In the bustling and often chaotic classrooms of a low-income community, Chloe Heng observed a stark reality: disadvantaged children were struggling to keep up with their peers due to limited classroom time and the lack of parental support. These experiences led Heng to the realization that a transformative solution was needed. Driven by a desire to make a difference, she founded Off Paper, an organization dedicated to providing equitable, high-quality education through a proprietary digital learning companion.

Origins and Mission

Chloe Heng, the founder of Off Paper, was inspired by her time as a teacher in a low-income area. She witnessed firsthand the educational struggles of children from disadvantaged backgrounds, who often fell behind due to insufficient classroom time and lack of support at home. Heng explains, “Before establishing Off Paper, I was teaching in a low-income community. Children from significantly more disadvantaged backgrounds very obviously struggled in school. Witnessing these circumstances on a daily basis became disheartening. I knew I had to try to do something to help these children, and Off Paper was born out of that desire.”

With the vision of creating a world where education transcends geographical and financial barriers, Heng set out to design a program that could leverage technology to support these children. Off Paper’s mission is to provide equitable access to high-quality education, ensuring that learning is engaging and effective, even in the most underserved communities.

Global Reach and Impact

Since its inception, Off Paper has expanded its reach to support over 500 children in the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, and Indonesia, with plans to launch in Singapore soon. The organization works closely with local schools and non-profits to bring its proprietary app to communities, particularly those in at-risk areas and impoverished slums.

Heng remarks, “We support 500+ children globally through local schools and organizations. The children we serve come from disadvantaged backgrounds, making them most susceptible to learning poverty. Our programs are about empowering communities holistically and ensuring that we are helping meet their needs so they can focus on their education.”

Off Paper’s innovative approach focuses on enhancing English literacy for vulnerable children through the use of technology and community-building. The impact of their programs is evident, with significant improvements in children’s literacy skills and a newfound excitement for learning.

The Proprietary Literacy App

Central to Off Paper’s success is its proprietary literacy application, designed to serve as both a teaching and learning companion. This app delivers a comprehensive K-3 literacy curriculum through a variety of engaging resources, including books, video lessons, games, and activities.

Key features of the app include:

• Progressive Learning: Resources structured progressively to build a strong foundation in literacy skills while gradually introducing more advanced topics.
• Interactive Engagement: Lessons that include interactive games and quizzes to enhance engagement and retention.
• Inclusivity: Content that accommodates diverse cultures, learning styles, and abilities, ensuring all students can benefit.
• Offline Functionality: The app operates offline, making it accessible in rural areas without internet access.
• Personalized Learning: Lessons and activities tailored to different learning styles and abilities, allowing for a customized learning experience.
• Efficient Resource Distribution: The app allows for the rapid distribution of updated resources via Bluetooth or thumb drives, ensuring children always have access to the latest educational materials.

“The app provides quizzes that deliver real-time feedback. This enables children to work on their skills at their own pace while receiving positive reinforcement, which motivates them to not only continue to learn but also be excited about it,” says Heng. This feature is instrumental in boosting students’ confidence and self-esteem, transforming their learning experience.

Buddy Program and Global Citizenship

One of Off Paper’s recent initiatives is the Buddy Program, which connects students from different countries as digital buddies. This program fosters cultural exchanges and collaborative projects, promoting global citizenship and empathy. The Waldo International School in Jersey City, NJ, is a key partner in this initiative.

The Buddy Program includes activities such as:

• Penpal Exchanges: Students communicate with their buddies through letters, emails, and video calls, sharing experiences and building lasting friendships.
• Cultural and Language Exchange: Participants share traditional recipes, music, and stories from their cultures, and teach each other basic phrases in their native languages.
• Virtual Collaborations: Scheduled video calls and virtual meetups allow students to interact in real-time, deepening their understanding of each other’s backgrounds.

Heng explains, “By breaking down geographical barriers, the Global Digital Buddy Program aims to create a more interconnected and empathetic world, empowering the next generation to become global citizens and leaders.”

Future Plans

Looking ahead, Off Paper plans to expand its programs and locations, enhance its technology, and deepen its impact in underserved communities by 2025. The organization aims to continuously improve the children’s learning experiences through regular upgrades to their proprietary technology and by launching new initiatives such as the Buddy Program in additional locations.

Heng is optimistic about the future, stating, “We have new programs and new locations coming that aim to continuously enhance the children’s experiences. Our Buddy Program is launching in new locations with additional schools, and our proprietary technology will have regular upgrades. In 2025, Off Paper will further expand our reach, delving deeper into new locations and educational modalities where children truly need assistance.”

Off Paper is revolutionizing education for disadvantaged children through its innovative use of technology and community-focused programs. By providing equitable access to high-quality education, Off Paper is not only improving literacy rates but also instilling a love for learning and a sense of global citizenship among children in some of the world’s most vulnerable communities. Chloe Heng’s vision and dedication serve as a testament to the power of proactive measures in bridging educational gaps and transforming lives.

Published by: Nelly Chavez