Education's Missing Pieces: Uruguay's Youth and the Power of Data Stories

Uruguay faces a significant issue with its youth. Almost half of young adults in the country have not finished their compulsory education. This is a big problem. Yet, there is a unique way to tackle this issue. It involves combining numbers and stories. This approach is called data visualization. It uses charts, graphs, and other visuals to present information. But this is not just any data visualization. It is guided by two important ideas: data feminism and data humanism. These ideas focus on making data more inclusive and relatable. The project in question is called "Paths in Education. " It is an interactive website. The site uses a technique known as scrollytelling. This means users scroll through the page, and the story unfolds. The story is about secondary education in Uruguay. It combines hard data with personal stories. This makes the information more engaging and easier to understand. The data comes from various sources. It includes surveys and interviews with students, teachers, and parents. The project's creators drew inspiration from critical visualization theories. These theories emphasize the importance of presenting data in a way that is both accurate and accessible. The team collected and analyzed data using a mix of methods. They used quantitative analysis for the numbers. This involves statistical methods to find patterns and trends. They also conducted qualitative interviews. This means they gathered personal stories and experiences. These stories add depth and context to the data. The design process was careful and thoughtful. The creators wanted to make sure the data was presented in a way that was both informative and engaging. They also wanted to ensure the stories were heard. This is where data feminism and humanism come in. These ideas emphasize the importance of including diverse voices and experiences in data visualization. The project is a great example of how this can be done. There are many lessons to be learned from this project. One is the power of combining data and stories. Another is the importance of making data inclusive and relatable. This project shows that data visualization can be a powerful tool. It can help us understand complex issues. It can also help us find solutions. In the case of Uruguay, it can help address the issue of youth not completing their education. It is a reminder that data is not just about numbers. It is about people and their stories.