The second edition of the RISE (Re-Imagining School Education) festival, organized by Alliance Française de Delhi in collaboration with One Teacher One Scientist, was held on the 8th and 9th of November 2024. Curated by renowned educationist Vaishali Gupta, the festival aimed to align school education with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This year’s event focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Education, with particular attention to cybersecurity, inclusivity, and gender sensitivity.
Inauguration and Keynote Addresses
RISE 2024 was inaugurated on 8th November by a distinguished panel, including Shombi Sharp, UN Resident Coordinator in India, Dr. Thierry Mathou, French Ambassador to India, and Meenakshi Lekhi, former Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture of India. The event was attended by various dignitaries and featured a prestigious lineup of speakers, including cybersecurity expert Rakshit Tandon.
The festival’s partners included major organizations like Airbus, École Intuit Lab, Amway, INTACH, the Innovation Cell of IIT Delhi, and Microsoft, who all contributed to the diverse programming.
Key Sessions and Discussions
RISE 2024 featured engaging talks and panel discussions on the transformative role of AI in education and the integration of SDG themes. Highlights included:
- “Careers, Ethics, and Plagiarism in an AI World” by Vanita Vasudeva, Program Consultant at FITT-IIT Delhi.
- A panel discussion on bridging the digital divide in education, moderated by Vaishali Gupta.
- A talk on cyber safety and security in social media by Rakshit Tandon.
Sessions also covered topics such as nutrition for health and well-being by Amway, and a panel on inclusivity and child safety in schools, moderated by Dr. Mala Bhandari.
Workshops for Students, Teachers, and Young Adults
RISE 2024 offered experiential learning workshops for children, teachers, and young adults:
- For Children: Activities included photography walks, storytelling, robotics, AR/VR exhibitions, coding, and 3D printing. They also participated in competitions like the Inter-School SDG Treasure Hunt, Poster Making, and the “NGO’s Got Talent” talent show.
- For Teachers: Workshops focused on AI in global education, 21st-century pedagogies, and classroom strategies.
- For Young Adults: Topics explored included wellness, safety, gender equality, and inclusivity to foster global citizenship.
Additionally, workshops on technology and design were held, including sessions on Indian heritage preservation by INTACH, AI in design by École Intuit Lab, and drone technology by Airbus.
Cultural and Music Highlights
Music played a vibrant role in the festival, with performances by French pianist Kim Barbier on 7th November, AFD students on 8th November, and the Kimya Ensemble on 9th November, adding a cultural touch to the proceedings.
Airbus and Alliance Française Partnership
A key highlight of RISE 2024 was the partnership between Airbus and Alliance Française de Delhi. Airbus hosted a hands-on workshop on AI and new technologies on 9th November, where participants had the opportunity to experience drone flight simulations, led by Mukesh Agarwal, Head of Drone Training at Airbus. This collaboration exemplified the convergence of technology and art, reinforcing the commitment to innovation aligned with the SDGs.
Conclusion
RISE 2024 provided a dynamic platform for learning, collaboration, and innovation. With a mix of expert-led discussions, workshops, and cultural activities, the festival offered valuable insights into the role of AI in education and global citizenship. Participants received certificates for professional development, and prizes were awarded for competitions, including the SDG Treasure Hunt, Poster Making, NGO’s Got Talent, and the Model United Nations (MUN) in French.
