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According to the report, a well-educated workforce would be more likely to be innovative and foster ground-breaking ideas, leading to economic development and job creation.
The EIU analysis shows that for every 10 per cent increase in school connectivity in a country, GDP per capita could increase by 1.1 per cent.
Among West African countries, the report indicated that improvements in school connectivity to finnish levels could increase GDP per capita by almost 20 per cent, from
The report focused on four key actions to make a change, which it listed to include: Collaboration, Accessibility, Embedding Internet and Protecting Children Online.
In the area of collaboration, the report said a holistic, public/private partnership strategy would be needed to coordinate efforts with stakeholders to overcome barriers to school connectivity. For Accessibility and affordability, the report explained that building infrastructure to enable access to the internet, would be a starting point.
Giving details about Embedding Internet and digital tools into education, the report said once access to school connectivity is achieved, it must be embedded into the curriculum, and teachers must be trained to integrate technology into everyday learning.
In the area of Protecting Children Online, the report added that school connectivity would provide opportunities for children. Additional steps must be taken to ensure healthy and protected online learning environments. Internet usage must be properly managed to ensure safe and secure use, the report further said.
It also recommends that public, private and NGO sector leaders around the world could make a dramatic impact towards bridging the digital divide by joining forces to make internet connectivity a global reality for school children of all ages.
Based on the report,
The
Vice President of Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility at
She added: "The report makes it clear that partnership between business leaders, public sector leaders and NGOs can take effective action to address this issue and significantly impact lives. Every player in these sectors, no matter how big or small, can make a difference. We encourage stakeholders to read the report and more importantly join the Giga initiative to help realize this important goal."
UNICEF Deputy Executive Director, Partnerships,
The EIU report shows how school connectivity can lead to improved educational outcomes and enhanced career opportunities for children. resulting in higher economic activity and community growth. The report found out that these individual-level benefits for children have a snowball effect leading to higher incomes, better health, and improved overall wellbeing. The benefits can extend beyond children, supporting wider community development and economic growth.
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