Making math simple, fun, and accessible for everyone with Eduten!

At UNICEF, in partnership with the Ministry of Education, we are excited to announce the launch of the Eduten program, a pioneering initiative that focuses on children, teachers, and the joy of learning mathematics. Created by the University of Turku and proven to have a global impact, Eduten is more than just a digital platform; it has changed how children engage with mathematics in over 50 countries and in 70% of schools in Finland. Eduten combines effective teaching methods with modern technology to make math learning fun, inclusive, and effective.

In Albania, 30 schools are receiving practical training to empower teachers to use the platform and foster confidence, curiosity, and resilience in their classrooms. This initial phase will benefit nearly 2,000 third- and fourth-grade students by helping them improve their math skills and encouraging self-belief.

We had the chance to speak with teacher Anila Kapllanaj from Vlora about her dream.

Making math simple, fun, and accessible for everyone!

I have always believed that every child, no matter what stands in their way, has the right to learn and grow, and nothing should stop them. As I teach in elementary school, I want nothing more than to make math simple, fun, and engaging for my students. Like any teacher, I have faced my share of obstacles. Technology is not exactly my strong skill.

Thanks to UNICEF and the Education Department for selecting me to be part of this; I had the chance to participate in the Eduten training session. At first, I was a bit intimidated because technology can be intimidating when you are not familiar with it. During the two days of the training, I really started to see how naturally Eduten fits for me.

It is not just about technology; it’s about transforming how we teach and learn math. It is great to see how Eduten lets students practice math in an engaging way and get immediate feedback and motivation. It is not just about solving problems - it’s about building confidence and fostering a love for learning.

For many years, many students have struggled with math. I wished I could do more to help them, but I did not have the means to make lessons really engaging and accessible. Eduten is the one-stop shop I was searching for. It is a way to bring math to life, even in a classroom without individual laptops.

“Ismail Qemali” school in Vlora is one of the largest in the area, and the school infrastructure needs to adapt to new teaching methodologies. But with Eduten, I see a school where every child can succeed in math, no matter who they are or what resources they have. It’s a big dream, but that’s what teaching is all about: dreaming big for our students.

I cannot wait to begin this journey with Eduten and see the transformation in my classroom. I hope that someday all students will feel good about math and want to learn as much as I want to teach. I may not be tech-savvy, but with tools like Eduten, I am up to the challenge for my students and their future.

For the teachers among us who want to make our lessons more effective: Do not be afraid to try new techniques. You might also discover the one you were missing, just as I did.