Six African Countries to get 80 Digital Centers

This project which is a one of its kind will target Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Ghana and Nigeria. The word Badiliko is a Swahili word meaning Change, which reiterates the aim of the project: to change learning by embracing ICT. In this partnership, Microsoft and the British Council will each donate $1 million.

The main three objectives of the project are:

• Improving access to technology and core infrastructure through the construction of 80 digital hubs in schools powered by Microsoft Windows Multipoint Server
• Engagement of key policy makers in each country in order to ensure the programme is supportive of national policy and to ensure a deeper understanding of how ICT can raise education standards
• building the capacity of teachers and school leaders by providing professional development in order to support them embed ICT into pedagogy.

The project is expected to also train over 20,000 teachers and equip them with skills to use ICT in teaching. During the launch of the training in Kenya School of Monetary Studies, Regional Education Manager, Microsoft East and Southern Africa Mark Matunga said, “Through Partners in Learning, Microsoft has trained over 20,000 Kenyan educators not only on basic ICT skills, but also on ICT integration in Teaching and Learning. In addition Microsoft has generated over 230,000 email accounts in Kenya and 45,000 email accounts in Uganda for public school teachers.”

According to their official blog, over 100,000 learners are targeted through this project. “The digital hubs will be used by learners and for teacher training during the day, and by the wider local community after school hours for e-government, community skills training and as internet cafés. Where schools are off the grid, the digital hubs will be supported by solar power and long-range Wi-Fi for connectivity.”

The British Council is the UK’s international organization for educational opportunities and cultural relations. British Council Country Director, Alison Coutts, emphatically supported the partnership. “I am delighted that the first project in the new British Council – Microsoft partnership will happen in Africa, where we have the experience and connections to work effectively with educators and leaders on the ground to really make a difference.”

Sources:

1. http://projectbadiliko.wordpress.com/2012/01/07/africa-digital-schools-project-badiliko/
2. http://www.britishcouncil.org/new/press-office/press-releases/New-Strategic-Partnership-Launched-between-the-British-Council-and-Microsoft/
3. www.fenesi.com