Ericsson has signed an
agreement with Free and the Pikine-Guédiawaye Academy Inspectorate of the
Ministry of National Education to implement a digital education ecosystem in
five schools in Pikine-Guédiawaye.
Following a Memorandum
of Understanding announced in 2023 by Ericsson and
Free to improve educational opportunities through technology, the
inauguration of these connected classrooms demonstrates our common desire to
guarantee quality education in an equitable manner, thus strengthening the
autonomy of teachers and students through access to quality internet
connectivity and the development of digital skills.
As a reminder, this
project aims to connect the schools concerned to existing radio networks
powered by Ericsson and operated by Free Senegal using Fixed Wireless Access
(FWA) solutions that are quick to deploy, cost-effective and which will
contribute to reducing the digital divide. These schools will receive devices
and equipment intended to promote interactive learning in the classroom.
Ericsson will provide access to its open-source, cloud-based Connect to Learn
operating system and learning management system to improve lesson planning and
delivery and ensure more pupil-focused teaching.
As part of this
partnership, Free Senegal will provide quality internet connectivity and both
partners will provide laptops for learning. The Academy Inspectorate of
Pikine-Guédiawaye will play a crucial role in strengthening the digital
capacities of teachers by training them in the use of new tools and their
integration into their teaching practice.
Gana SENE, Academy
Inspector of the Pikine-Guédiawaye Academy Inspectorate of the Ministry of
National Education of Senegal declares: “Our partnership with Ericsson and Free
marks an important step in our contribution to the deployment of the strategy
of digital technology of the Ministry of National Education and the national
vision of human capital development. We firmly believe that we must utilize the
opportunities offered by the emergence of an information society. Through this
partnership, we are demonstrating how schools, teachers and the education
sector in Senegal can take a leap forward towards the school of the future.”
The Economist
Intelligence Unit (EIU) report quantifies how school
connectivity is a key factor in improving learning outcomes and thriving
economies, finding that a 10% increase in School connectivity can increase
children's effective years of schooling by 0.6%, and GDP per capita by 1.1%.
This report also shows that access to a multitude of resources and new forms of
learning, such as adaptive learning platforms, internet access and digital
learning, play an important role in improving the quality of education
globally.
Mamadou Mbengue,
Managing Director at Free Senegal underlines: “At Free, we work every day to
promote progress, innovation, and connectivity, thus strengthening our mission
to propel Senegal into a prosperous digital era. Through the Connect to Learn
program, we are determined to achieve Sustainable Development Goal #4 by
ensuring equitable access to quality education and strengthening learning
capacities in Senegal. In this perspective, our “Jang ak Free” program aims to
sustainably improve schooling conditions in Senegal by offering present and
future generations the best prospects. This strategic partnership between Free
and Ericsson makes it possible to provide cutting-edge educational resources to
communities, thereby contributing to the digital growth and development of all.
Majda Lahlou Kassi,
Vice President and Head of Ericsson West Africa and Morocco, said: “Ericsson's Connect to Learn initiative aims
to improve educational opportunities through innovative technology for young
people around the world. With this in mind, we designed and launched this
project to have a positive impact on an individual, community and national
scale. This partnership reflects our commitment to using technologies such as
Fixed Wireless Access to promote inclusive education and a brighter future. We
are excited to contribute to a transformation that transcends borders, by
making quality education accessible in a few schools in Senegal.’’
Since 1999, the
collaboration between Free and Ericsson has seen several milestones, including
the launch of 4G and LTE networks, modernization programs and the introduction
of mobile financial services. More recently, it was with the support of
Ericsson that Free was the first operator to launch 5G in Senegal in March
2024, a major milestone which positions Free as the undisputed leader in
innovation in Senegal. With this historic deployment, Free Senegal becomes the
only operator to offer the revolutionary power of 5G, paving the way for a new
era of speed, reliability, and unparalleled connected experiences.
