Digital Solution for Education in Africa

Burundi Project implemented in this area The project carried out by Burundi’s Coalition Pour l’Education Pour Tous (BAFASHEBIGE) promoted the use of sustainable digital solutions in schools across the coun- try. The coalition conducted research on digital basic edu- cation in Burundi to explore potentials of different digital outlets (e.g. TV or radio) for distance learning. Based on the findings, the CSO organised trainings and awareness-rais- ing events for key actors in the education sector, such as for parents’ associations, teachers, administrative and educa- tional authorities, ministerial officials, and media representa- tives in cooperation with the national government. To bring the topic of digital basic education directly into schools, 15 pilot schools received IT equipment and teacher training. An “awareness caravan” was organised with an inter-school poetry slam and a drawing competition on the topic of digital basic education. TV, radio, and beyond: promoting inclusive digital basic education In an increasingly digital world, teachers need to be familiar with the opportunities of digital methods for teaching and learning, and they must also have access to necessary hardware and internet. The broader education community, including teachers, is called upon to support children from the most marginalised groups to participate in learning through digital alternatives and to encourage their re-enrol- ment in schools. Even though Burundi had not experienced any pandemic-related lockdowns or school closures, and the need to move the delivery of classes online was less acute, educational TV and radio programmes in the country still bore a huge potential for continuing basic education in times of crisis. Bujumbura 2500 booklets printed on digital education (1250 in French and 1250 in Kirundi) 200 education professi- onals trained on the importance of ICT 5 pilot schools in 5 regions initiated digital education – 20 – Digital Solutions for Education in Africa