There are 125 million children worldwide who still do not receive any formal education. Providing better access to education in developing countries and improving the quality of the education currently on offer is therefore imperative. ICT can help in two ways: by helping teachers and pupils tap into the wealth of information resources available through the Internet, and by providing teachers with basic IT training to ensure that they have the appropriate skills to access, use and create new educational resources. Teachers and students participating in IICD-supported projects have indicated that the use of e-mail and the Internet, even more than telephone services, has directly enhanced the quality of education in rural areas.

The Internet not only provides better access to teaching materials but also enhances cultural awareness by allowing communication with peers in other parts of the country and around the world. The IT industry is expanding globally and if today’s learners can grasp the long-term opportunities that this expansion affords them they will be better placed to design and implement their own sustainable education solutions in future.

IICD projects within the education sector emphasise ICT in the teaching and learning processes. This includes teaching materials, school administration, and the ability of teachers and students to use ICT in the classroom. The focus is on primary and secondary school teachers, and secondary school children. Introducing ICT into the classroom has many benefits. If children are aware of, and can use, ICT learning materials and resources it enhances their future education and professional opportunities. Within IICD, education is the second most active sector with 29 projects.