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| Friday, 24 October 2003 |
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IBM invests over $ 40 million on IT education by Hanna Jackiewicz Over 40 million dollars have been invested in addition to 50 IBM Young Explorers computers to education centres in an effort to "Regain Sri Lanka." IBM's involvement has provided employment to 46,000 last year, totalling 316,000 employees under IBM in Sri Lanka. IBM donated a "KidSmart" computer to each of the 30 New Model Primary Schools of the Ministry of Education, totalling 50 donated by IBM. Launch of the New Primary School Project last Monday, attended by chief guest, Minister of Human Resource Development, Education and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Karunasena Kodituwakku, who said that they have already selected 50 schools covering all the districts in the island as a Pilot Project and that he hopes "to extend the program up to 400 schools considering the success of the Pilot Project." Dr. Kodituwakku said that "IBM will be training the teachers in the use of the software and the English language." This KidSmart Early Learning Program will be available to at least 3,000 students attending these schools, with a Young Explorer Early Learning Centre by Little Tykes designed for young children in the form of a play station. Kavan Ratnayaka IBM Country Manager said. It was the best KidSmart program in the region by teaching them with substance, and not rhetoric."Ratnayaka said that "IBM holds corporate citizenship in Sri Lanka, locally, regionally, and globally." He said that IBM's recent involvement with the Ministry of Education, "resolve societal problems." He hopes that future educational developments, even within the next 2 or 3 weeks could be a good "investment in the future," as he discussed projects in allegiance with the Colombo Planetarium and Museum. In addition to computers, IBM donated Edmark Software which Dr. Kodituwakku said will be a teaching aid for primary students from grade 1 to 5. The KidSmart Launch 2003 was introduced on Monday, October 20 at the Galadari Hotel, also attended by the Head of Economic and Commercial Affairs from the US Embassy, Dean R. Thompson, and Senior Partner PriceWaterhouse Coopers Deva Rodrigo. Deva Rodrigo, Senior partner, Price Waterhouse Coopers, said that many graduates are unable to find employment. Dean Thompson, Head of Economic and Commercial Affairs- Embassy of the USA, said that it's not only giving computers, software, and tools, but giving kids the ability to adapt to changing world realities, by becoming interactive. globalizing and information technology. In total, contribution is 50 units. There will be decent employment. There will be quality human resources, provided through technology. We have limited Resources, though if we have help from the corporate sector, ADB, and Banks, he said. |
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