Learning from the Extremes: digital inclusion for rural and remote schools

"‘Learning from the Extremes’ equips schools in rural and remote communities with the necessary infrastructure to create highly connected classrooms."

Dr. Sofoklis Sotiriou, Head of Research and Development at the Greek-German School of Athens.

Spanning 120 schools across 10 European countries, the initiative has demonstrated transformative results over 18 months.

For rural communities, schools are not just educational institutions but hubs of social and cultural activity. Recognising this, the initiative fosters open learning environments, integrating high-quality digital resources and innovative tools like robotic telescopes, virtual museum visits, and training for parents and local stakeholders.

"Good connectivity is essential to allowing rural students the same opportunities as those offered in urban schools. Access to high-speed internet allows rural schools to pursue ambitious projects and unlock new learning opportunities."

Cristina Mallo García, International Programmes Coordinator at the pre-primary and primary school, 'Mesón do Vento', located in a rural area in the northwest of Spain.

Dr. Sotiriou underscores the EU's critical role in supporting such initiatives to prevent rural depopulation and encourage the revitalisation of rural and remote areas. By empowering rural schools, ‘Learning from the Extremes’ paves the way for inclusive digital education across Europe.

This video was filmed as part of the European Broadband Competence Offices (BCO) Network’s work to raise awareness of EU support for high-speed broadband deployment and share good practices in broadband projects. Discover more interviews in the BCO Network YouTube playlist and more broadband good practices, news and resources in the BCO Network Library.