BRIDGING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE ACROSS PNG
Papua New Guinea is facing a significant digital divide due to the lack of infrastructure, poor connectivity, and limited access to digital technology in remote and rural areas. This digital divide hinders economic development, limits access to education and healthcare, and weakens the country's ability to compete in the global digital economy. Addressing the digital divide is crucial to promoting social and economic inclusion in Papua New Guinea.
Since 2017, our Digital Infrastructure Program has installed 141 ground-breaking digital classrooms in Papua New Guinean primary schools with a further 160 scheduled for completion in 2023. These are the first of their kind anywhere across the 3,500 primary schools in Papua New Guinea and benefit approximately 95,000 students and teachers, 90% of whom have never used a computer in their lives.
Beyond 15 desktop computers and operating software, the standard program output also includes an originally developed Digital Skills Passport, which provides vital digital competency training material for teachers. Partnering with Niunet PNG, we also provide an unique offline Internet experience which offers beneficiaries access to 2.7 million pieces of educational content in a safe, curated learning environment, where once only a shelf of outdated books was available for students.
A quality education can only be digital in today’s world and by installing a new computer lab every 48 hours, LiteHaus International is filling a critical resource gap in Papua New Guinea’s education sector.
'Lab-In-A-Box'
The digital world belongs to everyone and we cannot leave anyone behind. But what about the students whose schools do not have electricity or even a classroom. Our recent innovation, Lab-In-A-Box, is portable digital classroom solution for any conditions.
This is the digital world, anywhere for everyone.
INSIDE A DIGITAL CLASSROOM
THE FIRST TOUCH
Our research shows that 85% of students across PNG have never used a computer before they enter a LiteHaus International digital classroom.
Their digital learning journey begins with discussions about the possibilities of the tools that sit beneath their fingertips. Before long students and teachers are taken through the fundamentals of digital competency.
HONING DIGITAL SKILLS
Every computer we install comes with a lifetime subscription to the wonders of Niunet, a PNG-built e-library which holds over 2.7 million educational articles, including the entire off Wikipedia.
This student here in Western Highlands Province is working on mastering the keyboard through our Digital Skills Passport, developed in partnership with iamglobalcitizen.
LEARNING TOGETHER
Our program in PNG is delivered entirely by locals who appreciate that infrastructure does not guarantee impact. We assist schools with training, technical support and replacing devices three years post-installation.
We are constantly looking for new teaching and learning content to share on the computers, taking suggestions from our partner schools.