Infinity paper - affordable, durable and reusable
Paper is a resource that every student needs. By providing a durable, reusable and affordable paper, students and teachers will never have to be without.
Written by Akeru Designs
Infinity paper - affordable, durable and reusable
Being limited by writing materials can also limit a student's progress. Running out of paper does not allow a student to move forward with today's class. By providing a paper that does not wear out, the student will have a writing surface consistently available.
Polystyrene sheet is a white, durable plastic that takes pencil well. It is soft to the touch, and can be manufactured in .4 mm (1/64") sheets, resembling paper. Pencils are cheaper than pens to use, and even when erasers are not available, soap and water will remove the pencil marks.
Holes punched through the sheets will allow local materials (string, etc) to be used to tie them together. In a slightly more expensive version, sheets are die cut to allow for standard coil binding to be used, and can be removed and reordered as appropriate.
Items which are to be kept permanently can be copied or written directly onto traditional paper, however the amount of paper required per student will be reduced dramatically.
Who would implement this?
- NGOs and Foundations
Cost
Styrene is a very inexpensive and recyclable material. One A4 size of HIPS material at .4 mm (1/64") costs less than $0.12. The manufacturing is basic, using inexpensive set up costs, and can be done at the closest manufacturer. Businesses and individuals can donate material to eliminate material costs. In exchange, companies can show the organizing NGOs logo on their website, along with photos of children using the materials in the community.Distribution & Delivery
An NGO can organize distribution of materials, potentially along side other programs such as surplus office supply distribution. Teachers can request materials from the NGO in writing or online if the internet is available.Adoption
There is no new behavior required, outside of using only pencils on these sheets. Teachers can explain to students that these sheets use pencils only, and items that are to be kept permanently can be written on traditional paper.Local Need. Enterprising Schools has identified key areas of need for Affordable Private Schools. What local learning need(s) does this concept address?
- English language learning (speaking, reading, writing)
- Math learning
Evaluation results
3 evaluations so far
1. What sort of potential do you think this concept has to be a sustainable business?
Very high potential - 50%
it's good but it needs a lot of work before going much further - 25%
it's got too many open questions right now to say either way - 25%
2. How well do you feel it meets the local needs enterprising schools has identified? (English language, Math, Libraries, Technology, Professional Development)
It fulfills really well on the need its chosen to serve - 50%
It will help, but other solutions might serve the needs better - 0%
It doesn’t really address any of the needs that Enterprising Schools identified. - 50%
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