BMW Group and UNICEF Forge Pathways for 330,000 Young Learners

BMW Group and UNICEF Partnership Overview

Munich. On World Education Day, 24 January, the BMW Group and UNICEF announced the success of their global collaboration. In just two years, the initiative “BRIDGE. Educating young people for tomorrow, today” has reached approximately 330,000 children and young people across 2,900 schools in India, Thailand, Brazil, Mexico, and South Africa—countries where BMW operates production facilities. Over 10,000 teachers have benefited from specialised training in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).

Educational Programmes Tailored to Local Needs

BRIDGE’s educational programmes are specifically designed for each country, addressing local requirements. Currently, around 2.7 million children and young people are indirectly benefiting from the high-quality educational opportunities and structural improvements to their education systems. The influence of BRIDGE extends beyond classrooms, positively impacting families, communities, and entire regions.

Collaborative Efforts for Future Opportunities

Ilka Horstmeier, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, highlighted the importance of collaboration: “Our partnership with UNICEF showcases what can be achieved when strong partners unite. In a complex world, real change requires collective effort. This collaboration provides children and young people worldwide with genuine educational opportunities and a chance for a better future.”

Empowering Youth Through Long-Term Collaboration

Georg Graf Waldersee, Chairman of the Board of UNICEF Germany, emphasised the significance of empowering young people: “They are vital for success in any society. By investing in them, we are ensuring a sustainable future for all. This partnership exemplifies how long-term collaborations between UNICEF and businesses can facilitate smoother pathways to employment for youth globally.”

Addressing Educational Gaps in STEM

STEM expertise is crucial for technological innovation and economic growth. However, access to relevant education remains limited in many regions, exacerbating skills shortages. The BRIDGE programme aims to close these gaps by equipping children and young people with essential knowledge for the digital workforce of tomorrow.

Regional Initiatives Focused on Disadvantaged Groups

The programme content has been developed in close collaboration with educational authorities in the five participating countries, focusing on specific regional needs. A strong emphasis is placed on supporting disadvantaged children and young people, particularly girls:

Mexico: Promotes gender-responsive STEM education, targeting girls in rural and disadvantaged communities.
Brazil: Combines STEM education with life project counselling to reduce school drop-out rates and enhance online learning access.
Thailand: Aims to improve STEM education quality and provide individual support for disadvantaged youth.
India: Focuses on enhancing basic literacy and numeracy while expanding practice-oriented STEM courses and Maker Spaces.
South Africa: Equips disadvantaged schools with technology and integrates coding and robotics into the curriculum to prepare youth for the digital economy.

Long-Term Commitment to Educational Impact

The BMW Group is dedicated to establishing long-term partnerships with clear objectives. The BRIDGE programme is set to run for at least seven years, until 2030. Together with UNICEF, the BMW Group aims to build upon the achievements thus far and create enduring educational opportunities for children and young people worldwide.

* UNICEF does not endorse any company, brand, product or service.