Bridging the Education Gap in Bangladesh

School Shutdowns Due to Pandemic Widen Education Gap

Enshrined in the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, education is the seed from which society grows. But COVID-19 has disrupted education across the world, with some estimates reporting that up to 1 billion children have had their schooling interrupted in some way since the pandemic started.

More than 100 countries have been forced to completely shut down their education systems to help slow the spread of the virus, including Bangladesh. With a relative lack of access to digital technology compounding the effects of the shutdown, the nation is facing enormous challenges.

Technology Brings Education into the Home

Huawei has been operating in Bangladesh for more than 20 years. As part of our long-term commitment to the country, Huawei teamed up with local company Bijoy Digital to create a two-year education program. The aim? To ensure that Bangladeshi children can continue learning from home during the pandemic.

Huawei has provided tablets preloaded with Bijoy Digital education apps. With animated graphics, the apps are designed to be fun to keep students interested and engaged. The tablets come with built-in access to the Internet, meaning that children can study in the comfort and safety of their own homes.

The program was launched in close partnership with UNESCO in July 2020, starting with T&T Boys High School in Dhaka. In just a few short weeks, the initiative has had a positive impact on students, parents, and teachers.

For students, it means a welcome return to education in a safe environment. For parents and caregivers, the program provides reassurance that their children will continue to make progress toward their educational goals. And teachers have seen the benefits too. With their own tablets, they're able to offer remote help and ensure that children stay on track with learning.

Digital education means I can easily continue my studies from home. Sanzida Akter
Grade 4 student

I don't have much education but I do understand how important it is for my son not to fall behind in his studies. Parents of Ariyan Dihan
Grade 2 student

This program means our students can able to learn easily even though schools are closed. Iftakhairul Islam Teacher
T&T Boys High School

I'm delighted to support this kind of collaboration that helps students continue their learning remotely. Jasmine Jui
CEO, Bijoy Digital (Local app)

We believe everyone, everywhere has the right to education and the equality of opportunity it brings. We hope that online learning will solve the gap in the education system. Teaching models are changing from the traditional method of chalk, blackboards, and teaching plans to smart scenarios supported by online and remote learning platforms. Zhang Zhengjun
CEO, Huawei Technologies (Bangladesh)

With more than a million children affected by the school closures in Bangladesh, Huawei's program demonstrates how technology can reduce the growing gap in education caused by the pandemic. The initiative will be rolling out to more schools in the near future to cover around 2,000 students.