Brazil Launches Tech-Focused Education Projects in Bahia & Pará
Huawei‘s Open Schools Project Advances Digital Education in Brazil
A collaborative initiative called Open Schools, spearheaded by Huawei and supported by UNESCO and local government entities, is expanding digital education access in Brazil.The project focuses on integrating connectivity,digital tools,and teacher training to enhance learning environments,with a particular emphasis on “green digital education” and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Currently in its second phase and aligned with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education), Open Schools aims to build resilient educational systems, support Brazil’s digital transformation in education, and promote equitable access to digital learning opportunities. Two digital education centers in Bahia state, part of the Labcrie basic education program, are slated for completion by the end of 2025.
The project will provide training to 1,000 teachers and students in public schools in Jequié (Bahia) and Breves (Pará) through the Ministry of Education’s virtual learning platform,Avamec. The curriculum will focus on green digital education and AI integration.
“This initiative shows how connectivity, digital tools and teacher training can improve learning spaces,” stated Iuri Rubim, Director General of the Anísio Teixeira Institute (Bahia State Ministry of Education). “It is indeed not only a question of using the technology, but of integrating it critically, creatively and sustainably.”
Rafael herdy, educator and technology coordinator at the Ministry of Education of the State of Pará, emphasized the project’s role in preparing Brazil for digital transformation, fostering innovation and equity. UNESCO’s Maria Rehder highlighted the potential of technology to create more inclusive and sustainable educational futures, while acknowledging the irreplaceable role of teachers.
Beyond teacher training, the project aims to strengthen national digital education policies by developing a national guide to green digital education. This guide will address improvements to national platforms, school connectivity, sustainable technological infrastructure, and AI-focused teacher training.
Elise Machado, Coordinator of government affairs at Huawei Brazil, affirmed the company’s commitment to democratizing technology access and building an inclusive digital future. “We believe that digital inclusion begins with education,” she said.
The Open Schools project is not limited to Brazil. Second-phase projects are also underway in Egypt and Thailand,following an initial phase (2020-2024) in Egypt,Ethiopia,and Ghana.
* Egypt: The project supports approximately 950,000 students from kindergarten through final year via the national distance education center.
* Ethiopia: 12,000 students and 250 educators in 24 secondary schools have benefited, alongside improved access to national educational platforms.
* Ghana: The project impacted 1,000 teachers and 3,000 students and strengthened national education platforms.