New Digital Education Initiatives Launch in Brazil's Bahia and Pará by Education Ministry, UNESCO, and Huawei
In a groundbreaking initiative, the Ministry of Education of Brazil, in collaboration with UNESCO and Huawei, has launched "Technology-enabled Open Schools for All" pilot projects in the Brazilian states of Bahia and Pará. The aim of this initiative is to transform the educational landscape through the integration of digital technology, especially in underserved areas.
These projects are not just about adding technology to classrooms; they focus on creating an inclusive framework that promotes digital education sustainably. The government, UNESCO, and Huawei have committed to ensuring that these initiatives reach students and teachers who traditionally lack access to modern educational resources.
Key components of the pilot projects include the deployment of digital devices for classrooms, establishment of solar energy systems to ensure sustainable power supply, and the implementation of comprehensive teacher training programs in educational technology. In support of these efforts, the Education Secretariats of both Bahia and Pará will work closely with Huawei’s TECH4ALL initiative, which emphasizes digital inclusion. Additionally, two teacher training centers are expected to be established in northern and northeastern Brazil, guided by the Creativity and Innovation Laboratory for Basic Education (LabCrie). These centers aim to be operational by the end of 2025.
Iuri Rubim, the general director of the Anísio Teixeira Institute associated with the Bahia State Education Secretariat, emphasized the transformative potential of this initiative. He stated, "This initiative demonstrates how connectivity, digital tools, and teacher training can enrich learning environments. It’s not just about using technology; it’s about integrating it critically, creatively, and sustainably. This will prepare our schools, educators, and students for current and future challenges."
Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4, which advocates for inclusive and equitable quality education, the Open Schools project is now in its second phase. It aims to bolster Brazil's educational policies while supporting the sector's digitization and expanding equitable access to digital education.
Rafael Herdy, an educator and technology coordinator at the Pará State Education Secretariat, believes this project is critical for driving the digital evolution within Brazil's educational system. He described the initiative as a catalyst for preparing society for digital transformation, ensuring a future filled with greater innovation and equity.
Teacher training will focus mainly on secondary and pre-university education, incorporating sustainable digital education and artificial intelligence. Conducted through the Ministry of Education's virtual learning platform, AVAMEC, this initiative aims to benefit 1,000 teachers and students from public schools in Jequié and Breves, providing substantial educational enhancements.
Maria Rehder from UNESCO highlighted the unique role teachers play, noting, "No screen can ever replace a teacher. However, we believe there's enormous potential in technology for education, which can help build more inclusive and sustainable futures." The initiative will focus on developing methodologies for sustainable digital education and artificial intelligence, working closely with educators to meet real classroom needs.
Moreover, the project intends to strengthen Brazil's public education policies concerning digital learning. This includes the formulation of a national guide on green digital education, advocating for enhanced national platforms, improved connectivity for schools, sustainable technology infrastructure, and AI training for educators.
Elise Machado, Huawei Brazil's Coordinator of Government Affairs, expressed the company's commitment to democratizing tech access through education. She stated, "Open Schools reflect Huawei's dedication to ensuring everyone has access to technology, helping to shape an inclusive digital future. Projects like this align innovation, sustainability, and human development, significantly impacting historically marginalized communities."
This second phase of the Open Schools project extends beyond Brazil, with similar initiatives running in Egypt and Thailand. The first phase spanned from 2020 to 2024, aided educators in Egypt, Ethiopia, and Ghana. The Open Schools project in Egypt supported around 950,000 primary and secondary educators and enhanced educational access for students in Ethiopia and Ghana.
Through groundbreaking projects like these, the collaborative efforts of Brazil's Education Ministry, UNESCO, and Huawei aim to redefine education through technology, paving the way for a more digitally inclusive and equitable future for all.
These projects are not just about adding technology to classrooms; they focus on creating an inclusive framework that promotes digital education sustainably. The government, UNESCO, and Huawei have committed to ensuring that these initiatives reach students and teachers who traditionally lack access to modern educational resources.
Key components of the pilot projects include the deployment of digital devices for classrooms, establishment of solar energy systems to ensure sustainable power supply, and the implementation of comprehensive teacher training programs in educational technology. In support of these efforts, the Education Secretariats of both Bahia and Pará will work closely with Huawei’s TECH4ALL initiative, which emphasizes digital inclusion. Additionally, two teacher training centers are expected to be established in northern and northeastern Brazil, guided by the Creativity and Innovation Laboratory for Basic Education (LabCrie). These centers aim to be operational by the end of 2025.
Iuri Rubim, the general director of the Anísio Teixeira Institute associated with the Bahia State Education Secretariat, emphasized the transformative potential of this initiative. He stated, "This initiative demonstrates how connectivity, digital tools, and teacher training can enrich learning environments. It’s not just about using technology; it’s about integrating it critically, creatively, and sustainably. This will prepare our schools, educators, and students for current and future challenges."
Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4, which advocates for inclusive and equitable quality education, the Open Schools project is now in its second phase. It aims to bolster Brazil's educational policies while supporting the sector's digitization and expanding equitable access to digital education.
Rafael Herdy, an educator and technology coordinator at the Pará State Education Secretariat, believes this project is critical for driving the digital evolution within Brazil's educational system. He described the initiative as a catalyst for preparing society for digital transformation, ensuring a future filled with greater innovation and equity.
Teacher training will focus mainly on secondary and pre-university education, incorporating sustainable digital education and artificial intelligence. Conducted through the Ministry of Education's virtual learning platform, AVAMEC, this initiative aims to benefit 1,000 teachers and students from public schools in Jequié and Breves, providing substantial educational enhancements.
Maria Rehder from UNESCO highlighted the unique role teachers play, noting, "No screen can ever replace a teacher. However, we believe there's enormous potential in technology for education, which can help build more inclusive and sustainable futures." The initiative will focus on developing methodologies for sustainable digital education and artificial intelligence, working closely with educators to meet real classroom needs.
Moreover, the project intends to strengthen Brazil's public education policies concerning digital learning. This includes the formulation of a national guide on green digital education, advocating for enhanced national platforms, improved connectivity for schools, sustainable technology infrastructure, and AI training for educators.
Elise Machado, Huawei Brazil's Coordinator of Government Affairs, expressed the company's commitment to democratizing tech access through education. She stated, "Open Schools reflect Huawei's dedication to ensuring everyone has access to technology, helping to shape an inclusive digital future. Projects like this align innovation, sustainability, and human development, significantly impacting historically marginalized communities."
This second phase of the Open Schools project extends beyond Brazil, with similar initiatives running in Egypt and Thailand. The first phase spanned from 2020 to 2024, aided educators in Egypt, Ethiopia, and Ghana. The Open Schools project in Egypt supported around 950,000 primary and secondary educators and enhanced educational access for students in Ethiopia and Ghana.
Through groundbreaking projects like these, the collaborative efforts of Brazil's Education Ministry, UNESCO, and Huawei aim to redefine education through technology, paving the way for a more digitally inclusive and equitable future for all.
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