22 new Instant Network Schools open their doors in Egypt

Education is a fundamental human right, yet nearly half of the world’s 12.4 million school-aged refugee children are missing out. In Egypt alone, over 1 million refugees and asylum-seekers are registered with UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency. Around 40% of them are children aged 0-17.

As Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees, recently stated: “Ensuring that refugees can learn is vital to their futures, and to ours”. We know that education empowers refugees to rebuild their lives, contribute to their communities, and shape a more inclusive and resilient future for all.

This October, Vodafone Foundation and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, proudly mark a major milestone in our mission to transform refugee education - the launch of 22 new Instant Network Schools (INS) across Egypt.

These new schools bring our total in the country to 70, connecting thousands more refugee and host community students and teachers to quality digital education. It takes Vodafone Foundation and UNHCR one step closer to reaching 500,000 students by 2026.

An innovative ‘school in box’, the kit includes tablets, a projector, speaker, laptop, pre-loaded curriculum in local languages, and internet connectivity for the classroom. It’s all powered by solar power.

Since 2013, INS has grown into a network of over 130 schools in six countries, reaching over 382,000 students and 6,800 teachers. Egypt is now poised to become the largest Instant Network Schools hub in Africa.

New teachers have all been trained on the kit, and each school will be supported by an INS coach, who plays a vital role in mentoring teachers, maintaining the kit and keeping the classroom running. This model not only builds local capacity but also strengthens the sustainability of the programme.

Lisa Felton, Director of Vodafone Foundation said: “With 22 new schools now open in Egypt, we’re accelerating towards our goal of reaching half a million students by the end of 2026. This expansion is a testament to what’s possible when technology meets purpose, and we connect for good. We’re proud to support refugee education in Egypt and beyond.”

Shirin Pakfar, Head of Private Partnerships and Philanthropy at UNHCR, noted: “Access to education opens the door to a brighter and more prosperous future for young refugees, their families, and the communities that host them. Through our partnership with Vodafone Foundation, more forcibly displaced people living in Egypt now have the opportunity to pursue education, unlock their potential, and take meaningful steps to realize their dreams”.

Shahdan Arram, Head of Vodafone Foundation Egypt said: “The Vodafone Egypt Foundation is driven by a profound conviction that digital education is the engine of sustainable development. Our partnership with the UNHCR reflects a shared vision to deliver connected learning, break down barriers, and ensure digital inclusion for students across Egypt.

“Since launching the Instant Network Schools (INS) program in 2021, we’ve covered public schools in Giza, Alexandria, and Damietta. This year we are implementing the program in Al Sharqia — expanding our network significantly with 22 new INS hubs, bringing the total to 70 schools across four governorates.

“This growth establishes Egypt as the largest Instant Network Schools hub in Africa, empowering nearly half a million beneficiaries with quality digital learning and essential skills to thrive in the global digital era”.