By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
Benin has been named among
the five finalists in the “Digital inclusion” category of the “Digital@UNGA
Awards” for its GIGA school connectivity project, recognising the government’s
efforts to expand digital connectivity in schools.
The awards, jointly
presented by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the United
Nations Development Programme (UNDP), recognise digital innovations selected by
an independent jury from more than 1,500 entries submitted by 146 countries.
The recognition highlights
the efforts made by the Government of Benin to promote connectivity,
particularly school connectivity, through the GIGA project.
The initiative is being
implemented by the Ministère de la Transformation Digitale et de l'Innovation
du Bénin in collaboration with the Ministry of Secondary Education and the
Ministry of Nursery and Primary Education.
The project is supported by
several partners, in particular UNICEF, as part of the global Giga initiative.
The GIGA school connectivity
project seeks to expand access to digital technology for learners by connecting
schools to the internet and creating greater opportunities for students to
participate in the digital economy.
The Beninese government said
the international recognition reflects the country's efforts to make digital
connectivity a tool for inclusion and access to opportunities.
“Connecting each school
means opening the doors to digital technology and the future for each learner.”
