South Sudan is rolling out a mobile-based teacher development initiative to improve teaching and learning outcomes in the conflict-affected country.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), through its International Institute for Capacity Building in Africa, launched the initiative at a recent workshop in Juba.
The programme uses mobile technology, supported by edge computing systems, to expand access to professional learning opportunities.
This approach is particularly innovative in South Sudan due to the country's limited internet connectivity and unreliable power supply.
Edge computing allows data processing and storage to happen locally on devices, reducing dependence on continuous internet access and enabling offline functionality for teachers in remote and underserved areas.
Through a platform designed for low-data and offline use, teachers can access self-paced courses, learning resources, and peer-learning networks regardless of location.
This is a significant solution in South Sudan, where infrastructure challenges and ongoing conflict have hindered traditional teacher training and professional development.
A total of 40 tablets were provided to participants to support the programme's rollout. The workshop brought together officials from the Ministry of General Education and Instruction, as well as teacher educators from universities and training institutions.
The government of Japan supports the project, which is also being implemented in Algeria, Cameroon, Kenya, and Nigeria.
David Lowela Modi Lodu, acting undersecretary at the Ministry of General Education and Instruction in South Sudan, said, “When we empower our teachers, we empower the next generation. We appreciate this support for our educators, which will expand access to professional development opportunities across South Sudan.”
Yayoi Segi-Vltchek, UNESCO representative to South Sudan, said the project's success would ultimately be measured by the number of children benefiting from improved classroom teaching and learning.
"The success of this initiative will not be measured by the number of tablets distributed or the number of trainings conducted,” Segi-Vltchek said.
In South Sudan, emerging from civil war, limited infrastructure constrains teacher training, to the detriment of the education sector.
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