Chairs Notes - June 2010

"Clearly the people here are part of the digitally connected, engaged. How do you reach those who don`t have PCs and broadband?"

And with no irony the answer was "We go to schools."

When half the world's children would love to go to school, want nothing more than to learn.... have we created ghettos of the disefranchised? If you want to get in touch with the struggling, the economically non-viable, the digitally dumb - then apparently you go to a school.

Does Coca-Cola target schools when it wants to reach youth - nah it sponsors football. Does Sony Pictures promote its movies in schools - no it makes virals for its real audience. The real world is the digital world.

Secondary schools are full of bored and frustrated talent turning to violence, drugs and sleep-walking into obesity and STIs. It's time we shut them down and took an open look at our communities. Let's have young people on the streets everyday so we can see what we've done to them and face the consequences sooner rather than later.

When India has more First Class graduates than we have total graduates it is vital for us to address the lack of engagement with learning and creativity.

Last night's MUD was a showcase of brilliance, innovation and hard work. People who have a belief, have kept on going and know what they value in life. If you have that the digital economy can keep you in any lifestyle you become accustomed to.

Let's make sure our new generations can recover from their schooling asap.