BEIJING (Agencies): The Chinese technology powerhouse, Huawei, has joined forces with the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL) to inaugurate an extensive digital literacy program in Morocco. The goal of this initiative is to enhance the digital competencies of 10,000 Moroccan educators by the year 2025.
This initiative is a part of a larger endeavor under the Global Education Coalition and the Global Alliance for Literacy (GAL), aiming to incorporate effective use of technology in literacy teaching and learning, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Huawei declared on Monday that the new program will amalgamate the efforts of UIL, the UNESCO Regional Office for the Maghreb, and the Moroccan National Agency for the Fight against Illiteracy (ANLCA).
Isabell Kempf, the director of UIL, emphasized during the launch ceremony in Rabat last week that “Literacy is the foundation of lifelong learning and a crucial driver of sustainable development.” She further stressed the importance of literacy programs fully leveraging the potential of technology in today’s digital era.
Moreover, this initiative will pave the way for more women in the tech industry, backed by Huawei’s commitment to global digital talent development. This includes substantial investments in training programs like “Women in Tech” and partnerships aimed at reducing the gender gap in STEM fields.
Eric Falt, the director of the UNESCO Regional Office for the Maghreb, stated, “By enhancing the digital skills of literacy trainers, we contribute to empowering individuals and fostering sustainable community development. We are committed to working together to ensure that every individual, regardless of their context, has access to quality education that meets the challenges of the current digital era”.
This educational project not only bolsters Huawei’s presence in the North African digital economy but also supports Morocco’s long-term goals to emerge as a leader in digital literacy and technology-driven education, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 4.
Huawei’s “ICT Academy 2.0” initiative, launched in 2020, trained more than 50,000 ICT professionals in Morocco alone. To offset the gender divide, Huawei has trained at least 100 Moroccan women in a joint digital learning program labelled “Women in Tech” in collaboration with the Ministry of Education.