The Digital Transformation Of Education: Connecting Schools, Empowering Learners

In today’s increasingly digital world, 3.6 billion people still have no access to the Internet. Those without access are typically the most vulnerable: minorities, people with disabilities, indigenous and marginalized groups, as well as women, children and youth from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds or living in areas affected by conflict and violence. Lack of Internet access reduces paths to a world of information available online, and limits the potential to learn and grow, all of which contribute to the digital divide. If we are to succeed in “Leaving no one behind”, as established in the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda, then we need to ensure that we are working to provide everyone, especially children and young people, with safe and secure access to the Internet, not to mention the digital skills they need to learn and improve their lives.

The COVID-19 crisis has shown us how Internet connectivity is crucial to everyday activities such as work, learning and staying in touch with family and friends. Children lacking quality and reliable Internet access were disproportionately impacted by global shutdowns, as they were unable to continue their education. Today more than ever, there is a need to strengthen national infrastructure to ensure that connectivity is more widely available……………………………………………………………………………..