Dubai, October 10, 2004-- Etisalat Academy, ICWFD & Serebra Gear up to regionally launch the EasyLearning Initiative in the Middle East:
GITEX announcement sees the collaboration assume a leading IT educational role in region
Dubai , October 10, 2004 : Etisalat Academy has recently announced that it is poised to launch a region-wide e-learning educational programme after being nominated by ICWFD & Serebra Learning Corporation of Canada to become their representative in launching the EasyLearning initiative in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The project was recently launched by ICWFD to spread e-learning throughout the developing countries.
The announcement took place at GITEX 2004, during the visit of a senior delegation from ICWFD as well as the President and CEO of Serebra (the software development house). Announcing such collaboration at the biggest event of its kind in the region, while showcasing the latest in information technology in the Region, has been received with remarkable interest from both formal & private sectors' representatives of GITEX 2004.
H.E. Mr. Obaid Meshar, Senior Executive Vice President of Etisalat & Chairman of the Academy, welcomed the VIP delegation and extended his welcome & best wishes to such an initiative in the Region. Dr. Doaa Fares, General Manager of the Academy, mentioned that this project is unique and a very important step for the development of both private & formal sectors. He also added that such nomination by ICWFD & Serebra “confirms our leading role, as well as the confidence of the international bodies in our outreach and linkage with the Region”.
Dr. Fares also stressed that “the Academy is pleased to be able to play this supporting role for the project, which has been a priority since our inception.” He added, "We consider the development of e-learning a priority and one we will endeavor to do everything in our power to progress in both the private and public sectors within the UAE and abroad, as soon as we receive the feedback of the major organizations contacted in the Region”.
The EasyLearning initiative is fulfilling an important role in bridging the gap in knowledge and experience between the labour market and the learning institutions. ICWFD has put enormous efforts to promote the initiative at unbeatable / symbolic fees (less that Dhs. 20 a course), accessible through simple PIN-based learning scratch cards. Once the PIN code is entered at the web-site, the selected course is immediately downloaded to the individual's computer, and remains for 3 months. Serebra commented that the approach adopted in designing the courses, maintaining its security and copyright law is exceptionally comprehensive compared to any other package in the market. The first phase of the project, which includes over 400 training sessions, was finalised and approved by international institutes.
Moreover, it addresses a wide range of development courses for those working in the areas of Administration, Human Resources, Accounting & Finance, and specifically IT systems, including Microsoft, Oracle, Cisco and programming courses. Certification of individuals is very efficient, benchmarked and well-arranged with the international providers.
The Academy was chosen as it has been recognized as the first regional centre in the Middle East to examine IT experts and Engineers, willing to receive international accredited certification in IT Security, through (ISC)2-USA/International, in addition to its regional coverage & contracts with major organizations, to support the development of its staff to meet higher competence portfolio.
Choosing the Academy to implement the E-learning project adopted by the ICWFD reflects the high standard of the educational and training qualifications the Academy has, which is comparable to the most pre-eminent international standards in the field of e-learning.
-end-
Press release issued by Public Relations Department – Etisalat
For further media information, please contact:
Public Relations Department
Tel: 02 6182173 Fax: 02 6334448
PRD@etisalat.ae
|
