Digital School Hosts Experts And Leaders To Enhance Digital Learning In Mauritania

The Digital School, part of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, recently held a strategic workshop in Nouakchott, Mauritania. This event was organised in collaboration with the Emirates Red Crescent and aimed to develop a strategy for digitising education in Mauritania. The workshop introduced new initiatives to enhance digital learning, gathering over 100 experts from various sectors.

Omar Sultan Al Olama, UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, highlighted the UAE's commitment to supporting Mauritania's digital transformation. He stated that this initiative aims to provide innovative educational opportunities for young people. The goal is to strengthen the historical ties between the UAE and Mauritania by promoting education as a key driver of development.

Dr. Hamdan Musallam Al Mazrouei emphasised the deep-rooted relations between the two countries. He noted that education is central to sustainable development and that this initiative reflects their shared vision. "The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan believed that education is the true wealth that shapes the future of our children," he said.

Huda Babah, Mauritania's Minister of Education, stressed the importance of modernising education through digitisation. She acknowledged the Digital School's role in empowering students with advanced learning tools. "Modernizing and digitizing education has become a necessity driven by the ongoing need for empowerment," she added.

The workshop also explored best practices and challenges in digital education transformation. Participants discussed integrating digital tools into Mauritania's education system and designing a roadmap for digital integration. They aimed to establish partnerships between government and private sectors to ensure equitable access to quality education.

Infrastructure and Training Enhancements

During the visit, 21 renovated digital learning spaces were opened in Nouakchott schools. These classrooms are equipped with smart projectors, computers, and high-speed internet connections. Additionally, a newly renovated Teacher Training School was inaugurated with modern digital tools to support teachers adapting to digital education.

Over 600 teachers have been trained by this initiative in Mauritania. The Director of the Teacher Training School announced adopting the Digital Educator Training Program as a graduation requirement for new teachers. This program ensures educators are prepared for technology-driven teaching environments.

Strategic Workshop Outcomes

The two-day workshop featured seven sessions covering topics like curriculum development and teacher training. On its second day, outcomes emphasised developing a national strategy for digital transformation in education. This strategy includes clear implementation phases and priorities for improving infrastructure and content development.

Participants reviewed strategies aligned with UNESCO's 2024 Common Framework for Digital Transformation in Education. They focused on enhancing learning opportunities through coordination, connectivity, cost management, capacity building, content creation, and data analysis.

Achievements Over Three Years

In three years, the Digital School has achieved significant milestones in collaboration with Mauritania's Ministry of Education. These include digitising 3,500 lessons and training over 600 teachers while providing 1,200 computers and creating 100 digital spaces.

Launched in November 2020 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum under MBRGI Foundation, it is an accredited school offering hybrid learning models targeting underprivileged communities globally. It benefits over 500,000 students across more than 14 countries using content available in five languages: Arabic, English, French, Spanish & Kurdish.

This comprehensive approach focuses on expanding educational opportunities through digital learning solutions where traditional methods may be lacking or unavailable due to various circumstances such as displacement or limited resources within certain regions worldwide today!

With inputs from WAM