Digital Learning for every child, a pathway to a brighter future

MALE, Maldives 21 August 2024 – The Ministry of Education, in partnership with UNICEF Maldives, supported by Google for Education and the UNICEF Global Learning Innovation Hub launched the “TechPath” – an initiative aiming to find innovative digital solutions to enhance access, quality and inclusion in education and learning. This initiative was launched by Dr. Ismail Shafeeu, the Minister of Education, together with Dr. Edward Addai, UNICEF Representative to the Maldives this afternoon. 

The "TechPath" initiative showcases the Government’s partnership with Google for Education and with the UNICEF Global Learning Innovation Hub  and focuses on harnessing the power of technology to improve learning outcomes, develop 21^st century skills and help children identify and address real-world issues in their communities. By piloting and scaling sustainable, end-to-end digital solutions, the initiative aims to make learning more fun and engaging for children.

Digital technology provides unique opportunities to enhance learning and teaching and ensure learning continuity. It can also reach the most vulnerable children and young people with needed access to skilling opportunities

The “TechPath” is being piloted with over 1600 students in 15 schools across Maldives and the three specific outcomes these partnerships aim to achieve are:

1. Enhance foundational learning in early grades, grades 2 to 3
2. Improve attainment of 21^st century skills in adolescents, targeting grade 7
3. Contribute to strengthening the “satellite school” model, expanding to grades 11 and 12, allowing remote learning options for higher education

Through this partnership, UNICEF Maldives, Google for Education and with the UNICEF Global Learning Innovation Hub, are also working with the National Institute of Education, led by the Ministry of Education to create an enabling environment to achieve the intended outcomes.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Education, Dr. Shafeeu highlighted that "By integrating digital tools into our classrooms, we are not merely enhancing traditional learning; we are equipping our students with the ability to think critically, collaborate effectively, and innovate continuously. This evolution in education is not just about academic outcomes; it’s about preparing our students to become responsible digital citizens. These are citizens who can navigate the complexities of modern life with confidence and integrity.”

The UNICEF Representative to Maldives Dr. Edward Addai stated that “Today, we take a significant step towards empowering our children with the tools they need to thrive in a digital world. The devices are not just tools; they are gateways to creativity, innovation, and a bright future. UNICEF is proud to support the Government of the Maldives in fostering a generation of learners who are equipped to solve the challenges of tomorrow.

In addition, Google for Education and the UNICEF Global Learning Innovation Hub are providing technical support to ensure the sustainability of TechPath, the online safety of children and teachers and a seamless integration of digital technologies such as Chromebooks and micro:bits in schools. A total of 735 ACER Chromebooks, 73 Lenovo Gen 3 Chromebooks and 90 micro:bits were handed over to the Ministry of Education today, to support the implementation of the “TechPath” initiative.

"Our work with Google for Education to promote cost-effective digitally enabled learning ecosystems will not only enrich the educational landscape of the Maldives but also inspire learners and educators to harness technology for improved outcomes. At the same time, the Hub’s Tinkering with Tech initiative will equip Maldivian students with essential coding and computational thinking skills, fostering a generation of innovators and problem solvers" said Frank van Cappelle, Head of UNICEF's Global Learning Innovation Hub in Helsinki.

UNICEF Maldives and our partners look forward to continuing our support to the Government of Maldives in rolling out the “Tech Path”, and the scale up of digital learning in Maldives to ensure that every child has access to quality education that helps them reach their full potential and prepares them for work and life.

UNICEF Maldives expresses our appreciation to the Ministry of Education, and thanks Google for Education and the UNICEF Global Learning Innovation Hub for their support to kick off the “TechPath”, and help improve the learning path for children in Maldives and beyond.

Together, we can create a future where every child has equitable access to quality education. 

_{Note: UNICEF does not endorse any company, brand, organization, product or service.}