UNESCO, Google start distributing computers to promote e-learning in Ukraine

10 / 10 / 2022

By Marwa Nassar - -

UNESCO and Google have begun distributing 50,000 computers to Ukrainian teachers to help them deliver distance learning. Training in digital tools will also be provided to them.

“Education is a fundamental right for every child. As ongoing fighting damaging education facilities continues to prevent many Ukrainian students from returning to school, we must provide distance learning tools ensuring learning continuity,” UNESCO Director General Audrey Azoulay said.

A first batch of 10,000 computers is currently being distributed to teachers in and around the Dnipro, Chernihiv and Sumy regions. The distribution will be extended to other regions of the country in the weeks ahead.

“This is a great example of how the private sector can join forces with public institutions to build and provide sound solutions in times of crisis,” Azoulay said.

Moreover, UNESCO will support teachers in Ukraine by developing pedagogical skills for distance and hybrid learning. Google.org – the company’s philanthropic arm – is supporting UNESCO to build a suite of resources and courses for teacher professional development. These resources will focus on mental health, psychosocial support, social and emotional learning, and digital pedagogical training.

As part of this agreement, Google will also provide schools in Ukraine with access to the Chrome Education Upgrade, allowing them to set-up and manage the devices remotely. And is working with local partners to deliver training in online tools to up to 200,000 teachers through a series of workshops and resources. Meanwhile UNESCO will offer full access to its many digital education resources.

According to the national authorities, 2,292 education institutions have been damaged and 309 have been destroyed in Ukraine since 24 February 2022 when the Russian operation in Ukraine began. As a result, over 40% of Ukrainian schools started their new academic year online.

For seven months, UNESCO has supported the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, by providing its expertise and by mobilizing some 25 partners of its Global Education Coalition, including Google.