that pays a living wage backed by educational opportunities are the keys when it comes to getting alternative income to sex work.
Validation processes set to gain from 21st-century innovations – Challenges in certification still hampering learners
The modern world of open borders, workforce mobility and ever more digital and non-formal learning opportunities pose a validation challenge: a need to establish up-to-date methods for recognising competences.
Education key to prisoner health
New skills and training can help boost health inside and outside prison. A multi-disciplinary approach with education, health awareness training and disease prevention plays a key role in well-being of prisoners
The deepening gap in digital media literacy
In the era of misinformation, digital literacy skills are needed more than ever before. Most countries around the world have adopted media literacy education at various levels. However, despite the urgent need, many developing economies are lagging behind.
Fake News plagues India’s WhatsApp users
Due to rapid technology advancement in India, digital literacy has had too little time to develop. Now both the government and social media platforms have woken up to the massive problem of fake news.
