Intelsat and Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative Join Forces to Transform Education in East Africa
In a landmark partnership aimed at bridging the digital divide, Intelsat, a global leader in integrated satellite and terrestrial networks, has announced a collaboration with the Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative (WPDI) to expand access to education in conflict-affected regions of South Sudan and Uganda. This groundbreaking initiative will leverage satellite-powered connectivity to equip WPDI’s Community Learning Centers with high-speed internet, enabling thousands of young people in underserved areas to access quality online education. For communities where traditional infrastructure has been compromised or is nonexistent, this partnership represents a lifeline to knowledge, opportunity, and hope.
Bridging the Digital Divide Through Satellite Connectivity
Over the course of the three-year partnership, Intelsat will provide equipment, managed connectivity services, installation, and ongoing technical support to 10 Community Learning Centers—seven in South Sudan and three in Uganda. These centers serve as critical hubs for education and community development, offering programs that empower youth to overcome the challenges posed by violence, political unrest, and economic instability. By delivering reliable internet access to these remote locations, Intelsat is helping create digital bridges that connect young learners to a world of educational resources and opportunities.
“Education is the foundation for peace,” said Forest Whitaker, Academy Award-winning actor and founder of WPDI. “At WPDI, we use technology as a conduit to opportunity—bringing knowledge to young people whose lives have been upended by violence and political unrest. With the right tools, youths can reclaim their futures to become powerful agents of peace in their communities.”
The initiative comes at a pivotal moment, as digital inequality continues to widen globally. According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), only 19% of people in the least developed nations, such as South Sudan and Uganda, use the internet. In conflict-affected areas, these numbers are even lower, leaving countless young people without access to the education and skills needed to thrive in today’s digital economy. By addressing this gap, Intelsat and WPDI are not only providing learning opportunities but also fostering resilience and empowerment among vulnerable populations.
Empowering Youth Through Technology and Education
The satellite-powered connectivity will enable WPDI to significantly enhance its educational offerings, introducing access to digital resources, online courses, and virtual exchange programs that were previously out of reach in these remote regions. Students will gain critical digital literacy skills alongside WPDI’s established curriculum in conflict resolution, entrepreneurship, and community development. These programs are designed to equip young people with the tools they need to become leaders and changemakers in their communities.
For example, graduates of WPDI’s programs have already demonstrated the transformative impact of education. One notable success story is Benson Lugwar, a former child soldier from Uganda who went on to become an elected official and radio host. Stories like Benson’s illustrate the potential of education to break cycles of violence and poverty, empowering individuals to drive positive change.
“At Intelsat, we are great believers in the power of connectivity to promote education and sustainable development around the world,” said Dave Wajsgras, CEO of Intelsat. “Forest Whitaker and WPDI’s efforts represent exactly the kind of transformative work that satellite communications can enable. We’re proud to support WPDI’s efforts to bring young people together, close the digital divide, and create pathways to prosperity in communities that need it most.”
A Lifeline for Conflict-Affected Communities
The partnership addresses a pressing need in regions where decades of conflict have left infrastructure in disrepair and limited access to essential services, including education. Traditional internet infrastructure, such as fiber-optic cables, is often impractical or unavailable in these areas. Satellite connectivity offers a reliable and scalable solution, bypassing the limitations of terrestrial networks to deliver high-speed internet even in the most remote locations.
This initiative will not only benefit students but also strengthen the broader community. Teachers and local leaders will have access to training and resources that enhance their ability to support young learners. Additionally, the centers will serve as hubs for community engagement, fostering dialogue and collaboration on issues such as peacebuilding, economic development, and social cohesion.
Expanding Horizons for Young Learners
By integrating satellite-powered connectivity into WPDI’s Community Learning Centers, the partnership opens new horizons for young people in South Sudan and Uganda. Students will be able to participate in virtual classrooms, access e-books and multimedia content, and connect with peers and mentors from around the world. These experiences will broaden their perspectives, inspire creativity, and prepare them for future careers in an increasingly interconnected global economy.
Moreover, the initiative aligns with broader efforts to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4: Quality Education, and Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. By leveraging cutting-edge technology to address systemic challenges, Intelsat and WPDI are contributing to a more equitable and sustainable future.
Paving the Way for Sustainable Development
The collaboration between Intelsat and WPDI underscores the transformative potential of public-private partnerships in addressing global challenges. By combining WPDI’s expertise in peacebuilding and education with Intelsat’s technological capabilities, the initiative demonstrates how innovation can be harnessed to create meaningful change in some of the world’s most vulnerable communities.
As the partnership unfolds, its impact will extend far beyond the initial 10 learning centers. By empowering young people with education and digital skills, Intelsat and WPDI are laying the groundwork for long-term social and economic development. Graduates of the program will not only improve their own lives but also contribute to building stronger, more resilient communities.
About WPDI
The Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative (WPDI) is a non-governmental organization with an international scope and reach, committed to fostering peace and resilience by disseminating skills and promoting climate-sensitive and sustainable development in countries and places affected by violence, poverty, environmental disruption, and marginalization. In Africa, Europe, as well as Latin and North America, WPDI develops a wide range of programs aimed at training and supporting underprivileged individuals and groups, with a particular focus on youth and women, enabling them to become empowered as mediators, educators, entrepreneurs, and leaders, fostering positive transformation within their communities and beyond. To achieve its objectives, WPDI works with the communities to design and implement integrated programs in the four areas of Peacebuilding, Livelihood, Health and Well-being, and Sports. WPDI was founded in 2012 by the artist, social activist, and UNESCO Special Envoy for Peace, Forest Whitaker. www.wpdi.org
About Intelsat
Intelsat’s global team of professionals is focused on providing seamless and secure, satellite-based communications to government, NGO and commercial customers through the company’s next-generation worldwide network and managed services. Bridging the digital divide by operating one of the world’s largest and most advanced satellite fleet and connectivity infrastructures, Intelsat enables people and their tools to speak over oceans, see across continents and listen through the skies to communicate, cooperate and coexist. Since its founding six decades ago, the company has been synonymous with satellite-industry “firsts” in service to its customers and the planet. Leaning on a legacy of innovation and focusing on addressing a new generation of challenges Intelsat team members now have their sights on the “next firsts” in space as they disrupt the field and lead in the digital transformation of the industry.
