#Huawei #Brazil #UNESCO #Open Schools #Bahia, Pará

Brazil's Digital Education Transformation: Open Schools Initiative

In a groundbreaking initiative, the Brazilian Ministry of Education, in collaboration with UNESCO and Huawei, has launched the "Technology-enabled Open Schools for All" pilot projects in the states of Bahia and Pará. This project is a vital step towards digital transformation in education, focusing on providing equal access to technology and education for underserved regions.

The essence of the Open Schools initiative revolves around green digital education, emphasizing the integration of sustainable practices into the learning processes. The pilot projects aim to not only enhance connectivity and digital infrastructure but also cultivate an environment conducive to modern education techniques. The main factors included in this initiative are:

• - Connectivity Infrastructure: Establishing a solid foundation for schools to operate in a connected environment.
• - Solar Power Systems: Utilizing renewable energy sources to power the schools, thereby promoting sustainability.
• - Teacher Training in Educational Technology: Ensuring that educators are well-equipped to integrate technology into their teaching methods.
• - Digital Devices for Classrooms: Providing students access to the necessary digital tools to facilitate learning.
• - Digital Curricula: Developing engaging and relevant content suitable for today's learners.

Supported by the state education departments of Bahia and Pará, the project falls under Huawei's TECH4ALL digital inclusion initiative. A key highlight of the initiative is the establishment of two teacher training centers aimed at enhancing the skills of educators in Brazil’s North and Northeast regions. These centers, led by the Laboratory of Creativity and Innovation for Basic Education (LabCrie), are expected to be operational by the end of 2025.

"This initiative shows how connectivity, digital tools, and teacher training can enhance learning spaces. It's about integrating technology in a critical, creative, and sustainable way, preparing our schools, educators, and students for the challenges of today and tomorrow," stated Iuri Rubim, General Director of the Anísio Teixeira Institute.

The second phase of the Open Schools project aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 (UN SDG4) and strives to build resilient education systems that support national educational policies. The initiative emphasizes expanding equitable access to digital education, acting as a catalyst for the digital transformation of the education sector in Brazil.

Rafael Herdy, an educator and Technology Coordinator at Pará's State Department of Education, believes this initiative is crucial in paving the way for digitalization in Brazilian education. He stated, "It acts as a catalyst for preparing society for digital transformation, ensuring that the future is built with greater innovation and equity for all."

Teacher training will focus particularly on middle and high school educators, incorporating topics such as green digital education and artificial intelligence (AI). The training is delivered through the Ministry of Education's virtual learning platform AVAMEC, with an aim to benefit 1,000 teachers and students from public schools in the municipalities of Jequié and Breves.

Maria Rehder, UNESCO Project Officer in Brazil, emphasized the continued significance of teachers in the educational process, saying, "No screen will ever replace a teacher, but we believe in the enormous potential of technology in education to build more inclusive and sustainable futures." She explained that the project would also incorporate educator feedback to develop methodologies in green digital education and AI.

Additionally, the Blue Schools initiative aims to strengthen Brazil's public policies surrounding digital education. This includes creating a national guide focused on green digital education, connecting schools with improved national platforms and sustainable technological infrastructure, and enhancing teacher training in AI technologies.

Elise Machado, Government Affairs Coordinator at Huawei Brazil, underscored the company's commitment to democratizing access to technology, stating, "Open Schools reflects Huawei's commitment to building a more inclusive digital future. We believe that digital inclusion begins with education, and projects like this align innovation, sustainability, and human development, directly impacting communities in historically underserved areas."

The Open Schools initiative is not only specialized for Brazil. It has concurrent projects in Egypt and Thailand, marking a global effort to transform education through technology. The first phase of Open Schools ran from 2020 to 2024, successfully benefiting educators and students in countries like Egypt, Ethiopia, and Ghana. For instance, in Egypt, the initiative supported up to 950,000 K-12 educators through its National Distance Learning Centre, showcasing its vast potential for positive impact across various educational systems.

Through these initiatives, Brazil aims to set a precedent in digital education transformation, ensuring that all students have the tools necessary for success in an increasingly digital world.