“Bridging Digital Divide in Serbia for the Most Vulnerable Children” project finished

Belgrade, September 26 - The “Bridging Digital Divide in Serbia for the Most Vulnerable Children” project aimed to enhance digital resilience, particularly for vulnerable groups like Roma children through inclusive e-learning, school libraries, has finished. The project was a joint initiative of the Government of the Republic of Serbia, the European Union and UNICEF, with the support of Yettel, and it reflected a broader effort to make education accessible, inclusive, and of higher quality for all children, addressing the challenges exposed by the pandemic of COVID-19. Yettel’s donation included 2,200 internet cards and 310 modems for Internet access for 30 schools in Serbia.

Within the project, Education Technology Libraries (ETL) were established in 30 "at-risk" schools, equipped with IT resources and internet connectivity. Learning Clubs (LC) were implemented to provide additional support, benefitting 1,897 identified students, with a notable positive impact on attendance, success, and motivation.

In the reporting period, the total number of activities realized through learning clubs is 3,151, of which the largest part are supplementary teaching hours in subjects in which identified students need additional learning support as well as other types of support, such as educational workshops, and particularly intensified preparations for the final exam for 8th graders. Over 5,000 students received learning support through these activities.

Tablets, along with internet connectivity, were provided to overcome digital disparities, with 757 tablets loaned to students, including 434 Roma students. Beforehand, students were taught how to use these devices and how to make best use of connectivity and digital learning opportunities. The initiative extended support to 238 pedagogical assistants, offering laptops and training to enhance their digital skills. A comprehensive online training program was developed for over 900 teachers, focusing on pedagogical and digital competencies.