Intel initiative
A potential booster for ICT sector
Intel Chairman Dr. Craig Barrett's brief visit to Bangladesh, the purpose of which was to offer certain facilities for enhancing the scope and standard of ICT education in the country, has proved to be very useful. It has once again brought into focus the areas where such education can play a vital role in raising our standards to the international level. We are now part of Intel's World Ahead Programme that seeks to provide millions of people across the globe the crucially important access to ICT as a way of improving quality of life.
It is definitely an opportunity that must be seized and made best use of to serve our collective interests. There is certainly no doubt that the ICT is a field which provides an avenue for our students to propel themselves into the international arena in an extremely competitive yet highly rewarding atmosphere. Indians have established their supremacy in this area and there is no reason why our youths should lag behind.
We are told that the Intel programme will be implemented in collaboration with Grameen Solution and it will cover for major areas, to begin with. Obviously, education, economic development, healthcare and e-governance are all important areas where we as a nation would like to achieve a breakthrough. We particularly appreciate the plan to introduce a programme to train teachers who will be in charge of classrooms. Also noteworthy is the Intel Learn programme which will bring the less privileged children within its purview. The reason why the emphasis should be on enhancing the quality of teachers is that we have an acute shortage of good teachers not only in ICT but also in the field of general education.
The Intel programmes cannot produce the desired results unless the vast multitude of rural and under-privileged children get the opportunity to equip themselves with ICT education -- a sure way of keeping pace with the fast moving world.
The other good news is that Intel will work with local software companies to develop materials in light of our socio-economic reality. Finally, the Intel plan to set up tele-centres is highly commendable as it will generate employment opportunities that we need so badly.
We hope the Intel initiative will go a long way in boosting IT education in Bangladesh.
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