The Mauritanian government is currently developing a roadmap to reform the education system, with digital technology playing a central role. The goal is to modernize teaching methods and integrate technological tools into schools, among other initiatives.

Mauritanian students will soon have access to digital textbooks, thanks to a new initiative by the National Pedagogical Institute (IPN). The reform will begin with the upcoming school year on October 7. The textbooks will be available for download through the "Koutoubi" (My Books) app, providing students with easier access to modern educational resources. According to IPN director Cheikh Ould Sidi Abdallah, the Koutoubi app complements the traditional distribution of paper textbooks, offering students and parents the option to acquire digital copies. 

The initiative is part of a new National Textbook Strategy currently under development, which emphasizes the importance of digital technology. Its announcement comes amid broader efforts to enhance digitalization in schools. The Mauritanian government recently signed an agreement with the FIFA Foundation to train 10,000 schoolchildren, aged 6 to 12, in coding, robotics, and digital literacy over the next three years.

The introduction of digital textbooks is also expected to lighten the heavy school bags that are a common concern among parents. However, the success of this reform depends on schools' ability to provide the necessary equipment, such as tablets and computers, to ensure students can access these digital resources. The lack of such tools could hinder the full implementation of this ambitious project.

Despite these challenges, the transition to digital learning reflects a clear commitment to preparing Mauritania's younger generations for future technological challenges while improving access to modern educational materials.

Samira Njoya