Challenges and Lessons from the ProFuturo Digital Education Project in Liberia: A Case Study in Digital Integration

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Proposal

The ProFuturo Digital Education Project, initiated by Save the Children International Liberia, aimed to enhance educational opportunities for disadvantaged children through digital tools. Launched globally by Telefónica Foundation and "La Caixa" Foundation in 2016, ProFuturo sought to improve learning outcomes, teaching methods, and student engagement in vulnerable communities.

Liberia’s education system faces significant challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, a lack of trained teachers, and limited access to quality education, particularly in rural areas. The ProFuturo project aimed to address these issues by integrating digital tools into the classroom. However, the project struggled with significant challenges, including inconsistent electricity supply, limited technical support, and varying levels of digital literacy among teachers and students. These barriers, combined with low achievement of project targets, led to the decision not to continue the project past the pilot phase. Additionally, risks such as community support issues, high rates of equipment damage, and rising fuel costs were beyond the project’s capacity to manage effectively.

The ProFuturo Digital Education Project utilized a variety of digital tools to support literacy development among students in Liberia. The project provided tablets, laptops, and other digital equipment to 60 schools, aiming to benefit over 16,000 students and 240 educators. Teachers received training on the Learning Management System (LMS) platform, lesson planning, and innovative teaching methods, which were intended to integrate digital tools into the curriculum. Teachers reported increased confidence in using digital platforms, and students demonstrated enthusiasm and adaptability in engaging with the technology.

However, the implementation faced significant obstacles. Schools struggled with maintaining digital equipment due to unreliable electricity and insufficient technical support. The overheating and damage of tablets, alongside the lack of local repair options, further impeded progress. Teachers also found it difficult to integrate technology into their classrooms without continuous support from coaches. Student participation was lower than expected, largely due to limited access to the digital tools during class time. These challenges hindered the project’s ability to achieve its literacy improvement goals.

The project highlighted critical lessons for future initiatives. Firstly, the importance of infrastructure—reliable electricity and technical support—is crucial for the success of digital education projects. Future efforts should ensure these elements are in place before implementation. Secondly, ongoing teacher support and training are vital. While initial training was provided, continuous professional development and accessible technical assistance are necessary for teachers to effectively use digital tools in their classrooms. Community engagement also emerged as a key factor. Future projects should prioritize building strong relationships with communities to ensure long-term sustainability. Lastly, the project underscored the need for adaptive risk management. Addressing challenges like rising fuel costs and equipment maintenance requires flexible strategies that can be adjusted as conditions change.
While the ProFuturo Digital Education Project faced significant challenges and was not continued, the lessons learned offer valuable insights for future digital education initiatives in Liberia and similar contexts. Ensuring robust infrastructure, providing continuous support, engaging communities effectively, and adopting flexible risk management strategies will be critical for the success of future projects.

Authors

• Wesley Chuku Massaquoi, Save the Children

• Dina Lisiarivelo Rakotomalala, Save the Children US

• Julia Taladay, Save the Children US