Acer supports UAE student bid to win 'Global Junior Challenge'

The Global Junior Challenge is an international award promoted by the Digital World Foundation, a non-profit organization founded by the Municipality of Rome and six major ICT companies. The award, dedicated to young people and to schools aim is to identify and reward best practices on the use of new technologies in the education and training of youngsters.

The students having won the UAE IT Challenge in 2006 with their 'Learn 2 Fun' project are now aiming for top honours in the international arena. Acer computer is sponsoring the weeklong trip to Rome.

"Education is no longer confined to the classroom," said Mr Krishna Murthy, General Manager Acer Computer, Middle East. "The importance of extra-curricular activities in schools and universities is vital to the development of our future leaders, and the Learn 2 Fun project proves that our students are second to none," added Murthy.

Acer is always looking for ways to empower youth. By providing the resources for these students to achieve their goal, Acer reinforces its motto of empowering people.

Learn2Fun is an online application that focuses on elementary education. It merges conventional teaching techniques with computer technology to provide small children with a learning environment that provides an opportunity for kids to learn basics of English, Mathematics, and Science, along with introducing the use of computers at an early age. Parents have the satisfaction of letting their kids use computers and access the internet in a safe and healthy environment without worrying about its harmful effects of inappropriate exposure. The application also has a section for poems, stories, daily etiquette, and road safety.

"Acer's sponsorship is commendable and will encourage the educational institutes to motivate their students to participate in such competitions. Teaming up with institutions like this will help in the development of young IT professionals," said Mr. R.S. Hussain, Director General, Preston University Ajman, UAE.

The students involved in the Global Junior Challenge are Shehzad Ahmed, Farah Hanif and Muhammad Iqbal. An international jury selects the finalists and the winners are announced during an award ceremony which takes place in Rome, at the Campidoglio City Hall.