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Microsoft set to sign deals with education ministries

In an exclusive interview with Khaleej Times, Microsoft South Gulf Public Sector and Education Manager, Abdullah Lootah said that Microsoft South Gulf agreement with the ministries will bring the "Partners in Learning" initiatives to the public sector students and teachers in both countries.

"This agreement will address the needs of the education sector in the UAE and Oman," clarified Mr Lootah.

"Partners in Learning" is a global initiative launched by Microsoft that is designed to address the technological education requirements of from Kindergarten to K12 students and teachers.

"This useful software has been provided globally - sometimes with a discount of nearly 90 per cent," he said, adding, "We invest in training teachers and students both."

Mr Lootah also said: "A memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been signed with the ministries of Education in Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Pakistan, and very recently in Yemen, whereby Microsoft and its partners in education have committed themselves for the next five years to deliver quality educational programmes to the new of generation and teachers."

"Partners in Learning" initiative recognises the educational value of technology in schools.

"Global in scope and local and flexible in implementation, this initiative provides a significant worldwide investment of more than $253 million over the next five years," said Mr Lootah.

The programme also seeks to deliver teacher and student skills development, a tailored curriculum development as well as technical support and research.

"The initiative also dramatically reduces the cost of Microsoft's core educational desktop software," he said.

"Partners in Learning also supports our long-term vision for the education marketplace to empower teachers and students to achieve their fullest potential by providing greater access to the latest computer technologies and training in-how," explained Mr Lootah.

Programme details in each country are based on assessment and ranking of the World Bank to ensure efforts are used in the right direction.

"Here in the South Gulf area, we have also invested in dedicated national academic experts from Pakistan, Yemen and Oman who will work together with Microsoft's education partners and the ministries to ensure the implementation of the programme," he said.

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