Education is Power: Digital Interactive Classrooms
This National Rotary project aims to significantly improve the quality of education in Panama's public schools by integrating digital technologies into teaching practices and providing essential teacher training. The initiative will impact more than 1,500 students per year and train over 300 teachers across 50 schools in the country.
This project was the finalist in the 2023 Rotary’s Project of Scale.
Empowering Panama’s Teachers and Students
This National Rotary project led by the Rotary Club of Panama Norte aims to significantly improve the quality of education in Panama’s public schools by integrating digital technologies into teaching practices and providing essential teacher training.
This Rotary-led initiative, supported by a consortium of local clubs, seeks to bridge the digital divide and prepare students for the 21st-century workforce. With an estimated budget of $400,000, the project will impact more than 1,500 students per year and train over 300 teachers across 50 schools in the country.
The Digital Technologies in Public Education project represents a significant step towards improving Panama’s public education system, bridging the digital divide, and empowering teachers and students with the tools and skills they need to succeed in the 21st century.
Recognitions and Media Coverage
2023 Programs of Scale 1st Finalist
In the 2023 grant application cycle, The Rotary Foundation’s Programs of Scale recognized our project as a first finalist. This prestigious award is designed to scale high-impact, evidence-based programs led by Rotary members, underlining the effectiveness and potential of our initiative.
Featured in Rotary Magazine
This transformative educational project was also spotlighted in the September 2023 issue of Rotary Magazine. This feature story delves into the Rotary Club of Panamá Norte’s efforts to revolutionize Panama’s education system. It highlights our project’s focus on bridging the digital divide, enhancing teacher training, and implementing digital classrooms throughout the country, marking a significant milestone in Panama’s educational transformation.
Objective
Enhance teaching and learning experiences in Panama’s public education system by providing digital resources, equipment, and training to teachers and students. This will help reduce educational disparities, promote digital literacy, and equip the students with the necessary skills for thriving in the modern world.
Project Goals and Impact
- Implementing digital interactive classrooms in primary public schools across Panama.
- Training teachers and students in digital competencies and innovative teaching methodologies.
- Fostering an interactive and collaborative learning environment.
- Improving access to technology and reducing educational disparities.
Budget and Funding
- Funding is primarily allocated for equipment, teacher training, project management, and infrastructure development.
Budget
| # | Description | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Components for 8 interactive classrooms in the provinces | 187,500 |
| 2 | Mobile classrooms for 15 schools | 37,500 |
| 3 | Includes power supply where needed | 10,100 |
| 4 | Training teachers and technical support on digital competencies,… | 110,110 |
| 5 | Project manager for 4 years | 43,200 |
| 6 | Ensure presence in the social reds, public local media | 5,000 |
| 7 | Plaque to identified the digital classrooms and labels to add… | 2,250 |
| 8 | Additional supplies that might be required for installations… | 1,500 |
| 9 | Follow up of project activities, evaluation of outcomes | 7,240 |
| Total budget | 404,400 |
25% already funded
Join us in reaching our goal to transform Panama's education with digital tech and teacher training.
Funding (to date)
| Item | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| DDF (District Designated Fund) contributions | 47,000 |
| Cash contributions | 19,000 |
| Subtotal Financed (Matched Contributions + World Fund) | 103,600 |
| Total Financed | 103,600 |
Where will the project take place?
80% of provinces in Panamá:
- Colón
- Panamá Oeste
- Coclé
- Veraguas
- Herrera
- Los Santos
- Chiriqui
- Panamá
When will the project start and finish?
2024-07-01 to 2028-06-30
Partners
This project is made possible through the efforts of our partners including:
- Rotary clubs
- Ministry of Education
- Technological University of Panama - UTP
- International Institute of Neuroscience
For more detailed information about this project, including specific strategies for implementation, technological requirements, and collaboration opportunities, please visit Digital Interactive Classrooms in Panama, a Rotary led initiative.
