The joint digital initiative will provide access to technology to
develop the knowledge and skills necessary for the 21st century
workplace for students, teachers and communities within the next five
years.
The programme seeks to raise the level of computer
literacy in developing communities and help teachers foster a culture
of innovation among students.
According to Mohammed Al Gergawi,
UAE Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs and Chairman of the Executive
Office in Dubai Government: "Dubai Cares seeks to be a forerunner of
knowledge, dispelling the darkness of ignorance by giving needy
children in poor countries hope for their future and opportunities to
break the cycle of poverty. Only through education can they assume
their rightful position as positive contributors to society."
"This
partnership with Dubai Cares grows out of our belief that the public
and private sectors must work together to foster economic growth," said
Bill Gates. "We look forward to working with Dubai Cares."
Abu Dhabi and Microsoft
to boost infotech co-operation
General
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and
Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, yesterday met
Microsoft
Chairman Bill Gates.
During
the meeting in Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohammed hoped Gates' presence in the
UAE would present an opportunity to exchange points of view and to
identify means of co-operation as well as boost relations between
Microsoft
and the Abu Dhabi Government and the private sector.
The
two sides reviewed the growth witnessed by the emirate under the
leadership of the President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al
Nahyan, Ruler of Abu Dhabi. The country aims to achieve sustainable
development and to consolidate the UAE's and Abu Dhabi's position
through the employment of modern technology to help the government
update its services.
Microsoft
's contribution through various scientific, educational and training initiatives was praised by Sheikh Mohammed.
He
expressed hope the initiatives would narrow the digital and scientific
gap between countries of the world and secure alternatives that would
close the divide between advanced and poor countries.
Bill
Gates praised the UAE Government's efforts to establish a solid base
and provide an environment to support the information technology sector
in the region.
He welcomed the conclusion of bilateral
partnerships and alliances to boost the contribution of the IT sector
to the development of the UAE.
Microsoft
to give $235m for school project
Microsoft
will give $235.5 million (Dh864.3m) to fund its Partners in Learning project for another five years.
The
scheme provides schools and teachers with resources and training to
help students reach their full potential. Arab countries that have
benefited include Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt and Qatar.
The announcement of the extra funding was made in Abu Dhabi yesterday at the Government Leaders Forum Arabia 2008.
Microsoft
launched the project in 2003 as part its Unlimited Potential vision to
build greater social and economic opportunity worldwide through
technology. It has already helped more than 90 million people in 101
countries. The renewal of the commitment over the next five years
brings the software giant's total 10-year investment in Partners in
Learning to nearly $500m.
"
Microsoft
has always believed that education is the cornerstone of opportunity
and that investing in education is the best way to help young people
achieve their potential," said
Microsoft
Chairman Bill Gates.
"Partners in Learning is one of the ways
Microsoft
works with governments and schools around the world to help teachers
use technology in the classroom to make learning exciting and
relevant."
Microsoft
hopes that by 2015 it will reach out to a billion people who are not yet benefiting from technology.
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