LumenEd: A Startup Connecting Classrooms Around the World Even Where There is No Internet

US-based LumenEd is a startup that is trying to connect classrooms around the world through a Video Pen-Pal program using a multimedia device – Bright Orange Box (BoB) that works everywhere, even in environments without electricity or Internet. The Video Pen Pal Program pairs classrooms from different geographic, social and economic contexts to engage in weekly videos conversations.

The BoB, a battery-powered smart projector, allows classrooms in the US to interact with classrooms in India while bringing digital learning content to under-resourced classrooms in India. By pairing a bright projector and loud stereo speakers, the box allows teachers to present videos, music, and powerpoints to their whole classroom.

LumenEd was founded in 2013 by five students – Thomas Kreek, Prakash Paudel, Henry Harboe, Saksham Khosla, and Shiva Mandala, at Oberlin College who wanted to use technology to make a difference in education. It is working towards overcoming infrastructural barriers to quality education in the developing world. The startup aims to empower students, teachers and schools across the world by providing them access to digital educational resources and a platform to share their stories.

When asked why LumenEd is revolutionary, Prakash Paudel, CEO of LumenEd, said “In an increasingly interconnected world, global perspectives are becoming sorely missing from American classrooms. Far too few American students are having the deep cross-cultural experiences necessary to become compassionate, globally competent citizens.”