Overcoming Barriers to Digital Higher Education in the Global South: Stories of Amina and Maria

Introduction

Once upon a time, a bright and ambitious young girl named Amina lived in a small village in Nigeria. Despite the challenges of growing up in a rural area, Amina was determined to pursue higher education and become a doctor. However, her dreams seemed impossible due to the limited opportunities in the village. No colleges or universities were nearby, and the only option was to move to a big city, which was too expensive for Amina and her family. One day, Amina heard about digital higher education and its opportunities. She was excited to learn she could access courses and programs from universities worldwide from the comfort of her home. She immediately started to research and discovered online courses in medicine from reputable institutions. However, her excitement was short-lived as she realized that accessing digital higher education was not as easy as she thought. She had limited access to the internet, and her family could not afford a computer or smartphone. Determined not to give up on her dreams, Amina decided to visit the nearest town, an hour away, to access the internet. She would spend hours in internet cafes, trying to complete assignments and watch lectures. This was challenging; she had to balance her studies with household chores and helping her parents with their farm work. Despite the challenges, Amina persisted, and with her community's support, she completed her online courses and earned a degree in medicine. She became the first doctor from her village, and her success inspired many other young people in the community to pursue higher education.

In a small village in Peru, a similar story unfolded in another part of the world. Maria was a bright and ambitious young woman who wanted to study law. However, she faced similar challenges to Amina, as no colleges or universities were nearby.

Maria heard about digital higher education and its opportunities but faced a different challenge. Most of the courses and materials were in Spanish, a language she struggled to understand as she spoke Quechua, an indigenous language. Maria did not give up, however. She reached out to education providers and requested materials and courses in Quechua and was pleased to find that some providers were willing to accommodate her request. She also connected with other students in her community who spoke Spanish and formed a study group, which helped her understand the course materials better. Maria completed her law degree and became the first lawyer from her village. Her success inspired other young people in the community to pursue higher education, and she became a role model for many.

The stories of Amina and Maria highlight the challenges faced by many students in the Global South in accessing digital higher education. Limited technological infrastructure, language barriers, and socio-economic constraints contribute to the difficulty of accessing these opportunities. However, the stories also show that overcoming these challenges and achieving success is possible with determination, perseverance, and support. Education providers, governments, and communities must work together to address these challenges and ensure that digital higher education is accessible to all, regardless of socio-economic background or location.

The impact of digital higher education on the lives of Amina and Maria cannot be overstated. They were able to realize their dreams and become the first professionals in their communities, paving the way for others to follow. Investing in digital higher education can create opportunities for millions of young people in the Global South and help build a brighter future for all.