UNICEF supports digital empowerment in schools, benefiting both Ukrainian refugee and Romanian child
UNICEF's dedicated support to digital skills shines through at Ferdinand School in Constanta, where HP laptops have transformed learning experiences for Romanian and Ukrainian refugee children.
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At Ferdinand School in Constanta, there is positive energy in the air, paired with the clattering of little fingers on keyboards and the soft hum of excitement. With UNICEF support, the school recently welcomed new HP laptops, transforming the learning experience for both Romanian and Ukrainian refugee children studying in Constanța. HP Inc. donated these laptops to UNICEF, through the Theirworld's Global Business Coalition for Education, to support the emergency response to the Ukrainian refugee crisis in Romania. While during the initial stages of the crisis, the distribution of HP laptops was largely directed to learning centers hosting Ukrainian refugee children with a view to restore learning continuity in refugee children newly arrived in Romania, the donations have recently been extended to schools as well, in order to support their progressive integration in Romanian schools and foster supportive and quality learning environments benefiting both Romanian and refugee children.
For years, the school had struggled with outdated computers, insufficient in number, forcing students to share and compromising their learning experience. For Ana Petroșan, a dedicated computer science professor, the arrival of these laptops marked a turning point, with the school now being in a capacity to operate a fully operational computer lab.
"I was really excited by this support from UNICEF because we had old computers, and they were not enough. Children often had to work in groups, which was frustrating. Now, every child can work on a laptop, and it's fantastic. The new laptops are tailored to our needs, allowing us to use a variety of apps.” explained Ana Petroșan.
The new HP laptops allowed each child to work individually, fostering a more engaging and efficient learning environment. The impact of this donation has transformed the way students learn. Ana explains, "I have Ukrainian children attending IT classes, and they work seamlessly with their Romanian peers. They communicate in English, improving their language skills. The laptops' menu is also in English, which aids their language learning. These computers have opened doors for all of our students, sparking their interest in various IT fields."
Ana shared also an insightful moment from her classroom, emphasizing the profound importance of informatics in today's world. She recounted, "Once, one of my students asked me 'Why do I need informatics in my life?'. And I explained to him that our world is becoming digitalized more and more, day by day. Almost at every job, you need the computer to send an email, to write a document, to make some estimations, to finish a report. A public administrator, a doctor, a waiter, everybody is using a computer at work." Her words echo a universal truth: digital literacy is not just a skill; it's an essential life tool.
Carmen Fulina, a teacher at the same school, has taken it upon herself to ensure her 4th-grade students are well-prepared for the digital age. She introduced an optional course called "The Little IT Specialist," which covers the basics of IT, from computer operation to digital writing and presentations.
"I want to prepare these children for the future because next year they will need to be able to write essays and do presentations. Some parents lack the time or expertise to teach these skills at home, so this class is a vital resource. The new HP laptops have made our work much more efficient.", adds the teacher.
Carmen's dedication shines as she talks about the progress her students have made. "These new laptops are a game-changer. The children are enthusiastic about their IT class. Every child now brings a memory stick to save their projects. Our goal is to efficiently use the IT class each week and have all students improve their digital skills by the end of the school year."
Beyond the technological advancements, the school in Constanța has welcomed Ukrainian children, providing them with the necessary support to enhance their inclusion into the school environment. Carmen reflects on the challenges these children face: "As an adult, it's difficult to leave everything behind and start a new life in a foreign land. For a child, it's even more challenging, as they lose their stability, friends, relatives, and familiar places. Starting school in a new country with a language barrier is another challenge. However, our school's doors are open to every child."
Sofia, a 10-year-old 4th grader, shared her enthusiasm about the new laptops: "I like these new laptops because they are much better than our old computers. I've learned how to write on them, create sheets, and even make infographics that look like little pies. I didn't know how to underline words or align text before, but now I can do it. These IT classes are helping me become better at typing, and I'm proud of my progress."
Vicențiu, another 10-year-old student, expresses his delight with the IT classes. "We've been working with Word and Excel. I don't know if I'll pursue a career in IT, as my dream is to become a veterinarian. Still, I'm happy to learn more at school, and I enjoy making infographics and tables."
As Sofia and Vicențiu begin developing their skills and knowledge on the new laptops, they are not just students; this is opening new opportunities for them and many other children, and shaping a future where every child, regardless of their background, can dream, learn, and achieve.
UNICEF's support has also reached schools in the heart of Bucharest, providing invaluable resources like the HP laptops that have transformed classrooms into hubs of digital innovation for Ukrainian and Romanian children. Among these bright young learners is Valerya, a resilient 13-year-old from Odessa, whose life took a turn due to the conflict in Ukraine. Speaking about her journey, Valerya shared, "I arrived in Romania in March last year. When I arrived here, it was a big change for me, because I didn’t know the language, but step by step, I got used to my new life. People here are kind, and I made new friends."
Despite the initial challenges of adapting to a new language and culture, Valerya found solace in her studies and passions. She expressed her gratitude, especially for the support she received from her teachers and classmates. "My teachers and my classmates here in Romania are very nice to me," she says.
"I like to paint, and write texts, and I love coding! I like to create games and build small sites. Till now we have been working on tablets during our IT classes, but I think the new HP laptops will give us more flexibility to do real programming and develop our digital skills better,” continues Valerya.
Through this initiative, UNICEF has fostered an environment where every child feels valued and included. In the digital realm, borders fade away, and connections are formed. Through the tireless efforts of dedicated teachers, children are not just learning IT skills, they are learning the essence of unity, acceptance, and the boundless possibilities that education can bring.
