IDB Teams Up with Google to Bring Innovation to LatAm Schools

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has teamed up with US tech giant Google to bolster innovation in schools and improve the education system in Latin America through technology.

“We strongly believe that innovation through technology in education can have a significant positive impact, but it has to be correctly and thoughtfully implemented and supported by partners,” said Rodrigo Pimentel, Google for Education’s Latin America Head.

This collaboration allows the IDB to tap into Google’s resources and expertise, while Google will be better equipped to work in hard-to-reach communities and impact education at a regional scale.

“Improving education quality across the region requires that we capture the potential of technology as a tool to increase access and promote engagement between teachers and students,” said Emiliana Vegas, Chief of the Education Division at the IDB.

Google has many tools available to improve the classroom environment. Google Earth, for example, makes it easier to teach geography.

The IDB has involved Google in many of its initiatives. For example, Google is one of four anchor organizations in the IDB’s ConnectAmericas initiative, which is designed to help small- and medium-sized enterprises from the Latin America and Caribbean region expand globally.