[LCM Articles] Training and technology centre in Qana

[Marc Haddad]

http://www.arabianbusiness.com/index.php?option=com_pressreleases&view=detail&pr_id=3777&Itemid=77

The Professional Computer Association of Lebanon, Intel, MercyCorps, IESC,
Microsoft, CISCO, CA and UNDP launch training and technology centre in Qana,
Lebanon
Posted on Monday, 26 March 2007

Industry Sector IT
Country Lebanon
Client(s)Intel Corporation | CA

Press Release Content

Under the auspices of Ms. Najat Rushdie, Project Manager at the United Nations
Development Program (UNDP-ICTDAR), the PCA ICT Academy, a development project
co-funded by the PCA, Intel, CA and others announced the opening of its fifth
training and PICTA technology centre in the Qana Al-Jalil Center in Qana. The
center was inaugurated in collaboration with a group of international
companies, including Intel, MercyCorps, IESC, Cisco, Microsoft, UNDP and CA as
well as government entities and NGOs.

The launch of this fifth center of the PICTA Academy project is part of a plan
to open ten PICTA centers in order to provide free technology training courses
to all segments of the community, and to provide affordable fast access to the
Internet. The PICTA centers are located in areas most affected by the recent
war on Lebanon. The first four centers had been opened in each of Nabatiyah,
Baalbek, Bint Jbeil, and Batroun and are conducting 15 training sessions with
over 60 trainers and 240 students.

"Intel is pleased to be involved in Lebanon's rebuilding initiatives," said
Khaled Elamrawi, Intel General Manager for Egypt, Levant and North Africa. "The
Intel World Ahead Program, which extends the company's existing initiatives for
developing regions, integrates Intel's efforts to enhance lives by driving
progress in four areas: accessibility, connectivity, education, and content,"
he added.

The aim of the PICTA Academy is to strengthen the local capacity in the field of
information technology and communications, assist all levels of society to learn
and improve their ICT skills, take advantage of new employment opportunities and
increase their opportunities of achieving better living conditions.
Additionally, the local community-based NGO's will participate in the
management of this PICTA Academy in Qana while ensuring the continuation of the
work methodology and quality of service.

Students are being taught fundamentals of computing, digital media, Internet and
World Wide Web. These courses are designed to help students acquire 21st century
IT skills and improve employability and progression through work. Other courses
that will also be implemented include web design, word processing,
presentation, database and spreadsheet.

Ziad Haddara from UNDP ICTIDAR commented on the importance of collaboration
between international organizations, Lebanon's ICT association, local NGOs, and
the community leaders in cooperating to successfully launch such a project. He
added that the PICTA Academy initiative will strive to provide support for
making ICT a positive essential element in the lives of young people in Qana,
and in other regions in Lebanon. Mr. Haddara considered that the PICTA Center
represents an important development project since it aims to bring about
positive changes in the lives of thousands of families from various parts of
Lebanon.

Intel, the world leader in silicon innovation, develops technologies, products
and initiatives to continually advance how people work and live. For more
information please visit www.intel.com/pressroom.