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Kenya's DigiSchool Connectivity Project

The Kenya DigiSchool Connectivity project has reached a significant milestone with the successful completion of its second phase, which aims to facilitate online learning for deaf children across the nation. Collaboratively initiated by Huawei, UNESCO, and various government partners, the project now connects 21 schools, among which six cater to students with special educational needs.

The initiative is part of the Kenyan government's Digital Superhighway Agenda, a commitment to provide internet access to all schools in the country. The recent announcement was made on March 14 at the Machakos Primary School for the Deaf, marking a pivotal moment in enhancing learning environments for deaf children. Eng. John Tanui, the Secretary of State in the Ministry of Information Technology and Digital Economy, graced the event, emphasizing the importance of internet connectivity for educational advancement.

"We are here to ensure that the school is connected to the national fiber optic network, providing an enhanced learning experience for the children. Access to visual materials is vital for deaf students, which is why we have also included teleconferencing solutions in this initiative," Eng. Tanui stated. This collaborative effort underscores the critical role that public and private sector partnerships play in transforming the educational landscape in Kenya.

The installation of teleconferencing equipment also allows the Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE) to provide remote support for school administrators, teachers, and students in schools for the deaf. This evolving connectivity aims to improve educational frameworks, allowing teachers better access to online resources and expert consultations. Stephen Zhang, Deputy CEO of Huawei Kenya, remarked that such connectivity contributes to improved educational management efficiency, facilitating access to various educational materials online — be it videos, curricula, or expert connectivity.

During the launch, attendees witnessed firsthand the advantages of internet access in classrooms, where children engaged with online educational content. The pilot program under the DigiSchool initiative indicated positive outcomes: 98% of students reported that the internet met their educational needs, and 84% found learning more exciting with online resources. Furthermore, 71% stated that online materials simplified complex concepts, enhancing their understanding of the subjects.

UNESCO's Louise Haxthausen highlighted the organization’s commitment to supporting Kenya's efforts in providing quality education in line with Sustainable Development Goal 4. She affirmed that the organization is eager to continue collaborating with the Kenyan government, Huawei, and all stakeholders to ensure equitable access to quality education, reinforcing the aspirations laid out in Kenya's National Strategic Plan for Education.

The DigiSchool project is also part of Huawei's long-term TECH4ALL initiative, which aims to promote digital inclusion. Since the project’s inception, Huawei has been instrumental in the Digischool Connectivity effort by providing technical assessments, developing solutions, supplying equipment, and managing the project

The ongoing partnership has connected schools to the public fiber network, ensuring they benefit from high-quality Wi-Fi connections tailored for online learning and live broadcasts. As the DigiSchool project continues to roll out, it promises to change the lives of thousands of students in Kenya, particularly those with special educational needs, by significantly enhancing their educational experience through innovative technologies and inclusive practices.