In your own view, what challenges does your project address?
Armenia, like many post-communist European nations, suffers from the effects of corruption. This takes many forms, but includes everything from petty bribery to corruption in state procurements and the education system. The power of our project is that we are harnessing the creative digital skills of our students, to create a 3D game targeted directly at the students' own peers - thus allowing us to connect with young people on a level that is understandable for them. In addition, we are giving our students a real world opportunity to work on a project that has an international audience.
In how far do culture and creativity contribute to your project’s innovative and inclusive character?
At TUMO we seek to provide free of charge education in the latest digital creative skills to young people who might not have otherwise had the chance to learn them. The effect of this on mindset is incredible. Specifically our project aims to address the 'culture' of corruption that is entrenched in many countries in the world, through the use of a game. The power of this project is that it has enabled our students to create (3D modelling, graphics, concept art, game design, programming) around a topic that has a real relevance for them.
Please describe the transformative potentials of your project and explain its innovative character.
Many young people spend a large amount of time using their phones to play games. We are able to harness their attention and make a long term impact by tieing up educational content with a real, 3D, commercial standard game that has the power to really make young people think. What is more, the game itself is produced by students at our centre, meaning that the ideas come directly from the target audience of the game itself.
TUMO is nominated for this year’s NICE Award. See the complete shortlist here.