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Digital Transformation in Brazilian Education

In an ambitious initiative to transform education in Brazil, the country's Ministry of Education, in collaboration with UNESCO and Huawei, has officially launched the pilot project "Open Schools for All with Technological Support" in Bahia and Pará. This groundbreaking project focuses on promoting eco-friendly digital education and involves schools in underprivileged regions of these states.

Project Overview

The objectives of this initiative are to provide schools with vital resources that include connectivity infrastructure, solar energy systems, training for teachers on educational technologies, classroom digital devices, and comprehensive digital curricula. This initiative aims to not only equip schools with technology but also enhance the educational environment significantly.

As part of this comprehensive program, Huawei will support the establishment of two teacher training centers covering northern and northeastern Brazil. These centers will fall under the Huawei TECH4ALL initiative and will be completed by the end of 2025, aided by the Laboratory of Creativity and Innovation for Basic Education (LabCrie). The aim is to ensure teachers are well-prepared to integrate technology creatively and sustainably within their teaching methods.

Empowering Educators

Iuri Rubim, the General Director of the Anísio Teixeira Institute under the State Ministry of Education in Bahia, stated, "This initiative demonstrates how connectivity, digital tools, and teacher training can enhance the educational landscape. It’s not just about using technology; it’s about integrating it into teaching critically, creatively, and sustainably. We are preparing schools, educators, and students for present and future challenges."

The Open Schools project, now in its second phase, aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 4, aiming to establish resilient educational systems that support national educational policies while facilitating digital transformation within the educational sector.

Rafael Herdy, the educational and technological coordinator for the State Ministry of Education in Pará, expressed optimism about the initiative, stating, "We believe this will significantly accelerate the digitization of education in Brazil. It acts as a catalyst for preparing society for digital transformation and ensures we build our future on broader innovation and greater equality for all citizens."

The teacher training program will focus on upskilling secondary and higher education teachers regarding eco-friendly digital education and artificial intelligence. This educational program, delivered through the Ministry of Education's virtual learning platform, AVAMEC, aims to support 1,000 teachers and students from public schools in Jequié and Breves.

The Importance of Inclusion

Maria Rehder, the project manager for UNESCO in Brazil, commented on the unique role of human teachers, stating, "UNESCO recognizes that no screen can ever replace a live teacher. However, we believe in the enormous potential of technology in education to shape a more inclusive and sustainable future." She affirmed that this initiative marks significant progress towards the integration of technology in education, envisioning methodologies in eco-friendly digital education and artificial intelligence developed through dialogue with educators.

Another critical aspect of the Open Schools project is to strengthen Brazilian public policy around digital education. This includes creating a national handbook for eco-friendly digital education, improving national platforms, connecting schools, building sustainable technological infrastructure, and training teachers on artificial intelligence.

"The Open Schools project reflects Huawei's commitment to democratizing access to technology and building a more inclusive digital future," said Elise Machado, Huawei Brazil’s Government Affairs Coordinator. "We believe digital inclusion starts with education. Projects like this combine innovation, sustainability, and human development, directly benefiting communities in historically neglected regions."

Besides Brazil, the second phase of the Open Schools project is also being implemented in Egypt and Thailand. The first phase, which took place between 2020 and 2024, had significant success in Egypt, Ethiopia, and Ghana. In Egypt alone, it supported 950,000 K-12 teachers through the National Center for Distance Education. In Ethiopia, 12,000 students and 250 teachers from 24 secondary schools gained better access to educational platforms. Meanwhile, Ghana engaged 1,000 teachers and 3,000 students, enhancing the national educational platforms.

This transformative approach in Brazil not only aims to elevate educational access but strives to ensure that all students, regardless of their background, receive the high-quality education they deserve in a rapidly digitalizing world.