Brazil's Ministry of Education, UNESCO, and Huawei Join Forces for Digital Transformation in Schools

Transforming Education in Brazil Through Technology

In a significant step towards modernizing education in Brazil, the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with UNESCO and Huawei, has launched an ambitious pilot project called "Tech-Enabled Open Schools for All" in Bahia and Pará. This initiative aims to embrace green digital education and reach underserved areas, thereby providing schools with essential resources.

The project focuses on enhancing educational infrastructure with connectivity solutions, solar power installations, teacher training in educational technology, digital devices for classrooms, and comprehensive digital curricula. Supported by the state educational ministries of Bahia and Pará, this program is part of Huawei's TECH4ALL initiative, which strives for social inclusion through technology.

To further bolster this transformation, two teacher training centers will be established in the northern regions of Brazil over the next few years. Leading these centers is the Laboratory for Creativity and Innovation in Basic Education (LabCrie), with plans for completion by the end of 2025. "This initiative demonstrates how connectivity and digital tools can improve learning environments. It goes beyond merely utilizing technology; it emphasizes the importance of critical, creative, and sustainable use to prepare our schools, educators, and students for future challenges," stated Iuri Rubim, General Director of the Anísio Teixeira Institute from Bahia's Education Ministry.

The Open Schools project aligns with the UN's Sustainable Development Goal 4, focusing on building resilient education systems that support national education policy, reinforce the digital transformation of the education sector, and expand equitable access to digital education. Rafael Herdy, an educational expert and technology coordinator in Pará's Education Ministry, says, "We believe this initiative is key to driving the digitalization of education in Brazil, acting as a catalyst for preparing society for digital transformation while ensuring a future filled with innovation and equity."

The training initiative will focus on equipping middle and high school teachers with knowledge around green digital education and artificial intelligence. Conducted via the Education Ministry's virtual learning platform, AVAMEC, the program aims to benefit approximately 1,000 teachers and students at public schools in Jequié and Breves. Maria Rehder, UNESCO Project Officer in Brazil, commented, "We recognize that no screen can ever replace a teacher, but we see technology's immense potential in education to create a more inclusive and sustainable future. This initiative marks a step forward in integrating technology in education. We will develop methods for green digital education and AI based on dialogue with educators.”

Furthermore, the project aims to strengthen Brazil’s public policies for digital education. This includes developing a national guide for green digital education, enhancing national platforms, linking schools, building sustainable technological infrastructures, and training teachers in artificial intelligence. According to Elise Machado, Government Affairs Coordinator at Huawei Brazil, "Open Schools reflects Huawei's commitment to democratizing access to technology and creating a more inclusive digital future. We believe that digital integration begins with education. Initiatives like this align innovation, sustainability, and human development while directly impacting communities in historically underserved regions."

Beyond Brazil, similar projects under the second phase of Open Schools are currently underway in Egypt and Thailand. Phase I was conducted from 2020 to 2024 in Egypt, Ethiopia, and Ghana. In Egypt, Open Schools supported approximately 950,000 K-12 teachers through the National Center for Distance Learning. In Ethiopia, it benefited 12,000 students and 250 teachers across 24 secondary schools, enhancing nationwide access to educational platforms. In Ghana, the project reached 1,000 teachers and 3,000 students, strengthening national educational platforms.

Through these collaborative efforts, Brazil, along with its international partners, is set to revolutionize educational access and quality, utilizing technology as a pivotal force in shaping the learning experiences of future generations.