YMCA, a global youth organization, and HP, a leading technology company, are thrilled to announce a groundbreaking project in Moldova aimed at fostering digitalization and equity among young people. This strategic alliance, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), marks the inception of HP IDEA (Innovation and Digital Education Academy) joined by YMCA Moldova.
In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, ensuring equitable access to technology and digital skills is paramount for empowering youth worldwide. Recognizing this need, YMCA and HP are joining forces to bridge the existing digital divide and harness the power of technology in advancing education, innovation, and opportunities for young people, particularly in underprivileged communities.
As the education landscape goes through a paradigm shift all over the world, there is a need for teachers to become leaders equipped with tools, skills, and forward-thinking strategies to enable digital transformation. Through blended learning taking center stage, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) initiatives in practice, teachers need immediate support in championing the change.
A one-year pathway with weekly learning sessions for a select cadre of innovative practitioners and instructional leaders, HP Innovation and Digital Education Academy offers educators in Moldova the opportunity to create digital capabilities based on educational frameworks from leading global universities, Harvard Graduate School of Education and University of Michigan. The program is mapped against and delivers on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
YMCA Moldova’s involvement reaffirms the global reach and impact of this partnership, demonstrating a shared commitment to driving positive social change through digitalization. Their development of Educational Digital Hubs across the country reached out and supported over 250,000 beneficiaries across Moldova in 2023, 6,320 of them being Ukrainian refugees.
During the implementation of the hubs across Moldova, this national YMCA reached an impressive number of 320 key institutions (refugee centers, schools, youth centers, local NGOs, libraries, and cultural centers), working in a close and sustainable partnership with local authorities.
Commenting on the partnership, Juan Simoes Iglesias, Secretary General at YMCA Europe, stated: “We are excited to embark on this transformative journey with HP, leveraging technology to unlock new opportunities and empower youth across Moldova and beyond. Together, we will strive to build a more inclusive and digitally-enabled future for all.“
Having already launched the program in 21 countries across EMEA and Central Asia, Mayank Dhingra, HP’s Senior education business leader, added: “At HP, we believe in the power of technology to drive meaningful change and create better learning outcomes for communities around the globe. With the support from YMCA, HP IDEA will enable educators in Moldova to acquire the right skills to take advantage of blended and digital learning solutions.“
The cooperation between YMCA and HP marks a significant milestone in advancing digital inclusion and empowerment, setting the stage for impactful initiatives that will shape the future of youth education and opportunities globally.
About YMCA:
YMCA Europe is a Federation that serves 36 national YMCAs throughout Europe. Collectively there are more than 3,200 local YMCAs, involving approximately 9,000 members of staff, more than 95,000 volunteers and impacting over 2,000,000 beneficiaries. YMCA Europe`s mission is to empower young people and communities to build a just, sustainable and inclusive Europe, where every person can thrive in body, mind and spirit.
About HP IDEA:
HP IDEA is a part of HP’s commitment to accelerate digital equity for 150 million people by 2030. The program has been launched in 21 other countries across the Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia: the UAE, Egypt, Oman, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kazakhstan, Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, and Rwanda. For more information on the HP Innovation and Digital Education Academy, please click here.