Namibia has been urged to address the digital divide between urban and rural schools to ensure equal access to technology and improve learning outcomes.
Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture Dino Ballotti made the call at the ICT Transforming Education in Africa phase 3 Multi-Country Workshop under the UNESCO-KFIT project in Windhoek.
The three-day workshop focuses on strengthening digital learning platforms and resources, improving teachers' digital competencies, and equipping learning with digital skills.
Ballotti says education strategies must consider the different realities facing schools, especially those with limited electricity and internet connectivity.
"Technology travels easily between countries, but context does not, and that is why this exchange is very important. I do not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach, but for us to understand what works and why. To the government and the people of the Republic of Korea, thank you for sustaining this work across the three phases and the nine countries."
UNESCO Representative to Namibia Eunice Smith highlighted that technology alone cannot transform education without the involvement of teachers, learners and supportive school leadership.
Smith added that lessons from Namibia, Uganda, and Tanzania would help inform similar digital education initiatives in other countries.
"Technology does not transform education. People do. Digital devices, connectivity, learning platforms, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence offer many possibilities for education. However, their value ultimately depends on the people who use them: confident teachers and supportive school leaders."
United Nations Resident Coordinator Hopolang Phororo indicates that digital connectivity and education are critical to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, stressing the need for meaningful digital inclusion, digital skills and the responsible use of technology.
Programme specialist Deseul Ji, from Korea, also addressed the gathering, highlighting that the project is funded by Korea through UNESCO's Korea Funds-in-Trust and supports Namibia, Uganda and Tanzania in strengthening digital learning, teachers' ICT skills and learners' digital competencies.