Intel seeks to boost IT in Palestinian schools

Dubai: Intel Corporation, Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation and the Ministry of Education in Palestine on Saturday announced an education initiative for Palestinian students.

As part of its support to the effective integration of information and communication technologies inside the classroom, the chipmaker said it will broaden the 'Intel Teach Programme' in Palestine in joint collaboration.

The initiative promotes student-centred approaches and help teachers engage student, with appropriate use of technology for learning, creativity and communication.

"The Intel Teach Programme offers proven professional teacher development for 21st century skills. Thousands of teachers in Palestine will be able to deploy effective solutions to enhance the quality of education," said Lamis Al Alami, Palestine Minister of Education and Higher Education. "We are confident this collaboration will serve our goals of advancing our nation's economic and social development."

The Intel Teach programme provides educators and ministry officials access to professional development training modules, curriculum materials and other resources that support 21st century skills in students and teachers. Intel has already trained a number of senior and master tutors who in turn will train 10,000 teachers in Palestine over the next three years.

"We are strong believers in the potential of youth and strive to support their growth and to empower them with knowledge and education so they can aspire to a brighter future," said Gordon Graylish, Vice President, Sales and Marketing Group and Deputy General Manager, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Intel Corporation.

"Over the last few years, the chipmaker has trained more than six million teachers in over 40 countries spanning cultures, beliefs and background. For Intel, Palestine is not an exception."

The Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation has been providing support to back the Intel Teach Programme in Palestine and the Arab world as part of a four-year strategic partnership announced in 2008.

"Ever since Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation's launch in 2007, we have been led by our leadership's vision to empower a competent and skilled future generation that is capable of facing challenges for achieving sustainable development," said Adel Al Sharid, Vice-Chairman of the Board and Managing Director, The Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation. "Our goal is to enhance the capability of teachers in the Arab World and create inspirational leaders that are equipped to pioneer change in education."

The programme will allow young Palestinian inventors in grades 9-12, through a local competition, to attend the international competition, where more than 1,500 students from more than 50 countries participate in the annual Intel ISEF every year to compete for more than $4 million (Dh14.6 million) in awards and scholarships.