Bridging the digital divide will promote SDG 4
This article is part of Youth Series, an initiative led by GenU and PwC to amplify the reflections of young people about the digital divide
In 2011 the UN General Assembly’s Human Rights Council noted that access to the internet is fundamental to the enjoyment of other human rights. The Report of the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression was almost a foreshadowing of the state of the world right now as a result Covid-19. Millions of children and young people are out of school and employment as learning and work majorly take place in physical spaces.
I witnessed this fully as the lives of my siblings were suddenly disrupted as they could no longer continue learning since their schools were unprepared to teach online in an interactive way or administer exams. Like many young people, they were stuck for months before readjustments were made and the government in Kenya started implementing phased reopening of schools.
Young people envision teachers who are digitally literate and who can incorporate edutainment using films rather than word for word textbook narration. Closing the digital divide will also enable youth to be innovative. Recently, a group of 15 students from Kenyatta University in Kenya innovated a Covid-19 ventilator, a testament of the brilliance of young people.
Public-private sector partnerships can generate funding for distributing learning kits and broadcasting practical lessons and simulations so that students can learn remotely. Let us also ensure that learners with disabilities are equipped with software and adaptive technologies. Their parents, guardians and teachers need training in this to ensure that they can support them fully. Access to the internet and digital learning must be a priority for governments, private sector, civil society and international organisations to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 4 on education.
Learn more about Cynthia Nyongesa
See how Generation Unlimited, PwC, and UNICEF are addressing the digital divide in the following report.
The statements in this publication are the views of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the policies or the views of UNICEF and PwC.
