The “Digital School” initiative is making strides in enhancing teacher preparation programs digitally in Seychelles. Launched by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives in collaboration with the Government Knowledge Exchange Office and the Seychelles Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development, this new phase aims to equip nearly 100 educators from 11 schools with essential skills in digital education.
The primary objective of this program is to empower teachers in Seychelles to effectively utilize modern digital education tools and techniques within the classroom. With this initiative, the total number of beneficiaries from the “Digital School” programs in Seychelles will reach 395 teachers. This expansion underscores the commitment of the “Digital School” to foster digital transformation in the country’s educational sector, employing a comprehensive model that combines hands-on training and flexible digital learning, ensuring knowledge transfer is both practical and sustainable.
Mohammed bin Taliah, Assistant Minister for Cabinet Affairs for Government Knowledge Exchange, emphasized that this collaboration reflects the UAE’s approach to promoting international cooperation and knowledge sharing. He noted that such efforts support educational development initiatives and capacity building in partner countries, showcasing the UAE’s successful experiences in digital education and human development.
Dr. Justin Zeelim, Secretary-General for General Education and Curriculum in Seychelles, highlighted that the launch of the “Digital School” programs is a timely and significant step in enhancing educational quality through effective technology integration. He stated, “We value this partnership with the Digital School, which is based on a shared vision to enact real change in the education system by providing integrated digital learning environments and curriculum-compliant educational content, alongside advanced professional development programs for teachers, contributing to closing educational gaps.”
Further elaborating on the initiative, Dr. Walid Al Ali, Secretary-General of the “Digital School,” reiterated that expanding teacher training programs in Seychelles aligns with the global mission of the “Digital School.” He emphasized, “We believe that teachers are the cornerstone of any sustainable educational transformation. Through this partnership, we aim to equip educators with the necessary digital skills and tools, enabling them to effectively integrate modern technology into classrooms, thereby enhancing the quality of education and preparing students for future demands.”
This program is part of the “Digital School’s” broader efforts to enhance educators’ capabilities and empower them to harness modern digital education tools. Central to this initiative is the “Digital Teacher Global Academy” (DEGA), one of the largest multilingual digital teacher preparation programs globally, benefiting around 40,000 teachers from over 40 countries. The training offerings span seven languages, including Arabic, English, French, Spanish, Kurdish, Portuguese, and Indonesian.
The program features a foundational “Orientation” course designed to enable teachers to navigate the digital learning platform successfully and manage educational content efficiently. Additionally, it includes a second course titled “Learning in the Digital Classroom within an Online Environment,” aimed at enhancing teachers’ competencies in managing digital classrooms and effectively deploying modern educational tools.
Established by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in November 2020 as part of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, the “Digital School” is the first internationally accredited digital school aimed at providing flexible and intelligent educational options to underprivileged communities worldwide. The initiative has reached over 850,000 beneficiaries across more than 40 countries through educational programs conducted in seven languages, in collaboration with governments, international organizations, and global universities, earning academic accreditation from the NEASC in the United States.
It’s important to note that the UAE government initiated the Government Knowledge Exchange Program in 2018, aimed at sharing best governmental practices and experiences with countries around the world. This initiative has successfully built partnerships with numerous nations, supporting institutional capacity development and enhancing governmental performance.