Empowering Refugee Teachers through Technology: Insights from the Instant Network Schools and ProFuturo Programmes 

• In Event: Qualified Teaching Workforce - Opportunities and Challenges for Applying Edtech Solutions in Low-resource Settings

Proposal

Refugee teachers play a crucial role in ensuring that refugees and forcibly displaced learners have access to equitable, high-quality education, even as educational technology increasingly becomes a tool for delivering this education to all. However, refugee teachers face critical challenges, such as the need for continuous professional development, adequate compensation, recognition of their credentials, and access to mentorship and support.  This presentation examines the impact of technology training for refugee teachers, with a focus on the UNHCR and Vodafone Foundation’s Instant Network Schools programme, as well as the UNHCR and ProFuturo initiatives. These programmes aim to close the digital divide in refugee education by offering comprehensive training, digital resources, and connectivity solutions. The Instant Network Schools programme integrates technology into classrooms by providing solar-powered connectivity, tablets with online/offline content, and specialized training for teachers. Similarly, the ProFuturo programme enhances digital literacy among refugee educators, equipping them with the skills needed to use technology for improved teaching outcomes. Key insights from these programmes emphasize the importance of context-specific training, ongoing support, content aligned with national curricula, and the integration of digital tools with traditional teaching methods. The presentation will also address challenges such as maintaining teacher engagement and ensuring the relevance of the training, while sharing success stories that illustrate how technology can improve educational access and quality for refugee students. 

Authors

• Seun B Adebayo, UNHCR

• Albane Coeurquetin, Vodafone Foundation