Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation and Intel Corporation to train 2 million teachers in the Arab World

The MoU was signed by His Excellency Mohammed AlGergawi, Chairman of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation, and Dr. Craig Barrett, Chairman, Intel.

The partnership will extend the Intel® Teach programme to the Arab World, and target 150,000 teachers in 2008. Also, it will develop an Arabic online professional development and training community, to enable even remote areas to access high quality training. The MoU will open new channels of discussion on specific topics in support of education development in the target countries.

The initiative seeks to accelerate 21st century education for a knowledge-based economy, by improving teaching and learning processes, through the effective use of technology. It also underlines the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation's strategy to equip and empower a future generation of leaders.

The four-year deal will allow academic sector professionals to gain easy access to professional development training modules, curriculum materials, sample unit plans, and other resources.

The agreement also provides for a broad commitment on enhancing ICT infrastructure across the Arab World, by increasing personal computer usage, Arabic online content and internet penetration.

His Excellency Mohammed AlGergawi said, "We are glad to join hands with Intel, the world's largest semiconductor company and a leading technology developer, to launch a strategic initiative that deploys effective solutions, to enhance the quality of education in the region. The initiative reflects the aspirations of the country's leadership towards fostering Arab knowledge capabilities and promoting analytical thinking among the younger generation."

Hailing Intel's contribution to education development in various parts of the world, H.E. AlGergawi said the agreement will have a remarkable impact on promoting academic excellence in the Arab World.

He added: "Teachers shoulder a critical responsibility in nurturing and influencing the future generation of leaders. By providing modern tools incorporating the latest technology, teachers can bolster their professional competencies and perform their roles more effectively. The partnership paves the way for the development of critical thinking and digital fluency, in both teachers and students, across the Arab World".

Praising the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation's efforts, and emphasizing the importance of the partnership, Dr. Barrett said: "Every young person deserves a chance at the kind of education that helps them prepare for competing in our 21st century knowledge-based economy. This collaboration is a prime example of the potential of public-private partnerships in changing the lives of people, particularly through the adoption of technology. Instilling a spirit of entrepreneurship at a young age will encourage heightened innovation and economic vitality throughout the Arab world. By working with Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashid Foundation, we can help develop students get ready for the challenges of today's global business environment".

For a decade, the Intel Teach Programme has helped K-12 teachers to be effective educators by training them to integrate technology into their lessons, promoting problem solving, critical thinking and collaboration skills among their students.

The programme has trained more than five million teachers so far in over 40 countries, and is committed to reaching 13 million teachers by 2011.

While providing teachers with independent learning opportunities to support self-study, the Foundation's initiative with Intel will focus on key teaching methods such as: project based learning, open ended questioning, and authentic assessment.