Airtel, in collaboration with UNICEF and the Tanzanian Government through the Ministry of Education, has launched the SmartWASOMI initiative. This ambitious project aims to accelerate the adoption of digital learning by providing free internet connectivity to schools across the country.
The launch of SmartWASOMI marks a significant milestone in Tanzania’s journey toward enhancing digital infrastructure and ensuring that every child has access to quality education, regardless of their geographical location. This initiative is a testament to Tanzania’s commitment to leveraging technology to bridge educational gaps and is aligned with the national vision of creating a robust digital infrastructure for all.
Speaking at the launch event, government representatives expressed their gratitude to Airtel and UNICEF for their pivotal roles in making digital content accessible to children in both urban and rural areas. “This partnership is a major step forward for Tanzania. It aligns with our national vision of providing digital infrastructure for every child. I would like to thank Airtel and UNICEF for their support in making digital content accessible to children in urban and rural areas,” said a government spokesperson.
Tanzania’s pledge to transform its education system through digital initiatives was first articulated at the Transforming Education Summit during the UN General Assembly in 2022. This commitment has been further demonstrated through the new education curriculum, which places a strong emphasis on digital literacy for both students and teachers. In addition, the government has distributed 300,000 tablets to schools, underscoring its dedication to advancing digital education.
The SmartWASOMI initiative aims to leverage both existing and new digital infrastructure to provide high-speed internet connectivity to public secondary schools through a national digital teaching and learning platform. This platform will deliver audio lessons and offer teachers and school management comprehensive teaching guides and content.
The pilot phase of the project has already seen remarkable progress, reaching 50 secondary schools across Zanzibar, Dodoma, and Mbeya. The success of this pilot phase is a promising indicator of the transformative potential of the SmartWASOMI initiative.
As Tanzania continues to advance its digital education agenda, the SmartWASOMI initiative stands as a beacon of hope and progress. By providing free internet connectivity and leveraging digital tools, this project is set to transform the educational landscape, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed in the digital age.
