Intel Expands Scope of Education Initiatives in Arab Countries

April 9, 2008 | 09:40

Companies: #intel

Intel Expands Scope of Education Initiatives in Arab Countries

Education Efforts Announced by Intel Chairman Aligned with Government Strategy to Accelerate ICT Development in Arab World

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, April 8, 2008 – Marking his fourth visit to the United Arab Emirates, Intel Corporation Chairman Craig Barrett unveiled new education initiatives dedicated to improving teaching and learning in the Arab world through the effective use of technology.

Launched with the support of the UAE Ministry of Education, the initiatives include collaboration with the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation to expand the Intel® Teach program across Arab countries, and a volunteer program with INJAZ al-Arab to help educate Arab youth.

Working with local governments and Ministries of Education, Sheikh Muhammed's foundation and Intel plan to train more than 2 million Arab teachers by 2011.Training will occur throughout Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, UAE and Yemen. The program aims at developing Arab talent and improving education in the region.

"Every young person deserves a chance at the kind of education that helps them prepare for competing in our 21st century knowledge-based economy," Barrett said. "We think teacher training is a significant start. This is a prime example of the potential of public-private partnerships in changing the lives of people, particularly through the adoption of technology."

Established in 2007, Sheikh Mohammed's foundation seeks to build a knowledge-based society in the Arab region by improving education, encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship, investing in scientific research and creating new employment opportunities for youth.

The Intel Teach program trains educators on how to integrate computers and other technology into their curriculums to better teach their students. More than 400,000 teachers in the region have already graduated from the program.

Stronger Intel Ties with INJAZ
With strong support of His Excellency Dr. Hanif Hasan, UAE Minister of Education, at the Al Sufouh Secondary School for Girls in Dubai, Barrett announced that Intel is also broadening its relationship with INJAZ al-Arab by pledging to donate a thousand hours of training time. The program will span the region, building on the group's relationship with Intel that began in 2006. INJAZ al-Arab, which works to bring junior achievement to a dozen Arab countries, was established in 2004 with a goal of helping a million Arab youths by 2015. Barrett was joined in the announcement by Dr. Abdulla Al Musbah, Director General of Ministry of Education and His Excellency Sheikh Khaled Bin Zayed, INJAZ UAE chairman and INJAZ al-Arab Vice Chair.

"Instilling a spirit of entrepreneurship at a young age will encourage innovation and economic vitality throughout the Arab world," Barrett said. "By working with INJAZ al-Arab and local governments, we can help students get ready for the challenges of today's global business environment."

Intel's new volunteer program with INJAZ al-Arab grew out of discussions that Barrett had with INJAZ representatives at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland in January.

During his tour of Al Sufouh School today, Barrett spoke with teachers and students, who told him how they have benefited from the INJAZ al-Arab program since its inception.

Barrett's UAE trip, which includes visits to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, is the second leg of a trip to the region. Barrett visited Saudi Arabia yesterday, and later this week he will visit Kuwait for the first time.

Barrett is traveling throughout the Middle East in his role as chairman of a United Nations panel on technology, and on behalf of the Intel World Ahead Program. Intel's US$1 billion, five-year initiative strives to improve education, healthcare, entrepreneurship and government services by accelerating access to computers, connectivity and localized Internet content.

Additional information is available at www.intel.com/changingtheworld and www.intel.com/intel/worldahead.

Intel, the world's largest chip maker, is also a leading manufacturer of computer, networking and communications products. Additional information about Intel is available at www.intel.com/pressroom.
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