Digital Learning for All Symposium explores ways to reach those left behind in education

Jakarta, 23 November 2022 – UNICEF and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology (MoECRT) today convened a range of experts at the Digital Learning for All Symposium to discuss strategies to reach ‘last-mile learners’ – children who are being left behind and are the hardest to reach, including those who have been disadvantaged by the massive learning crisis caused by COVID-19.

Students and teachers from several schools along with multiple stakeholders from the government, private sector and civil society exchanged ideas to advance digital learning in Indonesia, including how to use technology to develop more inclusive and accessible learning platforms, applications, content and tools for last-mile learners.

Over 60 million school-age learners face significant catching-up for learning lost during the pandemic, and in progressing beyond to new academic material as they advance through their studies.

Marginalized and disadvantaged children faced particular challenges during pandemic-related school closures and disrupted school re-openings, and need targeted support as last-mile learners. These include adolescent girls, children with disabilities, out-of-school children and those living in remote and least developed regions, often referred to as ‘3T regions’ (terdepan, terluar, tertinggal).

Technology in education is high on the national development agenda. In September, at the G20 Education Ministers Meeting in Bali, digital technology in education was identified as one of the most important ways to address issues relating to education access, quality and equity, and an important long-term investment in education transformation.

“Investing in digital learning has the potential to be a great equalizer in terms of expanding education opportunities for all children, including the most disadvantaged, said Katheryn Bennett, Chief of Education, UNICEF Indonesia. “That is why creating and scaling-up digital learning innovations is an important investment for Indonesia’s learners both now and in the future.”

The half-day event was also streamed live on UNICEF Indonesia’s YouTube channel: Livestream Link

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