Sustainable Development through Digitalization: The Story of Education Transformation in BiH

Digitalization: A Path to Sustainable Development

Digitalization plays a crucial role in achieving the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (SDGs). It is a powerful driver that improves education, creates job opportunities, enhances resource management, and supports sustainability. 
Jens Elsner, Program Director of GIZ's "Sustainable Economic Development and Employment Promotion in Bosnia and Herzegovina" program, explains:

"Digitalization is not just a technological tool but a key opportunity for transformation, enabling more efficient, responsible, and sustainable development cooperation. Through value-driven digital transition, together with our partners, we are supporting and shaping solutions that address challenges and unlock the potential of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s economy in today’s digital world."

Transforming Education through Digital Innovations

"Schools across the region are increasingly adopting digital tools to streamline administrative tasks, yielding substantial improvements. One such example comes from Haris Bunjo, Administrative and Financial Officer at JU Srednja stručna škola 'Džemal Bijedić,' who shared how their new scheduling software cut the time for creating schedules from days to just hours, significantly boosting efficiency and transparency for all stakeholders."

"With this software, we can complete the schedule in just a few hours, and all changes are instantly accessible to all users via a mobile app. Furthermore, when the Pedagogical Institute requests our school’s schedule, there’s no need to print and send documents. We simply share a link to the digital schedule, greatly reducing costs and saving time. This process is not only faster but also much more efficient and transparent for everyone involved."

Digital solutions have not only simplified administrative processes but have also enhanced communication between schools and relevant institutions, enabling faster responses to change and reducing bureaucratic obstacles.

Empowering Teachers: The Key to Digital Transformation

Technology alone cannot bring about change without trained and empowered teachers. To meet this challenge, GIZ invests significant resources in training teachers and professional staff, ensuring they have the knowledge and tools to effectively use digital solutions.

During a series of training sessions organized by GIZ, educators acquire practical skills such as creating interactive tasks for learning management systems, using artificial intelligence to develop teaching materials, and producing educational videos. These skills can be immediately applied in teaching, creating dynamic and engaging learning environments.

According to Slobodanka Malešević, a vocational subject teacher specializing in mechanical engineering at the Technical School in Gradiška, her work has been significantly enhanced by the skills she acquired during training. She particularly emphasizes that by using AI (Artificial Intelligence) tools, she can create content more quickly and efficiently, allowing each student to progress at their own pace.

"Interactive tasks further boost student motivation thanks to this new approach to teaching. Creating video materials has enriched my work even more, as visual content helps vocational school students better understand complex topics and apply theoretical knowledge in practice. Moreover, video materials serve as permanent resources that students can revisit at any time, especially when they find certain parts of the teaching material unclear. This type of resource is especially important for students who are often unable to attend school due to health reasons," explains Slobodanka, adding that this approach fosters critical thinking, creativity, and independence, and that students enthusiastically embrace this way of learning.

The training sessions also focused on innovative, student-centered pedagogical approaches, ensuring that digital tools are fully integrated into teaching methods rather than remaining unused.

Digital Tools for a Greener Future

In addition to improving education, digital transformation contributes to environmental conservation by reducing paper use and waste. Schools that have implemented digital tools, such as digital class schedules and online learning platforms, report a significant reduction in the need for printing, directly contributing to environmental protection.
More than 75% of schools using digital schedules report improvements in teaching organization and increased productivity. Examples such as JU Srednja stručna škola "Džemal Bijedić" in Goražde and the Technical School in Gradiška show how digital tools enhance efficiency and empower both teachers and students.

Building a Sustainable Future

By integrating digital and green solutions, GIZ is modernizing the education system and connecting it to the economy, laying the foundations for a sustainable future in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This holistic approach allows schools to operate more efficiently while providing students and teachers with the tools needed to succeed in the digital world.

The message is clear: digital transformation is not just a trend; it is the cornerstone of shaping a better future for education. In an era where technology drives progress, integrating digital solutions into the education system is essential for equipping students and teachers with the skills and tools they need to thrive. GIZ, through its collaboration with local and international stakeholders, highlights how digital innovations in education can create lasting, positive impacts on society, preparing future generations for the demands of the global economy and ensuring a sustainable future for all.