Intel expands World Ahead Programme with extra 100 Classmate PCs

Intel Sri Lanka together with the Ministry of Education has recently signed an Addendum for the donation of an additional 100 Classmate PCs to the World Ahead Programme.

This Addendum is a continuation of the Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2008 for the donation of 500 PCs to be set up across the country with Internet access, digital content, and other activities.

Through this Programme, Intel works to implement an effective eLearning environment that prepares students for success in a changing world. The Intel World Ahead Programme delivers education resources in the forms of technology. Through Intel initiatives such as the “World Ahead Programme”, the Company aims to contribute to quality education, enlarge access and connectivity by communities, and develop content for knowledge building as it gears individuals for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.

“We strive to empower our youth through the use of ICT resources together with education reform to policies and Programmes.

This, in turn, will advance the economic and social development of communities,” Intel Sri Lanka Country Business Manager Indika De Zoysa said.

Ministry of Education Additional Secretary Anura Dissanayake who supports Intel Education initiatives said: “The work Intel does with the government and policy makers to add quality to education is well appreciated.  Our schools and its students benefit greatly by these initiatives and empower these students to face the world of technology with confidence.” As an ongoing commitment, Intel Sri Lanka has been supporting the education of youth across the country through empowerment of technology and ICT.

When President Mahinda Rajapaksa came into Office, one of his first mandates was the e-Sri Lanka programme which is to educate youth across the island in ICT.

The President then made a direct request to Intel Corporation Chairman Dr. Craig Barrett who expressed the shared interest and signed up with the ‘skoool e-learning programme’, which is currently available in English and Sinhala. Intel’s ‘skoool Programme’, initiated in 2007, offers teachers and students e-learning tools and resources that are designed to be more engaging and improve the learning process. The availability of making these resources available in Sinhalese, in addition to the existing English version, will enable the empowerment of more students in Sri Lanka.  An excerpt from the Minister of Education Bandula Gunawardana states, “The insight gained through these Programmes will enable these teachers and their students to improve their level of knowledge. These Programmes have been tried and tested across the world and will go a long way in enhancing our students’ level of knowledge in the fields of mathematics, science and technology.

I have no doubt that these students here stand to benefit from this website as it provides various tools that will eventually make them better learners in due course.” Intel, the world leader in silicon innovation, develops technologies, products and initiatives to continually advance the way in how people work and live.