Intel assists with education in Africa

“Our educational programs focus on improving teaching and learning through the effective use of technology, advancing math, science, engineering, research and advocating and promoting educational excellence,” explains Ferruh Gurtas, Intels corporate affairs manager for Middle East Turkey and Africa.

Intel claims to currently invest more than US$100 million globally each year towards improving education in over 50 countries. It has assisted governments throughout Africa including Ghana, Nigeria, Rwanda, Morocco, Namibia, Cape Verde, Kenya and as well as working with continental organisations such as the NEPAD's eAfrica Commission.

“One of our most successful projects was implemented in Ghana, where Intel developed and implemented Africa's first WiMAX connected school which was set up with a full eLearning centre, hardware, software, Internet connectivity and teacher training,” says Gurtas. “Most recently we have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Rwandan Ministry of Education with the vision of training 5,000 Rwandan teachers on the effective use of technology in education within the next three years.”

Other projects include the integration of modern ICT technologies into Nigeria's education strategies and the launching of the Intel Teach Program in Morocco, Cape Verde, and Mozambique. Intel's one-on-one education plan is also being implemented in eight countries including Senegal, Angola and Namibia.

Intel is also working with governments in Rwanda, Mozambique, Cape Verde, Ghana, Zambia and Botswana to increase accessibility to technology, mainly through implementing WiMAX solutions and services in these countries.

“Intel is actively involved in education today to create the innovation of tomorrow,” says Gurtas. “We believe that all people and at all levels deserve to have the skills they need to become the next generation of innovators,” he concludes.