Intel stays committed to improving local education environment

* New education background discussed

* Intel lauds the Ministry of Education for its continued support

Enriching and inspiring the new education environment in the country was the main point for consideration at a meeting which was graced by Sunil Sirisena, Secretary, Ministry of Education and Rahul Bedi, Director Corporate Affairs Group, Intel South Asia at the office of the Secretary of the Ministry of Education recently.

Also present at the gathering were representatives from both the Ministry and Intel, namely Anura Dissanayake, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Education, Indika De Zoysa, Country Business Manager, Intel EM Ltd.

While both parties exchanged their ideas on the prevalent education structure in the country, a comprehensive review of all regional development and projects was also submitted.

Sunil Sirisena, Secretary, Ministry of Education stated, “We are satisfied with the progress made thus far in the current environment but more needs to be done in order for greater rewards to be reaped. Such steps will only enhance our teachers and students in turn.”

While applauding the effort and support rendered to them by the Ministry of Education in their endeavors, Rahul Bedi, Director Corporate Affairs Group, Intel South Asia added, “We remain focused and committed in enhancing and improving the education setting in Sri Lanka.”

Speaking further, Indika De Zoysa, Country Business Manager, Intel EM Ltd said, “Intel is happy to declare that a further 1500 teachers will be trained from the North & East provinces while local teachers will be introduced to a range of several Intel® Teach Elements self passed Online Courses free of charge.”

It was revealed that by such means, these teachers would warrant an opportunity of obtaining a participation certificate after following the course in their own time.

Intel believes that children deserve to have all necessary tools they need for them to become the innovators of tomorrow. Beginning from local schools and leading up to international universities, Intel focuses on enhancing the quality of education in the world. During the past decade the company has invested over $1 billion and 2.5 million hours of its time respectively for such a worthy cause.

Meanwhile Intel Teach is the largest and most successful program of its kind where it enables teachers to deal with their daily lessons, problem solving, critical thinking etc by integrating the use of technology.

Furthermore Intel powers the world’s largest pre-college science fair, the annual Intel International Science & Engineering Fair where it brings together numerous young scientists from around the world to share their ideas, showcase cutting-edge science and compete for scholarships. Participants are encouraged to solve demanding scientific questions through authentic research practices that will by far and large resolve the problems of the future. This year’s edition saw more than 1500 young scientists from all parts of the world competing for more than $4 million in awards and scholarships. The skoool™ Learning & Teaching program offers teachers and students online access to science and mathematics resources and tools in a cohesive environment to help improve learning.

About Intel: Intel (NASDAQ: INTC), the world leader in silicon innovation, develops technologies, products and initiatives to continually advance how people work and live. Additional information about Intel is available at www.intel.com/pressroom and blogs.intel.com

Photo caption: (from left) Indika De Zoysa, Country Business Manager, Intel EM Ltd, Rahul Bedi, Director Corporate Affairs Group, Intel South Asia, Sunil Sirisena, Secretary, Ministry of Education, Anura Dissanayake, Additional Secretary and Priyantha K. Weerabahu, Intel Education Program Manager.