School avatar for seriously ill children
Wiesbaden, January 25, 2021
Distance learning is currently an issue for the majority of school children. For some, however, this has less to do with the current situation and more to do with serious illnesses that tie them to the hospital for long periods of time.
The Förderverein für Tumor- und Leukämiekranke Kinder e. V. Mainz, founded more than 30 years ago by affected parents, nursing staff and doctors, has set itself the task of initiating and implementing aid projects for the ward and the affected families. Special attention is paid to the psycho-social support of the affected children and their relatives from the time of diagnosis until aftercare. A very special project could now also be implemented with the financial help of the SVA.
"We are very proud to have launched a new service a few weeks ago - the school avatar," says a delighted Kai Leimig from the association's board. This little robot acts as a kind of "stand-in" for children and young people at school who are unable to attend due to their illness. The robot "lends" the user its eyes and ears and is controlled by the child/adolescent via a tablet from the clinic or from home in a secure connection. A camera installed in the robot allows the user to look around the classroom and, of course, pay special attention to the blackboard and the teaching staff. Reporting is possible by means of a light signal and verbal messages arrive clearly and distinctly in the classroom.
Two of these avatars have recently been active in Hesse and Rhineland-Palatinate and the feedback from pupils, parents and teachers is equally positive and enthusiastic. "It is a wonderful opportunity for the sick pupils to take part in lessons and also not lose contact with the class," says Kai Leimig.
Of course, the association is happy about donations that make it possible to purchase more school avatars!
You can find more information about the association and the projects on the association's website:
Visit the association's website
An article about the school avatar on SWR Aktuell: