British Firms Launch Regional Computerization Plan for African Schools

Tuesday, February 28, 2006

(from http://en.chinabroadcast.cn/706/2006/02/28/167@55882.htm)

The Barclays Bank and a British- based computer firm, Digital Link Monday unveiled plans to boost the ongoing New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) electronic learning in secondary schools in East Africa.

The new initiative launched in Nairobi, will spearhead the rollout of computer laboratories in schools across Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania to boost plans to churn out well-qualified students to add up to Africa’s growing demand for specialized labor force. Dominic Bruynseels, the Barclays Bank Chief Executive Officer for Africa, told reporters in Nairobi, the initiative, part of the Bank’s social responsibility projects, would help in propelling education in Africa forward by bridging the digital divide.

“I personally never knew about computers until I was a banker but now we are determined to bridge the digital divide,” he said during the launch of the new partnership with the British-based company, which is soliciting used computers for the project.

The British charity says it is committed to providing high quality, low cost technology across Africa by soliciting donations of used computers from British companies, professionally refurbishing them and distributing them to schools.

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Source: crienglish.com (link opens in a new window)