Wallis and Futuna’s digital strategy continues to evolve, with schools at the forefront. Europe has recently provided a grant of 20 million Pacific francs to the Catholic Education Department (DEC) to enhance children’s computer skills. The situation is satisfactory, as teachers have been working hard to introduce digital literacy to younger students for the last three years.
The digital strategy for primary schools in Wallis and Futuna was the subject of a meeting held on Tuesday between territorial authorities, the Catholic School Management, and the Postal and Telecommunications Service.
To boost digital skills and expedite the use of digital tools for student success, Europe has awarded a grant of 20 million Pacific francs to the Catholic education department.
The aim is to create a digital workspace, improve school connectivity, and address numerous smaller tasks being undertaken in Wallis and Futuna. We are still seeking a high-performance tool for schools and are awaiting fiber optic connection for all schools, currently available only to three out of nine in the territory. We’re preparing for functional tools in schools, so we’re ready for fiber when it reaches all schools.
Emeni Simete, Director of DEC
Of the three schools connected to fiber, Logolelei school in Malaefoou has a computer room equipped with 10 computers, 11 tablets, and a video projector. While this situation seems satisfactory, the teacher of a combined CM1 CM2 class must schedule rotations to ensure all students have access to the computers.
We have to divide our class time so that everyone can rotate through the computer workshops. If we all use the computers at once, there wouldn’t be enough. I have 23 students, and I have to work in shifts.
Sanele Lakalaka, Teacher
The situation might be improved if the internet connection was more stable. “When using the internet, you can’t use more than four computers, otherwise, it slows down and crashes,” confides the teacher.
The establishment of a digital workspace and the implementation of Pronote, a grade management software, are part of ongoing efforts to maintain monitoring and provide better educational support for students.
Reporting by Lotana Moefana and Olivia Garrett.
Wallis and Futuna Embraces Digital Learning: 20 Million Pacific Francs Boost for Schools
The territory of Wallis and Futuna is taking a giant leap towards a digitally empowered future, with schools at the forefront of this transformation. A recent grant of 20 million Pacific francs from Europe to the Department of Catholic Education (DEC) is aimed at strengthening digital skills among students, signifying a commitment to bridging the digital divide and ensuring students are equipped for the 21st century.
A Collaborative Effort: Schools, Government, and the DEC
A collaborative meeting involving territorial authorities, the Catholic School Management, and the Postal and Telecommunications Service highlighted the shared vision for the digital strategy in primary schools. This collective effort underscores the crucial role every stakeholder plays in achieving the goals of digital transformation in education.
Investing in Digital Infrastructure
The key focus areas include:
- **Digital workspace:** This aims to create an environment that fosters digital learning and collaboration.
- **Improved connectivity:** With the goal of extending fiber optic internet access to all schools, the territory is working to ensure reliable and high-speed connectivity for all students.
- **Implementing Pronote:** This grade management software will enhance monitoring and educational support for students.
The European grant specifically targets strengthening digital skills and accelerating the adoption of digital tools to enhance student success. This investment reflects the acknowledgement that digital literacy is essential for young people’s future success in an increasingly digital world.
Practical Examples: Logolelei School
The Logolelei school in Malaefoou serves as an example of the progress being made. Equipped with a computer room, 10 computers, 11 tablets, and a video projector, the school is able to offer students access to digital learning resources. However, the teacher of a combined CM1 CM2 class faces the challenge of managing limited resources for 23 students.
“We have to share our class so that everyone can rotate through the workshops and use the computers. If we all come for the computers, there won’t be enough. I have 23 students, I have to work in rotating workshops.”
– Sanele Lakalaka, Teacher
Challenges and Opportunities
The school’s experience highlights the need for further investments to ensure equitable access to digital tools. The teacher’s observation regarding internet connectivity is a key concern:
“When using the internet, you cannot use more than 4 computers, beyond that, it slows down and crashes.”
– Sanele Lakalaka, Teacher
Despite the challenges, the progress made in schools like Logolelei represents a positive step towards achieving the goals of the digital strategy. With the continued commitment of the authorities and the support of funding partners, Wallis and Futuna is poised to empower its students with the digital skills necessary for a brighter future.
| School Connected to Fiber | Number of Computers | Number of Tablets | Video Projector |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logolelei | 10 | 11 | Yes |
This concerted effort to build a strong digital foundation for education is crucial to preparing students for the future, fostering innovation, and bridging the digital divide in Wallis and Futuna. The journey toward a digitally empowered educational landscape is already underway, and the future looks promising.
Reporting by Lotana Moefana and Olivia Garrett.
