Digital Solution for Education in Africa

Digital Solutions for Education in Africa Countering setbacks with digital solutions | The pandemic caused a rapid decline in meeting the global commitments set towards inclusive and equitable quality education under Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4. To counteract these setbacks, digital solutions and technologies have been implemented worldwide. On the African continent, there is great potential to further leverage digital technologies to mitigate the impacts of the pandemic. However, several challenges have so far hindered the widespread adoption of digital solutions in basic education. These include a lack of affordable internet access, limited digital skills, the divide between urban and rural areas, and gender barriers. This is where the BACKUP Initiative under the RESICODI Action came in. By working with CSOs and national ministries, the development of a digital infrastructure and digital skills training for teachers, students, parents, and other stakeholders was promoted in different project settings. “The role of CSOs, especially coalitions like REFAC, is vital in representing the best interest of the most marginalized, voiceless, or most at risk of exclusion segment of the Rwandan society and in our case children generally and most vulnerable groups of children in particular. REFAC contributes a great deal in raising awareness of quality and inclusive education as a right to all and advocate for changes in policy and practice.” Benson Rukabu, Rwanda Education For All Coalition (REFAC) – 7 –