Microsoft Announces Agreement With Burkina Faso Minister of Education and Intel for Affordable Computing Pilot ProjectFifty Intel-powered classmate PCs to be delivered to a secondary school in Ouagadougou. OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso — 22 April 2008 — Today at the African 2008 ICT Best Practices Forum, Microsoft Corp announced a new agreement with the Burkina Faso Ministry of Education that will deliver relevant, affordable and accessible computing solutions to schoolchildren who would otherwise miss the significant educational benefits technology can provide. Microsoft and Intel Corp will provide students at Lycée Philippe Zinda Kabore in Ouagadougou with Windows software on 50 Intel-powered classmate PCs as part of an educational pilot in Burkina Faso.
“Access to technology in the classroom is critical to meeting Burkina Faso’s long-term goals for education,” said Professor Joseph Pare, Minister of Secondary and Higher Education and Scientific Research, Government of Burkina Faso. “Our partnership with Microsoft and Intel, two companies with a history of success in this area, will help us expand our students’ opportunities beyond the classroom and into the global knowledge economy.” As part of the agreement, the school will receive Intel-powered classmate PCs equipped with Internet connectivity, a host of Microsoft software including Windows XP, and localized education content. To accelerate students’ future job prospects, the devices also will be fully integrated with the Microsoft Partners in Learning Curriculum Modules and Digital Literacy training. Intel will provide additional teacher training, consultancy in the initial development stages of information and communication technology (ICT) integration, and smart schools deployment. “By building on the power of affordable computing, we can deliver the most relevant, high-quality learning experiences that will help the youth of Burkina Faso develop their technology skills,” said Michael Rawding, vice president of the Unlimited Potential Group at Microsoft. “This is a prime example of the innovative public-private partnerships we are developing through our Unlimited Potential commitment to transform education at the local level.” “Intel believes education is vital to developing a skilled work force for the future,” said Gordon Graylish, vice president and general manager for Intel EMEA. “Technology, and teachers trained in the effective use of it, will play a critical role in preparing Burkina Faso’s children for success in the knowledge-based global economy.” In addition to efforts to bring affordable computing solutions to students and teachers around the world, Microsoft offers a host of technology-based education solutions, programs and products through its Partners in Learning initiative. Earlier this year, Microsoft renewed its worldwide commitment to Partners in Learning, through the Microsoft Unlimited Potential program, with an additional five-year investment of $235.5 million (US) that aims to triple the impact of the resources and training that already has touched the lives of more than 10 million students, teachers and education policy-makers in Africa since its launch in 2003. About Unlimited Potential
Microsoft, through its Unlimited Potential vision, is committed to making technology more affordable, relevant and accessible for the 5 billion people around the world who do not yet enjoy its benefits. The company aims to do so by helping to transform education and foster a culture of innovation, and through these means enable better jobs and opportunities. By working with governments, intergovernmental organisations, nongovernmental organisations and industry partners, Microsoft hopes to reach its first major milestone — to reach the next 1 billion people who are not yet realising the benefits of technology — by 2015.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realise their full potential.
About Microsoft EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa)
Microsoft has operated in EMEA since 1982. In the region Microsoft employs more than 16,000 people in over 64 subsidiaries, delivering products and services in more than 139 countries and territories.
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