Google, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has launched the Google for Education Schoolers (GES) initiative, a free, mobile-first artificial intelligence (AI) training programme for teachers. Announced at the Education World Forum 2026 in London, the programme aims to empower school and higher education educators to responsibly integrate AI tools in their classrooms. The first phase of the initiative will roll out across five Indian states and Union Territories, offering localized training in six regional languages.
Overview of the Google for Education Schoolers Programme
The Google for Education Schoolers (GES) initiative is designed to address the growing need for digital literacy among educators. It provides free, mobile-first training on the responsible application of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools, such as Gemini, in classrooms. By offering a mobile-friendly learning experience, the programme ensures that teachers can access training modules on their smartphones, eliminating the need for expensive computer infrastructure.
The programme was officially announced at the Education World Forum (EWF) 2026 in London, which is the world’s largest annual gathering of education ministers. The forum serves as a critical platform for discussing educational policy and technological integration. Through this programme, Google aims to equip educators with the skills needed to create interactive lesson plans, design assessments, and personalize student learning experiences while maintaining strict safety standards.
Key Implementation Details and Regional Reach in India
In its initial phase, the programme is rolling out through strategic partnerships with local state administrations. The implementation partners include the state governments of Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Assam, and the Union Territory of Ladakh, along with the Punjab School Education Board (PSEB). These collaborations help integrate the training program directly into the existing public education framework.
To facilitate inclusive learning, Google is offering the course in six Indian languages during the first year of its launch. This localization addresses regional language disparities, allowing educators to learn in their preferred medium.
| State / Union Territory | Localized Languages Offered | Implementing Agencies |
|---|---|---|
| Maharashtra | Marathi, Hindi | State Education Department |
| Chhattisgarh | Hindi | State Education Department, SCERT |
| Assam | Assamese, Hindi | State Education Department, SCERT |
| Punjab | Punjabi, Hindi | Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) |
| Ladakh | Hindi | UT Administration, Local SCERT |
| Other Regions (e.g. Telangana/Andhra, Odisha) | Telugu, Odia | Department of School Education |
Strategic Three-Year Global Partnership with UNICEF
The launch of the teacher training programme coincides with a broader, first-of-its-kind global partnership. Google, Google for Education, and the company’s philanthropic arm Google.org have entered into a three-year partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). This initiative aims to address the global digital divide and enhance foundational literacy and numeracy.
The collaboration will target four developing nations, namely India, Brazil, Pakistan, and Kenya. By leveraging Google’s AI capabilities, the partnership seeks to integrate advanced learning tools, such as Gemini, NotebookLM, and ReadAlong, into regional school curricula to improve learning outcomes for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), originally established on December 11, 1946, by the United Nations General Assembly, is headquartered in New York City, United States. Under the leadership of Executive Director Catherine Russell, the agency works globally to defend children’s rights and support their education and development.
Alignment with India’s National Education Policy 2020
The introduction of the GES programme aligns with the core directives of India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The policy highlights the integration of technology in education, emphasizing that teachers must be trained in emerging areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science. By offering structured AI training, the initiative directly supports these pedagogical goals.
Under the framework of NEP 2020, which was drafted by a committee chaired by Dr. K. Kasturirangan, teachers are encouraged to undergo at least 50 hours of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) annually. This free AI program helps educators meet these professional development targets while preparing them to navigate modern, tech-enabled classrooms.
Key Takeaways
- Google for Education Schoolers (GES) is a free, mobile-first artificial intelligence (AI) training programme launched for school and higher education teachers.
- The programme was announced at the Education World Forum 2026 in London, in collaboration with UNICEF.
- During its initial phase, the initiative will be implemented in partnership with the governments of Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Assam, the Union Territory of Ladakh, and the Punjab School Education Board (PSEB).
- In its first year, the training programme will be accessible in six regional Indian languages, namely Assamese, Hindi, Marathi, Telugu, Odia, and Punjabi.
- The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) was established on December 11, 1946, and is headquartered in New York City, United States.
- The initiative aligns with India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which was drafted under a committee chaired by Dr. K. Kasturirangan.
