- Signs MoU with Intel Corporation and U.S. State Department (ECA)

Dhaka, Bangladesh, 12 May 2009- The Relief International-Schools Online, a US based International Non Government Organization, on May 11th 2009, signed an MoU to provide ICT skills and development training to teachers in Bangladesh with Intel Corporation and the U.S. State Department Educational and Cultural Affairs Bureau (ECA). Under the program, IT based training will be provided to secondary school students and teachers in Bangladesh.

"Intel's leadership in information and communication technologies, and its commitment to educational development through the "Intel Teach Program" and other signature learning programs, makes it an ideal partner to support key RI ICT and Education programs focused on teacher and student training." said the Country Director of Relief International-Schools Online in Bangladesh. "We share a common belief in the importance of enhancing skills, through ICT, to better prepare teachers and students for a knowledge economy by developing students' 21st century skills.

"Intel is pleased to partner with RI to provide training and professional development to secondary school teachers who are part of ECA‘s Global Connections and Exchange Program in Bangladesh. Our partnership strengthens our commitment to improve the education scenario and will help us reach the benefits of technology to teachers and develop their competency in the 21st century." said Zia Manzur, Country Business Manager, Intel EM. Ltd. Dhaka Liaison Office.

Intel will invite the GCE participants to participate in its in-country ‘Intel Teach Program' activities, offer collaborative information and communication technologies forum to selected participants, conduct training courses and share curriculum offerings, and create a network of participants who are part of the Intel program. RI, Intel and the Department of State plan to build and expand the cooperation by recognizing and highlighting the efforts of Bangladeshi teachers who incorporate technology in their classrooms and make education the foundation for Bangladesh's economic and social development in this century.

‘Global Connections and Exchange' builds on ECA's virtual classroom learning program, which provides training on the internet to teachers and students abroad, for which Intel and Relief International-Schools Online will lend their expertise to a range of collaborative projects. Schools will now be able to utilize Intel's teaching and learning programs and Relief International's school-based online learning modules to train participants on new curriculum techniques, and encourage interactive linkages between U.S. and Bangladeshi schools. Intel will also provide participating schools expertise on 21st century teaching skills, with the goal of supporting technology integration in teaching and learning as well as international student networking.

Relief International-Schools Online have also partnered with Intel and US State Department to establish Internet training projects in twenty secondary schools in Azerbaijan. The commitment of ECA is to reach beyond traditional audiences, and provide exchange opportunities to the underserved but equally talented, who have potential to become leaders in their countries and communities. By forming partnerships with companies and non profits with a strong track record in corporate social responsibility, the ECA encourages smart business investment in proven programs that positively impact young people's lives. The success of these partnerships could be the basis for greater future collaboration, in these countries and globally.

About Intel Technology India Private Limited

Intel, 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/.

About Relief International-Schools Online

Since 2003, RI SOL has been working in Bangladesh's education sector to integrate ICT in classroom learning. and teaching.Through the Global Connections and Exchange Program, RI SOL has set up internet enabled computer labs in secondary schools and madrasa across Bangladesh. The Internet Learning Centers offer training in ICT with focus on creative use of online communications tools . The GCE program activities are designed to equip Bangladeshi students and teachers with 21st century learning and teaching skills. More information on RI and its Bangladesh activities are available at:

www.connect-bangladesh.org

www.gcepbd.ning.com

www.ri.org

About Education and Cultural Affairs Bureau, US State Department

Information on the ECA is available at : http://exchanges.state.gov/