Internet4Kids helps Dubai's young people discover the real Internet

Using PC technology and Lotus Smart Suite software provided by IBM, the children were helped by facilitators to explore the basic functionality of the desktop computer, and the various ways that the Internet can be used to search for information, or simply be a new window into a whole new world.

"We're really enthusiastic about helping Emirates Parent and Knowledge Village with this event," said Sameh Farid, IBM's Middle East Regional Manager, Personal Systems Division. "There is an amazing amount of publicity about the Internet room, but it often focussed on the trivial or the negative, such as chat rooms and network games. IBM sees the Internet as a massive ally in education it allows people to easily browse a store of information that's almost limitless. We wanted to help Internet4Kids show young people how to use the Internet positively, to discover the fascination of stumbling across something you never even dreamt existed."

IBM provided the 16 PCs for the event, loaded up with the latest Internet browser and Lotus office productivity software. It also helped with the connectivity for the machines, linking them into a single network. This first event happened at Dubai Internet City, and will be repeated from 9:00am to 3:00pm at Dubai Internet City on the 10th August.

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