Intel and Harf pledge support to strengthen literacy drive in Egypt

Harf's software uses cartoons, pictograms and songs in an intuitive and easy-to-use format as a tool to help enable illiterate adults to read and write.

The ICT4IEP is a project implemented by the ICT Trust Fund, a joint program between the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (MCIT) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), in cooperation with the General Authority for Adult Education (GALAE).

'Education is a key focus for Intel both globally and regionally and we have launched and supported many initiatives in the Middle East, most recently the Digital Transformation Initiative. It gives us both satisfaction and a keen sense of anticipation to support the Information Communication and Technology for Illiteracy Eradication Project,'

said Khaled Elamrawi, General Manager, Intel, Egypt, LEVANT and North Africa. 'The Intel Software and Solutions Group (SSG) team in Cairo has been working with Harf to enable their solutions on next generation Intel platforms and to ensure that all applications are fully optimised for a complete user experience,' he continued.

Dr. Hoda Baraka, First Deputy to the Minister of Communication and Information Technology elaborated on the project and its targeted impact: 'The digital revolution has improved the lives of individuals and communities in ways that were not previously possible. There is no hiding from the fact that illiteracy is a major issue in Egypt, and it currently stands at a staggering 30 percent in a country of 80 million people. The added disadvantage is that 75 percent of the population resides outside the major cities, further compounding the problem.'

Maged Hegazy Marketing manager of Harf, elaborated that the software-based project would be rolled out in stages across various locations around Egypt.

'We have already tested this software with several hundred students over the last three years, and are now ready to take it to a national level.'

Describing the user-friendliness of the software, he explained that the Harf teams had designed the program to be intuitive and relevant to the specific needs of Egyptian students. 'Many Egyptians have already benefited from this innovative learning system which uses cartoons, pictograms and even songs, and we hope to benefit thousands more,' Hegazy added.