Huawei and Moroccan Government's DigiSchool Project
In December 2024, Huawei proudly announced the successful conclusion of the DigiSchool 2024 initiative in Morocco, a project that seeks to democratize access to digital technology among students nationwide. This program is pivotal in enhancing digital learning and was designed to align with Morocco's 2022-2026 education reform strategy.
Overview of DigiSchool 2024
Launched in early 2024, the DigiSchool program was a creative public-private partnership between Huawei and the Moroccan Ministry of National Education, aimed at fostering a digitally-inclusive educational environment. David Li, the Managing Director of Huawei Morocco, emphasized the initiative's vital role in boosting a resilient digital ecosystem, remarking, "DigiSchool underscores the significance of nurturing digital skills and solidifying public-private partnerships as a mechanism for educational growth."
The DigiSchool project focuses on equipping students and teachers with essential skills in various cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), and app development. The initiative has enabled participants to gain hands-on experience through programming activities and engaging tech puzzles that enhance creativity and problem-solving skills.
Four Phases of Implementation
The DigiSchool initiative followed a structured format comprising four comprehensive phases.
- - Phase One: This initial stage trained 265 secondary school teachers in information and communication technology (ICT) skills across the country's 12 regions. This foundation laid the groundwork for enhancing educators' capacity to teach digital technologies effectively.
- - Phase Two: During this phase, the trained teachers received ongoing support, enabling them to apply their skills in classrooms, benefitting approximately 2,650 students.
- - Phase Three: From May to November, a series of 12 regional hackathons were held across Morocco. Here, 714 students developed their ICT solutions to tackle designated challenges, fostering collaboration and creativity.
- - Phase Four: The final phase, which occurred in December, involved technology bootcamps located in key cities such as Fez, Marrakech, and Agadir. These bootcamps allowed 180 students and 60 teachers to further refine their ICT skills. Each team received personalized guidance to enhance their hackathon projects and have the opportunity to showcase their solutions to a panel of judges, with exceptional submissions being awarded prizes.
Celebrating Success
The conclusion of the DigiSchool 2024 project was marked by an evaluation tour in Agadir, witnessed by prominent figures including Mohamed Saad Berrada, the Minister of National Education, as well as various regional education officials and Chen Xiaolei, Huawei's Vice President in Morocco. Students showcased their newfound skills, presenting the solutions they had crafted throughout the program.
The achievements of the DigiSchool 2024 initiative are a testament to Morocco's unwavering commitment to advancing digitalization and equity in education. This program stands as a model for leveraging technology as a vehicle for societal progress—a commitment shared by Huawei.
In addition to DigiSchool in Morocco, Huawei runs similar projects under its TECH4ALL framework, partnering with organizations like UNESCO to implement initiatives in countries including Kenya, Senegal, South Africa, Chile, and China. These extensive efforts are aimed at connecting remote schools to the internet and enhancing the digital competencies of both students and educators.
About Huawei's TECH4ALL
TECH4ALL represents Huawei's long-term strategy to promote digital inclusion and sustainability by harnessing innovative technologies and collaborations. For further details, interested individuals can explore the TECH4ALL initiative on the Huawei official website.
In closing, the DigiSchool project is not just about education; it encapsulates a belief in the transformative power of technology and its ability to foster equitable opportunities for future generations in Morocco and beyond.