Technology-enabled Open School Systems for All

Challenge

Since its outbreak in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted education systems globally, affecting the most vulnerable learners the hardest. It has increased inequalities and exacerbated a pre-existing education crisis. School closures have ranged from no closures in a handful of countries to up to more than a full school year. Lack of connectivity and devices excluded at least one third of students from pursuing learning remotely.

Needs

The establishment of crisis-resistant school systems in low-resource countries that ensure continuity and quality of learning is particularly important.

Solution

UNESCO is assisting the Ministries of Education and other partners of Egypt, Ethiopia and Ghana in the implementation of a three-year (2020-2023) project to design, pilot test, and scale up Technology-enabled Open School Systems. This project aims to build technology-enabled crisis-resilient school systems that will make the comprehensive school education programme (learning of knowledge, teacher-student interaction, and social caring) accessible from schools, at home, and in other places, to ensure the continuity and quality of learning no matter under normal or crises situations. Especially the schools in low-resource countries can be transformed into technology-enabled open schools and provide inclusive, equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all.