Scholars’ Voices: An Inclusive Education in a Post-Covid Era

Scholars and alumni have powerful stories of resilience and impact. We want to hear their stories, listen to what is important to them and their communities, and support their ideas to help create positive change. At the 2022 Baobab Summit in Kigali, Rwanda, we asked Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Alumni to share their thoughts on topics where they are focusing their attention. Here Alumni Victorine Vondee tells us what her country, Ghana, needs for education in a post-Covid era. 

Before the COVID-19 Pandemic, conventional education was mainly acquired within a classroom’s walls in Ghana. Our schools provided a conducive environment for learning and socializing among peers. The disruption by the pandemic, however, drastically changed the way learning resources were accessed. Families, particularly in impoverished areas, fell deeper into the poverty gap as food security and healthcare were the top priorities before education.

According to UNICEF, 9,253,063 learners were affected between the pre-primary and secondary education levels in Ghana, having to adapt to a system different from what they knew. The education system’s shift to online learning exposed a large digital divide among students as not all had access to electricity, smartphones, laptops, or computers.

As we look to the future, a more inclusive education post-COVID is greatly dependent on the actions of governments, community leaders, telecommunication industries, and students themselves.

Telecommunication industries should provide internet education data packages or discounted prices for students, especially in rural areas so educational resources can be accessed irrespective of their geographical location. These packages need to be resistant to inflation, as well. The quality of internet services also needs to be improved as this could be a roadblock to a more seamless learning experience in urban areas. Low-quality internet increases frustrations and demotivates vulnerable students.

Accessible training on how to use technology will ensure that teachers, students, and volunteers can utilize these critical tools effectively and efficiently. Learning materials should be packaged to utilize little or no bandwidth consumption for offline learning.

We all have a role to play in making education accessible and inclusive in a post-pandemic world. Edtech is now transforming and accelerating innovation in education and hybrid models of learning and remote learning are now being fully embraced for educational equity to be achieved.

Read more of the highlights from the 2022 Baobab Summit.

Read more Scholars’ Voices

About Victorine:

Victorine Vondee is a Presbyterian University College graduate, author, and entrepreneur. Victorine was a panellist on our Scholars@10 Virtual Event Reflections on a Decade of Impact. Watch the full event here.