Virtual learning successfully enforces physical distancing among teaching staff and students. While necessary due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this approach has caused some problems as well. Hundreds of students across BiH lack appropriate devices to access online classes, which prompted the Institute for Youth Development KULT to launch the “Education for All” initiative, and provide the necessary equipment to as many students as possible.
In cooperation with local partners, the Institute has donated more than 350 devices. Thanks to the support of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Sweden, another 180 students from across BiH will be provided with the equipment they need to attend online classes. Today, the Institute and the Embassy of the Kingdom of Sweden in BiH held an online contract signing ceremony, and next week activists of the Institute and local partners will be working in the field to deliver devices to students from underprivileged families.
“Education is not a privilege, it’s a human right! With our support, we’re not only trying to provide access to education, but also to ensure happy and healthy childhoods for students in BiH. Children are now in their homes and away from their friends. This way, we let them reconnect with their peers online”, said the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Sweden in BiH, Johanna Strömquist, adding that everyone must have equal access to education.
It’s important to note that students will keep all the devices even after they go back to their classrooms. The donated equipment will help them with their schoolwork and improve their computer literacy, which is a crucial skill nowadays.
“Our mission is to create a society of active and equal citizens, and we want equal opportunities for everyone. This is why we launched the “Education for All” initiative – to provide IT equipment to all those who don’t have it”, said Jasmin Bešić, Executive Director of the Institute. He thanked the Embassy of the Kingdom of Sweden for recognizing the importance of this initiative, and their genuine efforts to understand the situation in BiH and act accordingly.
Thanks to the support of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Sweden in BiH, more than 500 students across BiH will be able to attend their online classes. This initiative continues, and those who are able to support it in any way can reach out to the Institute or our local partners.
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