Mobitel, Ericsson to empower youth

Ericsson, Sri Lanka Telecom Mobitel and the Open University of Sri Lanka signed a Memorandum of Understanding to train teenaged girls from farming communities in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) through Connect To Learn, the global education initiative founded by the Earth Institute, Ericsson and Millennium Promise, which leverages ICT for a 21st century education in developing countries.

First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa was the chief guest.

The Connect to Learn Sri Lanka program includes delivery of laptop computers, broadband internet access, online educational resources and training.

The technology deployed will give students and teacher' access to 21st century educational tools and resources, and the ability to connect to other schools around the world to foster collaborative learning, cross-cultural understanding and global awareness.

Bringing technology to service education is a common goal for Ericsson and the Connect To Learn Sri Lanka partners - Mobitel and the Open University of Sri Lanka, and the role each one plays in the project is important to its success.

Ericsson will provide the ICT equipment to implement the project, in addition to project management, systems integration and remote support.

Mobitel, in its endeavour to accelerate growth of the female digital economy in Sri Lanka in line with GSMA connected women's program, is providing the mobile connectivity to facilitate the 'Connect To Learn' initiative.

The Open University of Sri Lanka, supported by Commonwealth of Learning, is responsible for providing teachers, learning facilities and content focusing on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) training for teenage girls to equip them with knowledge and skills in these areas.

Head of Ericsson Sri Lanka, Denis Brunetti said, "The Connect To Learn Sri Lanka initiative marks the first milestone of Ericsson's 'Technology for Good' program in the country.

We look forward to continuing this cooperation through the use of technology and the expertise of employees across all three organisations to make a positive impact in the communities we serve."

Chief Executive Officer, Sri Lanka Telecom Mobitel, Ranjith G. Rubasinghe said, "Mobitel considers it a pleasure to join Ericsson and the Open University of Sri Lanka to launch this initiative.