Unesco lauds Kenya’s efforts to provide digital skills
The DigiTruck mobile classroom that is used to train the youth on digital skills.
What you need to know:
- The DigiTruck initiative uses a converted shipping container as a mobile classroom that is solar-powered and complete with laptops and internet access to train citizens on digital skills.
- Technology is already playing a big role in transforming learning during the pandemic in Kenya.
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) has praised the government’s efforts to provide digital skills to citizens during the coronavirus pandemic.
Dr Fengchun Miao, Chief of Technology and Artificial Intelligence in Education at Unesco, hailed the Ministry of ICT’s commitment in developing digital skills during a global forum on ‘Driving Inclusive Education with Technology’.
Explaining how the cost barrier for inclusive education has held Africa back, Dr Miao highlighted the DigiTruck project that the ICT ministry has in partnership with Huawei in Kenya as an “innovative digital solution for people who cannot afford the cost of education”.
The DigiTruck uses a converted shipping container as a mobile classroom that is solar-powered and complete with laptops and internet access to train citizens on digital skills across the country. It helps citizens to improve their education and get online jobs.
Speaking at the Huawei Connect 2020 global conference, Cabinet Administrative Secretary in the Ministry of ICT, Innovation and Youth Affairs Nadia Abdalla shared the efforts Kenya is making to use technology, through Ajira Digital Initiative, for inclusive education.
“I would like to thank the partnership that we have with Huawei because they have provided us with the DigiTruck that is providing classes in our rural areas.
“With Covid-19, a lot of the learning is being done online, and having a mobile truck that provides different tools that young people can use to continue their education is vital,” she observed.
Technology is already playing a big role in transforming learning during the pandemic in Kenya. It creates the capacity to level the field of opportunity for every young person even as infrastructure challenges mount.
“Being connected is crucial in life and those without a reliable digital connection are disadvantaged. We are looking at expansion of broadband connectivity to enhance internet connectivity,” she said.
She added that they will facilitate lower charges and increase production of devices and accessories for learners and teachers.
