Access to a quality education is perhaps the most important factor determining the future of young people everywhere. Yet the vast majority of today’s youth lack the educational opportunities they need to become productive members of society.

BridgeIT is a global initiative implemented through a unique partnership between Nokia, the International Youth Foundation (IYF), Pearson, SEAMO Innotech and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). BridgeIT uses existing information and communications technologies in new ways to help close the education gap.

The BridgeIt concept was launched in 2003 in the Philippines, where many schools lack access to the internet and modern educational resources.

Called Text2Teach, the scheme has reached 204 schools and 900,000 pupils across the Philippines. Text message technology enables teachers and students to request and download educational materials, giving them access to a library of over 900 multimedia educational resources. This includes 480 lesson plans and more than 370 science, math and English videos, giving primary school pupils access to a new educational experience. Nokia supplies mobile phones and monthly prepaid credit to the participating schools.

The University of the Philippines conducted an impact assessment which showed that in participating schools average academic scores have increased significantly and absenteeism has fallen. Nokia has pledged to make the program available to an additional 500 schools, with a donation of P27 000 000 (US$ 665 000) over the next three years. The Government of the Philippines has asked IYF and SEAMEO Innotech to provide Text2Teach content for use throughout the country using satellite delivery.