By Buba Gagigo
The Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology (MoHERST), in collaboration with the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MoBSE) and its partners, has officially launched The Gambia’s Virtual Reality (VR) Pilot Program.
This initiative is designed to introduce immersive learning experiences into classrooms, providing both students and teachers with advanced digital tools to enhance engagement, comprehension, and hands-on learning. With VR technology, students can explore complex scientific concepts, relive historical events, and participate in interactive lessons that bridge the gap between theory and practice.
Speaking at the launch, Higher Education Minister Prof. Pierre Gomez emphasized the significance of this program in transforming the country’s education system.“This initiative marks a pivotal moment in our journey towards a modern, technology-driven education system, ensuring that our students and educators are equipped with the tools and skills necessary to thrive in the digital era.
Prof. Gomez highlighted that the VR Pilot Project is being implemented in partnership with Avantis Education UK. He described it as a groundbreaking step toward revolutionizing education in The Gambia, allowing students to engage with real-world simulations that foster deeper understanding and critical thinking.
As part of the initiative, the Ministry also launched a training workshop titled “Use of Emerging Educational Technologies (EdTech) for Effective Teaching & Quality of Education.” With support from ICESCO, MoBSE, and the University of Education, the workshop aims to equip Gambian educators with the skills needed to integrate EdTech into their teaching practices.“Equally important is the training workshop we are launching today, titled “Use of Emerging Educational Technologies (EdTech) for Effective Teaching & Quality of Education.” With the generous support of ICESCO, the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MoBSE), and the University of Education, this workshop is designed to empower Gambian educators with the knowledge and skills to integrate EdTech into their teaching practices effectively,” he said.
He further noted that the initiative aligns with the government’s broader vision of leveraging digital solutions to enhance learning outcomes, increase teacher capacity, and improve the overall quality of education in The Gambia. The training will cover various aspects of digital literacy, learning management systems, online collaboration tools, and the application of Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR) in education.
“This initiative aligns seamlessly with our broader vision of leveraging digital solutions to enhance learning outcomes, increase teacher capacity, and ultimately improve the quality of education in The Gambia. Through interactive modules covering digital literacy, learning management systems, online collaboration tools, and the use of Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR) in education, we are equipping educators with practical skills that will directly impact their classrooms,” the Minister said.