By Modupe Gbadeyanka
About one million African children have had access to digital education courtesy of the partnership between Airtel Africa Plc and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
In 2021, the two organisations joined forces to equip learners with quality digital education resources across 13 African countries.
Since the five-year collaboration, no fewer than 1,500 schools have been connected to the Internet, with about 17,000 teachers trained to upgrade their skills.
The telecommunications company promised to provide about $57 million to support the development of education and bridge the digital divide for vulnerable children in remote communities in collaboration with African governments.
“Our mission is to transform lives, and through our collaboration with UNICEF, we are witnessing the profound impact that connectivity and digital resources can have on Africa’s children and teachers.
“For every school we have connected and for each teacher trained on using these digital tools, we are taking tangible steps toward realizing our commitment to bridging the digital divide, advancing educational equality and restating our commitment to the relentless pursuit of a better future for African children on the continent,” the chief executive of Airtel Africa, Mr Sunil Taldar, said on the success of the partnership while marking this year’s World’s Children’s Day.
“By equipping these schools with internet connectivity and training teachers on how to use the digital tools, Airtel Africa and UNICEF are providing Africa’s children, particularly those in underserved and remote regions, with the digital tools and skills they need to thrive in a technology-driven world.
“This is why we are celebrating with the children on this special occasion of World Children’s Day specially dedicated to them and all the effort aimed at securing and improving their future,” Mr Taldar added.
The partnership has expanded digital learning to learners in 13 countries since its launch. The countries include Chad, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia.