Cambridge and HP launch EdTech Fellowship

The new Fellowship will bring together leaders to advance digital transformation in education systems across the continent, with the aim of increasing the quality and equity of learning. 

The HP Cambridge Partnership for Education EdTech Fellowship is a seven-month programme that aims to equip senior government officials, advisors and NGO/business leaders with the knowledge and skills to lead impactful EdTech transformations in their education system.

Cambridge, HP and the inaugural cohort of Fellows will work together to overcome common challenges to improving education through technology - from connectivity and devices to the creation of digital content and growing learners' digital skills. 

According to global research partnership, EdTech Hub: "There is a widespread recognition that technology will play an important role in the future of education in Africa, and [COVID-19] provided a 'wakeup call' to grapple seriously with the future". 

The Fellowship, which will be tailored to regional contexts, will be delivered through a residential course in Cambridge, online study and 1:1 executive coaching. Due to start in July 2023, full and 80% scholarships are available. 

The Fellowship is supported by the Digital Education Futures Initiative, Hughes Hall, University of Cambridge and EdTech NGO OpenDevEd.

Jane Mann, Managing Director, Cambridge Partnership for Education, says: "Digital transformation looks different in every country, but this programme will transform how we support one another to realise its potential".

In uncertain times, it is more important than ever to help leaders use EdTech effectively to build more resilient education systems. 

Cambridge is already working across Sub-Saharan Africa, including in Rwanda, to support an investigation into a scalable e-learning programme in support of teachers' understanding of play-based learning. 

"At HP we believe that digital equity in education is crucial for the exercise of human rights and can only be achieved when every person has gained equitable and inclusive access to skills and knowledge, services and opportunities," says Mayank Dhingra, Senior Education Business Leader, Southern Europe, Middle East and Africa at HP. 

The COVID-19 pandemic illuminated the extent of the challenges of digital access and literacy around the world that have always existed - and will continue to exist and grow if we do not work together to find solutions.

Find out more: edtechfellowship.deficambridge.org