#Ukraine #Digital Learning #Infosys #Street Child #Dnipropetrovsk

Infosys and Street Child Unite for Education in Ukraine

In a remarkable initiative to improve educational access for children affected by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Infosys has partnered with the international charity Street Child. This collaboration focuses on establishing seven Digital Learning Centers (DLCs) that are set to transform the learning experience for children in crisis-impacted areas. The effort comes as Ukraine's education system faces severe challenges due to the ongoing war, which has resulted in the destruction of schools and forced millions of children into remote learning scenarios.

Addressing Educational Disruption

Recent reports by Save the Children indicate that over 3,700 educational institutions in Ukraine have been disrupted, with 365 schools completely destroyed. These events have left approximately 1.9 million children—almost half the school-age population—dependent on remote learning solutions. Acknowledging these pressing issues, Infosys and Street Child combined their efforts in 2024 to initiate two essential projects aimed at enhancing educational opportunities.

The first project involved the establishment of physical centers where children can engage in online learning in a secure environment. The second encompassed a Digital Transformation program utilizing Infosys Springboard, a digital learning platform that tailors educational content for students and teachers alike. The original goal was to create and renovate five DLCs in Dnipropetrovsk, a region facing significant challenges due to its proximity to the conflict. Remarkably, the collaboration resulted in the establishment of seven centers within just one year.

Innovative Learning Spaces and Support

In a noteworthy highlight, one of the centers was renovated entirely by an all-female contractor team, showcasing resilience and adaptability in a challenging environment. Since their launch in September 2024, the seven DLCs have positively impacted over 1,000 children in their initial months of operation.

Each Digital Learning Center is equipped with cutting-edge resources including laptops, high-speed internet, multimedia projectors, and comprehensive educational materials. Furthermore, these centers are designed with security systems and accessibility features, ensuring that every child can fully participate in learning activities. In addition to traditional learning tools, designated spaces for Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) offer critical assistance to young learners, addressing their emotional and psychological needs.

Curriculum Focus and Digital Transformation

The Digital Transformation initiative emphasizes preserving Ukraine's cultural identity by providing educational courses in Ukrainian Language and Geography specifically designed for Grade 5 and 6 students. For teachers, specialized courses on Cybersecurity and Anti-Corruption are aligned with Ukraine's national educational platform, All Ukrainian Online. By implementing these courses, Infosys and Street Child aim to equip both students and teachers with the necessary skills and knowledge to recover and thrive amidst chaos.

Tom Dannatt, CEO and Co-Founder of Street Child, expressed the significance of digital education in the current climate: "At Street Child, we strive to create a world where every child is safe, in school, and learning. The reality for many children in Ukraine is dire, as they lack access to physical classrooms. Our focus on digital education is where we can make a substantial difference. We take pride in having collaborated with Infosys to support over 1,000 children despite the ongoing conflict."

Thirumala Arohi, Executive Vice President of Education, Training, and Assessment at Infosys, added, "Our collaboration directly targets the devastating aftermath of the conflict on Ukraine's educational landscape. Infosys leverages its technological expertise and commitment to social impact, contributing to a secure, technology-rich environment where effective online learning can flourish. Our holistic approach fosters educational resilience for Ukraine's future."

About the Collaborators

Street Child, founded in 2008, is an international children's charity dedicated to ensuring children are safe, in school, and learning, especially in resource-limited environments and emergencies. Partnering with local organizations, Street Child operates in over 25 countries worldwide, focusing on creating sustainable educational solutions.

Infosys, a global leader in digital services and consulting, has a rich legacy of aiding clients across more than 56 countries in their digital transformations. The company combines technological knowledge with an unwavering commitment to social responsibility, empowering communities and driving positive change.

In summary, the ambitious collaboration between Infosys and Street Child sets a precedent for harnessing digital innovation to tackle educational disparities, and it stands as a beacon of hope for displaced children in Ukraine.