Yesterday, the "Centre des Formations et des Rencontres Nationales" in Rabat was buzzing with excitement as the winners of the 5th edition of the inwi Challenge were announced. The event, jointly presided over by Houssine Kodad, Inspector General of the Ministry of National Education, Preschool, and Sports, and Mohammed Benmahjoub, CEO of inwi, brought together educators, students, and stakeholders to celebrate innovation and creativity in Moroccan schools.

One of the standout features of the inwi Challenge is its innovative use of Minecraft Education, a platform that transforms traditional learning into an interactive and engaging experience. This year’s competition saw students from primary schools, middle school, and high schools showcase exceptional creativity and problem-solving skills, all while working within the virtual world of Minecraft.

As a journalist attending the event, I was amazed by the ingenuity displayed by the participants. Using Minecraft’s open-ended design tools and collaborative gameplay, students created complex projects that reflected their understanding of real-world challenges and their ability to think critically. From designing sustainable cities to solving environmental problems, the projects demonstrated not only technical skill but also a deep understanding of teamwork, creativity, and innovation.

The inwi Challenge, launched in 2021, is more than just a competition; it’s a transformative educational initiative that aims to empower Moroccan students and teachers through technology. This year’s edition showcased the remarkable achievements of students using Minecraft Education as a tool to foster creativity and problem-solving.

Through this platform, students were encouraged to think outside the box, approach challenges collaboratively, and develop solutions that were both imaginative and practical. For many participants, this was their first experience using digital tools in such a meaningful way, and the results were nothing short of extraordinary.

Since its inception, the inwi Challenge has grown exponentially, reaching thousands of teachers and students. This year alone, 440 teachers across 399 schools organized 1,504 workshops, totaling 2,250 hours of training. In total, since 2021, 1,308 teachers from 1,029 schools have been trained, impacting over 110,000 students nationwide.

These numbers are not just statistics; they represent lives transformed. Teachers are gaining the tools to integrate technology into their classrooms, and students are developing critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity—skills that will prepare them for the future. The use of Minecraft Education has been a cornerstone of this transformation, proving that learning through play can be both effective and enjoyable.

The program aligns perfectly with the Ministry of Education’s 2022-2026 roadmap, which emphasizes the integration of information and communication technologies as a key driver for transforming learning practices. By combining play-based learning with the national curriculum, the inwi Challenge provides students with an engaging platform to build knowledge while fostering inclusivity and equity in digital education.

During his speech, Houssine Kodad highlighted the importance of such initiatives: "The integration of technology in education is not just a trend; it’s a necessity. Programs like the inwi Challenge are paving the way for a future where every child has access to quality education and the tools to succeed."

The highlight of the ceremony was the award presentation to the winning schools. Cheers and applause filled the room as the names of the winners were announced:

Primary Schools:

1st place: École Oued Chiaf – Oued Ed-Dahab
2nd place: Ecole S.S. Mohammed Abdou – Berkane
3rd place: Ecole Laqsir – El Hajeb
Colleges:

1st place: Établissement d'épanouissement pour l'éducation et la formation – Taounate
2nd place: Collège Ibn Battouta – M'Diq-Fnideq
3rd place: Lycée Collégial Mokhtar Soussi – Tata
High Schools:

1st place: Lycée Al Bouhtori – Agadir-Ida-Ou-Tanane
2nd place: Lycée Moulay Ali Cherif – Midelt
3rd place: Collège Ibn Al Mounassif – Meknès

The joy on the faces of the students and teachers was palpable. Many of them took the stage to share their experiences, describing how the program had helped them think differently and work collaboratively.

As I mingled with attendees, I heard countless stories of transformation. One teacher from Berkane shared how the program had changed her approach to teaching: "Before, technology seemed intimidating. Now, I use it to inspire my students every day. The inwi Challenge has given us the confidence to innovate."

Students, too, were eager to talk about their experiences. A young winner from Agadir explained how Minecraft Education had taught him to solve problems creatively: "It’s not just a game; it’s a tool that helps us learn and grow. We had to think critically about every step, collaborate with our teammates, and ensure our project solved real-world issues."

As the curtains closed on yesterday’s ceremony, one question lingered: What’s next for the inwi Challenge? With its growing impact, the program is likely to expand further, reaching even more schools and students. Will it spark a nationwide movement for digital transformation in education? Only time will tell.

For now, the winners will enjoy their vacation, proud of their achievements and ready to inspire others.