Education standards are being revolutionised all over the world. In Pakistan, however, there is still a dire need of improvement in teaching methodologies, revamping of general curricula and the use of technology in classrooms.

Telenor Pakistan aims to address this issue with their initiative I-Champ.

I-Champ was first launched by Telenor in 2014 in an effort to equip under-privileged students from far flung areas in Pakistan with the basic knowledge of mobile and data technologies. I-Champ runs on the idea of finding a local 'Internet Champion' who is ready for the digital tomorrow. The champion sets a standard for nearby communities to help improve their lives and further promote talent in local neighbourhoods.

In 2017, Telenor collaborated with Free Basics by Facebook, through which students can get free access to an online information portal with 17 websites if they are using Telenor’s data connection. This collaboration encouraged access to information banks without additional costs to further encourage growth and learning.

So far, the Telenor I-Champ programme has journeyed to 1,800 schools across the country, educating and training over 630,000 students on using mobile technology for learning beyond classrooms, and honing 61,380 change makers in the selected communities.

The programme has since received resounding success nationwide, particularly by students, teachers and parents.

Assessment and nationwide competitions

To assess students on the training provided, I-Champ also ran a competition for these students last year where they were provided with smartphones powered with Telenor 4G data to help them complete assigned tasks.

According to Telenor, the concept of I-Champ is deep rooted into creating a progressive society — a society that is well aware, digitally-educated and has access to knowledge that can help them transform their lives and let them progress towards a better tomorrow.

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