Launched in 2020 to train young people in several countries, the "Digital School" initiative seeks to ensure continuous innovation and promote digital learning through gamified modules and AI-driven adaptive learning.

Digital School, one of the global initiatives launched by UAE Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, recently inaugurated 66 new digital learning centers in Mauritania, the Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported.

The new centers, created in collaboration with the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC), aim to spread digital skills and edtech solutions across the Arab region.

"Our partnership with the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives in The Digital School project in Mauritania and other countries aims to facilitate students' access to advanced digital educational content, encourage learning and knowledge acquisition, overcome challenges, combat school dropout rates, enrich electronic content, and support education that promotes development, stability, progress, and prosperity in communities," said Hamoud Al Junaibi, ERC Deputy Secretary General.

The digital learning centers were inaugurated as part of the second phase of a project born from an agreement signed, in 2021, by the Islamic Republic of Mauritania and the Digital School initiative to establish digital schools in Mauritania.

In its pilot phase, six digital centers were opened in four middle and two elementary schools to benefit 635 pupils. Twelve teachers and three team members were trained in the digital education sector. After the training, certificates were handed out by the University of Arizona and 400 electronic tablets were distributed as well.  

The second phase of the project aims to extend this experience to 60 new schools, benefiting 20,000 pupils in primary and preparatory schools. It also includes the training of 146 teachers and an increase in the number of project team members. The ultimate goal is to reach 100,000 pupils and 1,000 teachers over the next three years.

Samira Njoya