Information and communication technologies (ICT) hold significant potential to foster creativity and learning from an early age. However, in Africa, their integration into education remains limited, hindered by a lack of preparedness and inadequate infrastructure.

SCHOOLAP, a digital platform dedicated to remote education, announced on Friday, December 6, a strategic partnership with the National Union of Secular Private Educational Institutions (UNEPEL) in Burkina Faso. The project aims to modernize more than 1,400 private secular schools across the country through tailored technological solutions.

“Several pilot schools in Ouagadougou are currently being activated with data collection, training for stakeholders, and the provision of educational tablets. Initial feedback has been very positive, particularly regarding tools designed for school directors,” SCHOOLAP stated in a press release.

This initiative aligns with a broader continental push for educational advancement. The African Union has designated 2024 as the "Year of Education," urging nations to intensify efforts to ensure inclusive, quality education. As part of this momentum, the African Union’s Digital Education Strategy (2023–2028) prioritizes the development of digital infrastructure in schools. Goals include equipping at least 50% of schools with high-speed internet by 2027 and ensuring that one-third of students and all teachers have access to digital devices by 2030.

The partnership between SCHOOLAP and UNEPEL represents a significant step forward for Burkina Faso, where digital educational infrastructure remains underdeveloped. By modernizing school management and providing tailored educational tools, this initiative not only enhances teaching but also positions the country within a continental vision focused on the future of education in Africa.

By Samira Njoya,

Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji