Huawei digital school project boosts learning in Kenya: report

NAIROBI, Aug.9 (Xinhua) -- The Digischool connectivity project that connects schools to the internet jointly undertaken by Chinese tech giant Huawei and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2021 has boosted learning in Kenya, the Kenyan government said in a report released Wednesday.

The report by Kenya's Ministry of Education found that the project has overwhelming positive benefits to increasing access to education in the country.

"The connectivity project enhanced access to, and equality of, education for learners in rural areas, particularly girls and those with disabilities," the report said, adding that it has connected 13 schools to the Internet.

According to the report, 98 percent of learners indicated that the Internet met their needs, while 84 percent of students said that the Internet made learning more exciting.

The findings also indicate that 23 percent of students reported that the Internet made learning more fun while 13 percent observed the project increased class attendance.

Belio Kipsang, principal secretary in the State Department for Basic Education hailed Huawei and UNESCO for their collaboration with the government to provide sustainable internet connectivity in the country.

Steven Zhang, deputy CEO of Huawei Kenya said that the Digischool project has been designed to enhance the learning experience for students across schools in Kenya and to improve the overall administration of these institutions.

"Huawei has spent 25 years helping build networks, connecting mobile devices, homes, and government offices across the country. It is important for schools not to be left behind to prepare learners for their future careers in a digital economy by being connected and developing relevant digital skills," Zhang noted.