Empowering Ukrainian Children Through Digital Learning Initiatives
Establishing Digital Learning Centers and creating quality educational content through Infosys Springboard.
BENGALURU - Infosys (NSE: INFY) (BSE: INFY) (NYSE: INFY), a global leader in digital services and consulting, has announced a significant partnership with Street Child, a renowned international children's charity. This collaboration focuses on enhancing educational access for children in Ukraine, where the ongoing conflict has severely disrupted the education system.
The establishment of seven Digital Learning Centers (DLCs) marks a critical step in addressing the educational challenges faced by crisis-affected children. The initiative aims to counter the impact of the conflict that has affected over 3,700 educational institutions across Ukraine, destroying 365 schools according to recent reports. Currently, around 1.9 million school-aged children are either partially remote learning or completely unable to attend school. Recognizing this urgent need, Infosys partnered with Street Child in 2024 to launch two key initiatives: creating DLCs and initiating a Digital Transformation program utilizing Infosys Springboard, allowing tailored educational solutions for students and teachers.
Initially, the plan focused on establishing five DLCs in Dnipropetrovsk, located in a region that has seen less international assistance due to its proximity to conflict areas. However, the collaboration quickly exceeded expectations by delivering seven centers within just a year. One notable aspect of this effort is that one of the centers was renovated by an all-female team of contractors, an inspiring achievement given the constraints faced by male workers in the region.
These centers, officially launched in September 2024, have already made a significant difference, serving over 1,000 children within the first few months. Each center is not only equipped with essential technology such as laptops and high-speed internet but also features multimedia projectors and educational materials. Moreover, they prioritize inclusivity with accessibility features, including wheelchair ramps and modified restrooms. Recognizing the importance of mental health, dedicated spaces for Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) have also been established to provide vital support to young learners.
The Digital Transformation initiative emphasizes preserving Ukraine's cultural identity by offering courses in Ukrainian Language and Geography for Grades 5 and 6. Additionally, specialized courses on Cybersecurity and Anti-Corruption are provided for teachers, fully aligning with Ukraine's national educational platform. This holistic approach contributes significantly to building a resilient educational framework for both students and educators.
Tom Dannatt, CEO and Co-Founder of Street Child, remarked, "At Street Child, we're committed to creating a world where every child can safely learn in school. The unfortunate reality for many children in Ukraine is that they cannot attend physical classrooms, which drives our focus on digital education. We’re proud to collaborate with Infosys in supporting over 1,000 children during this critical time. This initiative demonstrates the powerful impact quality education can have in crisis-affected areas globally."
Thirumala Arohi, Executive Vice President of Education, Training and Assessment at Infosys, stated, "This collaboration is vital as it directly addresses the urgent educational needs stemming from the ongoing conflict. With a staggering number of schools destroyed, the demand for quality education has never been more pressing. Infosys is committed to leveraging its technological expertise to foster social impact. In partnership with Street Child, we are implementing tangible solutions such as the DLCs that provide safe learning environments and utilizing Infosys Springboard to offer customized online learning experiences."
About Street Child
Founded in 2008, Street Child is one of the fastest-growing international children's charities, focusing on ensuring that children are safe, in school, and learning, particularly in low-resource settings and emergencies. The organization works alongside a vast network of local partners across over 25 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
About Infosys
Infosys stands as a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting. With over 300,000 employees across more than 56 countries, Infosys is committed to empowering communities through digital transformation and continuous improvement, focusing on inclusivity and sustainability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Digital Learning Centers established by Infosys?
The Digital Learning Centers aim to provide education for children in crisis-affected areas of Ukraine, especially where conventional schooling has been disrupted by conflict.
How many children have benefited from these initiatives so far?
As of now, over 1,000 children have utilized the services of the newly established Digital Learning Centers within their initial operational months.
What type of technology is available at the Digital Learning Centers?
The centers are equipped with laptops, high-speed internet, multimedia projectors, and various educational materials to enhance learning experiences.
How does the initiative address the cultural identity of Ukraine?
The educational programs include courses in Ukrainian Language and Geography, ensuring that the children's cultural identity is preserved even amid the conflict.
What role does street child play in this partnership?
Street Child facilitates the establishment of the Digital Learning Centers and provides support to ensure that children can learn safely and effectively, especially during emergencies.
