CloudHead, an organization dedicated to assisting at-risk communities in Argentina, was created by husband-and-wife team Leigh Schulman and Noah Edelblum in 2010. After selling all of their possessions and leaving their Brooklyn home behind, the couple spent a few years traveling the world, looking for a new place to settle down. After deciding to build a new life in Salta Province, Argentina, they started working with local NGOs. Many members of the community lacked access to resources and a good education system, so Schulman and Edelblum started CloudHead to help bridge this gap.
CloudHead works with local organizations and members of communities in Argentina to work together on developing technology and the skills they need to be successful. All of CloudHead’s projects focus on technology, art and education. Their long-term goal is to help students develop marketable job skills and become fluent in English.
Schulman and Edelblum collect donations such as cameras and computers, which they can use in classrooms. Students are able to use these tools to expand on their technological skills and become proficient in programs necessary for different fields. CloudHead also raises funds for local NGOs to prolong their work with Argentinian communities.
The organization bases their operations on the manifesto of finding a balance between making money, sharing with the community and fulfilling the self. They defined five key points to ensure success with their organization: there must be share and receive on both sides of the relationship; money is not the only currency; collaboration is key; find your balance; and don’t be afraid to challenge the status quo. These five mottos guide the members and volunteers of CloudHead while they work with other organizations.
CloudHead is founded on an extensive volunteer program, with volunteers joining the organization from all over the world. The volunteer program allows CloudHead to successfully host workshops, create art and media projects and teach English classes to students in Salta. CloudHead is currently working on a project to provide children in the Wichi Village with digital cameras and to educate them in art and design.
The CloudHead blog features information on different initiatives enacted by CloudHead and the stories that revolve around these initiatives. These include helping breast cancer patients, providing education to young girls and the seeing the impact of art on social justice.
– Julia Hettiger
Sources: Matador Network, CloudHead Ed Tech Review
Photo: Matador Network