As one way of transforming education across Malawi, Airtel Africa through Airtel Malawi has reiterated its commitment by reaffirming that it plans to connect 100 primary schools in the country to the internet.
The development comes as the world is celebrating World Children’s Day which falls on 20th November each year.
The partnership between Airtel Africa and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) was established in 2021 as part of Airtel Africa’s commitment of $57 million to support educational development and bridge the digital divide for vulnerable children in remote communities, in collaboration with African governments. In Malawi, Airtel has successfully connected 17 schools, benefiting 18,800 students from government schools across the country through this initiative.
Airtel Malawi is currently working with UNICEF and the Ministry of Education to conduct capacity-building sessions with teachers from the benefitting schools to enhance their ICT skills.
Airtel Malawi’s Acting Managing Director, Abdul Shaik said the partnership with UNICEF has this far yielded positive results and it is amazing to witness its impact.
“It is amazing to witness the positive impact the project has had on learners as well as teachers in Malawi with most of the benefiting schools showcasing an improved pass rate in the national examinations. It is very important to promote digital learning in government schools as it cultivates a culture of inclusivity, preparing learners for the future and ensuring that no child is left behind,” Abdul Shaik said.
Airtel Africa Chief Executive Officer Sunil Taldar said the partnership is aimed at transforming lives and as a company they are happy with the tangible steps towards a better future for African children.
“By equipping these schools with internet connectivity and training teachers on how to use the digital tools, Airtel Africa and UNICEF are providing Africa’s children, particularly those in underserved and remote regions, with the digital tools and skills they need to thrive in a technology-driven world. This is why we are celebrating with the children on this special occasion of World Children’s Day, specially dedicated to them and all the effort aimed at securing and improving their future,” Sunil Taldar said.
Apart from Malawi, other countries transforming education with digital learning through the partnership are the Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Kenya, Madagascar, Chad, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia.
