Alice Chambers |
Microsoft has joined the ‘Windows for Tomorrow’ initiative in Brazil to help empower students and teachers in public schools across Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo and Espírito Santo through technology.
Microsoft will train teachers with the skills they need to interact digitally with students. The training will focus on topics related to gamification and experimentation with low code/no code, based on the creative use of Minecraft.
“With the advances in technology in recent years, it is essential that, from an early age, people have the knowledge and resources necessary to deal with new technologies,” said Lucia Rodrigues, philanthropy lead at Microsoft Brazil. “Whether to facilitate learning or to enter the world of work, young people must be familiar with the online environment to develop digital skills and be prepared for opportunities now and in the future. We understand that there is no better environment to start this learning than the school, however, for this to happen, we need teachers to be prepared to work in the classroom with content that usually attracts students' attention, such as Minecraft and programming low code/no code.”
The initiative started in 2021 with the donation of 9,000 computers to 280 public schools from multiple organisations including non-profit organisation Recode. It has supported educators with free technology training such as using Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, as well as basic programming concepts. The partnership with Microsoft aims to further the reach of the programme.
“This coalition for digital empowerment will help strengthen the connection with students, stimulating a new generation of transformation agents, who will be able to multiply knowledge in their neighbourhoods and communities,” said Rodrigo Baggio, CEO and founder of Recode.