Brazil's Ministry of Education, UNESCO, and Huawei launch pilot projects in Bahia and Pará, bringing green digital education, solar energy, and technology access to underserved schools.
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| The "Technologically Equipped Open Schools for All" project, launched in Bahia and Pará, aims to modernize Brazilian schools with digital devices, solar energy, and teacher training. Image: Huawei |
São Paulo, Brazil — September 12, 2025:
In a major step forward for digital education in Brazil, the Brazilian Ministry of Education, UNESCO, and Huawei have officially launched the "Technologically Equipped Open Schools for All" pilot projects in the states of Bahia and Pará. The initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance green digital education and ensure that schools in underserved regions gain critical access to modern technological resources.
The collaboration focuses on transforming educational environments by providing schools with advanced interconnection infrastructure, solar energy systems, and digital devices for classrooms. Additionally, teacher training in educational technologies and the introduction of a digital curriculum will empower educators to integrate technology into their teaching practices more effectively.
As part of the project, two teacher training centers will be established in the North and Northeast regions of Brazil, aiming to educate secondary and higher education teachers in green digital education and artificial intelligence. These centers, led by the Laboratory of Creativity and Innovation for Basic Education (LabCrie), are set to be completed by the end of 2025 and will serve as hubs for training over 1,000 teachers and students in cities like Jequié and Breves.
Iuri Rubim, General Director of the Anísio Teixeira Institute within the Ministry of Education of the State of Bahia, emphasized the initiative's transformative potential, stating, "This project is not just about using technology, but about integrating it critically and creatively. It prepares our schools, educators, and students for the challenges of today and tomorrow, fostering sustainability and innovation."
Aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goal 4, which promotes inclusive and equitable education, the Open Schools project is currently in its second phase. Its main objectives include creating resilient education systems, supporting national education policies, and accelerating the digital transformation of the Brazilian education sector. The program also seeks to expand equitable access to digital education, especially in rural and underserved areas.
The digital initiative is designed to make a significant impact on Brazil's public policies surrounding digital education. One of its goals is to develop a national guide on green digital education, which will enhance national platforms, support the construction of sustainable technological infrastructure, and provide AI training for educators across the country.
Rafael Herdy, Technology Coordinator at the Ministry of Education of the State of Pará, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, saying, "This initiative is key to advancing the digitalization of education in Brazil. It acts as a catalyst to prepare society for the digital age and ensure greater equity and innovation in the future."
UNESCO’s involvement in the project underscores the importance of technology in education. Maria Rehder, UNESCO Project Coordinator in Brazil, highlighted that while technology cannot replace teachers, it plays a vital role in fostering a more inclusive and sustainable future. "This initiative represents a step forward in integrating technology into education. We are developing methodologies in green digital education and AI, informed by dialogue with educators," she said.
For Huawei, the project is a natural extension of its ongoing commitment to digital inclusion. Elise Machado, Huawei’s Government Affairs Coordinator in Brazil, stated, "Our aim is to democratize access to technology. This project embodies our belief that digital inclusion begins with education, and by focusing on innovation, sustainability, and human development, we can make a lasting impact on communities in historically underserved regions."
The Open Schools project is not just limited to Brazil. Phase II of the initiative is also underway in Egypt and Thailand, building on the success of Phase I, which ran from 2020 to 2024 in Egypt, Ethiopia, and Ghana. In Egypt, the project reached 950,000 educators, while in Ethiopia, it benefited 12,000 students and 250 teachers across 24 schools.
As the project continues to expand its reach, it is clear that Brazil’s digital transformation efforts are playing a crucial role in ensuring that students and educators in every corner of the country are equipped with the tools and training needed to thrive in the digital age. Through collaboration between governments, international organizations, and tech giants like Huawei, Brazil is making significant strides in creating a more inclusive, innovative, and sustainable education system for all.