Intel is boosting its Teach programme in sub-Saharan Africa to improve teachers' computer literacy skills.
This is according to Videsha Proothveerajh, Intel SA country manager. “Intel's Teach programme provides 21st-century skills focused on teachers and students where we enable teachers to integrate technology into the lessons of their classroom.”
Proothveerajh believes the solution to bridging the digital divide in schools requires more than simply rolling out computer donations.
She explains that corporates need to take a holistic approach, not only providing computer literacy skills to students from the ground up, but also addressing computer literacy skills with teachers.
Proothveerajh emphasises the importance of transferring skills at a grassroots level: “We have trained 210 000 teachers in sub-Saharan Africa and 130 000 teachers in SA. The Department of Education has really embraced these programmes and is willing to go the mile to get these teachers trained. The way we educate learners needs to be changed.”
Intel has signed up partners Mustek, Dell and Acer to manufacture PCs for the classroom.
“We are also working closely with local telco providers to enable connectivity to rural schools. In addition, we are working with our partners to provide curriculum and digital content to go onto that PC,” notes Proothveerajh. “Intel is communicating with the Department of Communications and Department of Education to provide technology to under serviced schools.”
According to Proothveerajh, Intel has invested over $8 billion towards improving education in 70 countries. In addition, Intel has trained over seven million teachers worldwide.
The Intel World Ahead Programme has also rolled out over 200 active programmes, with the aim of educating communities and stimulating economies. According to the company, the initiative has four pillars.
The first strategic focus is to make technology more affordable and available. Intel is also working with telecommunications providers to bring broadband connectivity to all parts of the world.
In addition, it supports programmes to supply technology and training to teachers, students and parents. Intel says it's also active in providing technology to healthcare services and supporting the development of local content and applications.
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