Intel completes a year of its World Ahead Program

Intel celebrated the first anniversary of the World Ahead Program (IWAP) and has reaffirmed its commitment to extend the benefits of uncompromised technology to communities worldwide. The IWAP is intended to broaden access to technology and education for people in developing communities, and provide opportunities for these groups to participate in today’s international economy.

Intel has committed
$1 billion over a period of
five years to support the program, the objectives of which include training an additional
10 million teachers in the use of technology in education, creating the potential to reach another one billion students.

Intel’s ICT for education program, under which each student gains access to a PC for the development of digital literacy skills, already is being piloted in India, Malaysia and the Philippines. The company also recently signed an agreement with Pakistan’s Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU), under which AIOU intends to purchase 7,00,000 units of Intel-powered classmate PCs.

“Intel today has in place
170 World Ahead projects in
60 countries worldwide. We’re collaborating with governments, telcos, schools and universities, multinationals, non-government organizations (NGOs) and others who also are committed to bridging the digital divide,” said Leighton Phillips, Asia Pacific Manager, Intel World Ahead.

“Together, we’re working to make a difference by bringing the benefits of technology and the Internet to those who need it most,” added Phillips. “One year into the project, it is crucial that we maintain focus on bridging the digital divide, through progress in access to technology, connectivity, education and relevant local content.”

IWAP is now active in nine Asia Pacific countries: China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam. In each of these, Intel collaborates with governments and organizations on programs that help bridge the digital divide.