Bridgeit is a global initiative that aims to make a significant contribution to the quality of learning and teaching in underserved schools and communities worldwide. By leveraging existing information and communications technologies in innovative ways, Bridgeit is a cost-effective approach to closing the ever-widening education gap that continues to restrict social and economic progress in developing countries. Developed through a unique multi-sector collaboration between Nokia, International Youth Foundation, Pearson, and United Nations Development Programme, the initiative ensures disadvantaged schools will have access, often for the first time, to cutting-edge learning materials through mobile technology.

Bridgeit makes possible the delivery of curriculum-appropriate learning materials through easily available mobile and other communications technologies. At its heart, Bridgeit puts advanced digital communications in the service of education – with a particular focus on positively impacting underserved youth and their communities.

Bridgeit enhances the quality of learning in the classroom by:

• Delivering easy-to-use media-rich learning materials that support local curriculum objectives in a cost-effective way
• Providing teachers with the classroom management training they need to make effective and creative use of these materials
• Combining high-quality service and technology support with standards-based lesson plans

Diverse and multi-language educational content can now be delivered through the Bridgeit solution, opening a new and versatile way for local education providers to distribute their materials.

Pilot Launched in the Philippines
In May 2004, a pilot project -- called text2teach -- was launched in the Philippines. Today, more than 14,000 Filipino students in 39 schools are benefiting from the program. The program equips 5th and 6th grade science teachers with content-rich educational resources, including up to 120 science videos. Triggered through the use of a mobile phone, the selected video is downloaded via satellite to a digital video recorder connected to a television set in the classroom. The teacher plays the video – which may focus on subjects such as space, ecology, geology or human anatomy -- as part of the text2teach lesson plan. Teachers also benefit from training in effective teaching skills and instructional strategies. The new learning materials support national curriculum objectives.

A Unique Collaboration
Bridgeit is a collaborative effort that brings together global partners from the public, civil society, and private sectors, as well as a rich array of local partners:

• Nokia, world leader in mobile communications, serves as the catalyst for the program, shaping the vision and coordinating program delivery. Nokia also plays a critical role in testing and implementing the technology.
• Pearson, the international media company, works with local in-country educators to assist in the development of educational content and materials.
• International Youth Foundation (IYF), which supports youth development programs in nearly 60 countries and territories, brings its global experience in teacher training and overall project management.
• United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) applies its expertise in documenting lessons learned and best practices to facilitate replication of the initiative both nationally and globally.

The text2teach pilot project in the Philippines integrates the efforts of these four global organizations with national and local leadership. Among them:

• Ayala Foundation plays the lead coordinating role.
• Philippines Department of Education defines the curriculum-based objectives of the program.
• Southeast Asian Ministries of Education Organization (SEAMEO-INNOTECH) acts as the primary local training coordinator and project manager.

Learn about our other initiatives that focus on Education