Let's build together a world where all knowledge is
accessible to everyone
Get in touch
accessible to everyone
Open Knowledge and the Association for the Advancement of Social Sciences in Guatemala (AVANCSO) are collaborating on an open learning initiative to answer that one specific, challenging question about AI.
The problem
Younger researchers and students don’t know how to use physical archives and tend to only seek information only online or via AI. Ahead of its relaunch, AVANCSO wants to start digitising its archives, but doesn’t know how to begin.
The opportunity
To digitise and preserve unique, at-risk physical archives from the Global South – holding locally and globally relevant knowledge, including patterns that recur in armed conflicts worldwide – and make them discoverable online and through AI that bridges the gap for modern researchers and students.
Follow the Lab's events and latest updates:
Introducing OKFN's AI Learning Labs: Launch Interview
Announcement of Strategic Funding to Enhance Multilingual, Sector-specific AI Literacy and Develop Trustworthy AI for Open Data
The materials published below are available for any organisation or group to reuse and adapt freely. The repository will continue to grow as new outputs are produced.
(coming soon)
This is a collaborative initiative grounded in real-world challenges, taking place in 2026 in partnership with:
AVANCSO is a social sciences research centre that began its activities in January 1986, following the political opening that led to the establishment of an elected civilian government in Guatemala. Avancso's mission is to conduct social science research that benefits the grassroots sectors of society, prioritising fieldwork and sustained engagement with organisations representing these sectors, including both social organisations and those responsible for shaping public policy.
 |
Open Knowledge’s AI Learning Labs is an initiative that aims to experiment with AI, translate knowledge from social sector organisations around the world, and produce public, multilingual AI-literacy resources tailored for organisations addressing similar issues elsewhere.
Together, we will catalyse learning and develop replicable methods to help organisations build AI skills, use AI responsibly, and develop their own AI projects. All resources will be openly available at School of Data.
Join the discussion on the Open Knowledge Forum
Join the School of Data community
This project has been made possible thanks to the generous support of the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation (PJMF). We are grateful for our ongoing partnership in promoting digital literacy and investing in AI for the public good.
Learn more about its funding programmes here.
Don't miss a thing
Stay on top of what's happening in the #OpenMovement around the world. (We will never spam you!)