 Qualcomm joins hands with Room to Read NGO, Nepal’s Nepal Telecom and Vietnam’s S-Fone to set up wireless computer labs provided with 3G connectivity in Nepal and Vietnam. The labs are equipped with 20-25 computers and can serve about 50 students for every class period.
Apart from imparting training to students to learn basic computer skills, the labs will also serve to teach other subjects such as English, Math and Science.
“Access to online resources and educational materials can have a life-changing impact on students. Not only will they have connectivity that enables access to learning materials and communities for the first time, but they will also have the opportunity to gain specialized skills and training,” says Dr. Paul E. Jacobs, chairman and CEO of Qualcomm. “Qualcomm is committed to enabling wireless technology to help improve socioeconomic conditions and enhance quality of life in local communities. I believe this project works to accomplish both of those goals and we are fortunate to be working with Room to Read, Nepal Telecom and S-Fone to address computer literacy in developing countries.”
Five such labs have already been set-up in Kaski and Kavre regions of Nepal while in Vietnam six labs have been set-up in Can Tho Province.
“The entire Room to Read team is thrilled to have Qualcomm as a collaborator in this important pilot program,” says John Wood, founder and executive chairman of Room to Read.
“In this increasingly connected world, providing the opportunity for students to have dependable access to the Internet in their early school life initiates a completely new dimension in providing basic schooling needs to children. Teaching children how to take the best benefit from the available Information & Communications Technology opens a new chapter in their fundamental learning process,” comments Amar Nath Singh, MD, Nepal Telecom
“Access to the Internet can provide students more educational opportunities and the ability to build upon their problem solving skills,” says Ho Hong Son, MD S-Fone. |