Teachers becoming digital learning champions with the Learning Passport in São Tomé and Príncipe

As we celebrate World Teachers’ Day, it is important to highlight initiatives that empower educators and improve learning environments. In the Autonomous Region of Príncipe, the Learning Passport is one of the key drivers of this change, equipping teachers with the skills to embrace digital tools and create engaging, locally relevant content that meets the needs of their students. 

In 2022, the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science of São Tomé and Príncipe adopted the Learning Passport STP as part of the National Program for Digital Learning.

In this article, we recognize the pivotal role that teachers, supervisors, school leaders, and other local educators played in the successful rollout of the Learning Passport in the Autonomous Region of Príncipe. Indeed, despite the island’s remote location, 200 and 300 km from both São Tomé and the African mainland, respectively, and its small population of 8,000 inhabitants spread across 142km², all 10 schools on the island have embraced the program and are now among its most enthusiastic supporters.

From the start, UNICEF recognized the importance of empowering educators with digital skills. The program was delivered through a comprehensive, in-person, three-module training, delivered throughout the school year. Digital learning focal points were also designated in schools to support teachers, students, and school management, promoting collaboration and the sharing of best practices across the education community.

“I loved this experience because it augmented my knowledge and motivation. Today children learn to do many things with a device in their hands and this Program [National Program for Digital Learning] has brought that to them, learning while having fun. The platform will also help them to access content more quickly, with just one click, and that's brilliant!” Bento Sousa (1st grade teacher)

Aligned with UNESCO’s Digital Literacy Global Framework, teachers began with foundational digital literacy training, learning basic device operations, and gradually progressed towards more complex topics such as how to use the Learning Passport platform effectively for teaching, and how to create engaging content relevant to the local context.

For many teachers, this was their first experience creating pedagogical content using digital tools, marking a significant step in their professional growth. They developed a variety of resources and exercises, tailored to different subjects and levels, from primary to secondary, using tools like WordWall, Mentimeter, Kahoot, and Microsoft 365. After undergoing a rigorous validation process to ensure alignment with the São Tomean curriculum and the learning gaps identified at the national level, the content would then be uploaded and made available to all Learning Passport STP users!

The adoption of digital devices and the ability for teachers to create their own course materials not only made learning more engaging for students, but also empowered teachers to innovate and respond to their unique classroom challenges.

“It's been a great experience being part of this wonderful team, because I'm learning and passing on knowledge. Our students today find it easier to study with the content already created in a ludic form, which will motivate them even more in teaching and learning in Sao Tome and Principe.” Joylson Gil (Preparatory school teacher) 

At the end of the school year, teachers were awarded certificates in recognition of their role in driving educational innovation. Their testimonials highlighted the transformative impact this training had, not only on students and the education system but also on their own professional development. Many have since become leaders and advocates for digital learning in their schools, inspiring both colleagues and students alike.

“It's a very enriching, positive, differentiated experience, but above all, it will create a new reality in education on the island of Principe. The importance of having the content published in the Learning Passport STP is that it gives students the opportunity to reinforce their knowledge and skills in a practical, fun, and engaging way.” Cremilda Brito (Science teacher)