The World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank IDB are partnering to connect 3.5 million students in Latin America to the Internet.
They’ve already put $512 million into the project. Additionally, they plan to invest $400 million more in the next two years.
This marks their first significant step to improve digital access and teacher training in the region.
Currently, 66% of elementary and 44% of high schools lack online access. Ana María Ibáñez from IDB said the internet is as vital as water for schools.
The goal is to fix the huge gaps in digital resources within and among countries.
The plan will link 12,000 schools to the internet. It will also train 350,000 teachers and 3.5 million students.
Jaime Saavedra from the World Bank said it’s not just about having internet. The focus is also on using it effectively for learning. Both banks agree that training teachers is crucial.
The banks are urging countries to set specific goals and plans. This will make sure progress is consistent, said Saavedra.
The effort will also involve platforms to keep track of school connections and teacher skills.
For example, in Costa Rica, the World Bank will handle national systems while the IDB will manage local systems.
In Colombia, the two banks will improve the digital setup, especially in rural areas.
Background
The initiative addresses a longstanding issue in Latin America: the digital divide. Historically, many areas have lagged behind in technological infrastructure.
This disparity is not only among countries but also within them. Urban areas often have better facilities than rural ones.
Thus, the project is vital for equalizing educational opportunities.
Previously, individual efforts by countries have been fragmented and underfunded. Pooling resources from the World Bank and IDB could bring a coordinated approach.
This initiative is in line with global efforts to modernize education through technology. The multi-million dollar investment signals a significant commitment to long-term change.
With proper execution, this project could be a game-changer for education in Latin America.