Intel aims to train two million teachers in the Arab world

Intel chairman Craig Barrett announced new education initiatives for the Arab world, including a plan to train more than two million teachers by 2011, on his UAE visit today.

He also revealed Intel staff will be volunteering 1,000 man hours for education projects around the region.

"Every young person deserves a chance at the kind of education that helps them prepare for competing in our 21st century knowledge-based economy," said Barrett. "We think teacher training is a significant start. This is a prime example of the potential of public-private partnerships in changing the lives of people, particularly through the adoption of technology."

Intel will work with the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Foundation as well as local governments and Injaz Al-Arab, a not-for-profit education initiative aimed at introducing business ideas to regional school children, to achieve its teacher training goals.

Barrett judged the results of a business ‘master class' at the school, organised by Injaz. He praised the initiative, saying he had had the opportunity to see the benefits of this programme internationally. Also judging the competition alongside Barrett were Dr Abdulla Al Musbah, director general of the UAE Ministry of Education and His Excellency Sheikh Khaled Bin Zayed, chairman of Injaz UAE, and vice-chair of Injaz Al-Arab.

"This collaboration will no doubt pave the way for other corporations to follow," said Sheikh Khaled. "A call to action to prepare our youth for the job market has never been more urgent, with a regional marketplace waiting to be flooded by 70 million young jobseekers over the next 20 years."

Barrett was speaking at an event at a Dubai school, part of his latest regional tour, which also includes Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi and Kuwait.