James Emejo
18 June 2008
Lagos — Managing Director, Hewlett Packard (HP) West Africa, Mr. Ime Umo said the company is committed to helping local communities bridge existing divide in information technology.
He spoke at the just concluded e-Learning Forum in Accra, Ghana.
Represented by Mr. Chuks Okpaka, Manager, Enterprise Server and Storage (ESS), HP Ume said HP will provide local communities with ICT tools that will improve their lifestyles.
"One of our goals in communities where we work is to recognize the business value of diversity and to build digital connections to address the gaps in the availability and use of technology. As the largest IT company in the world, we come with the experience of disseminating information to a diverse group of people over wide geographical locations. From our immense customer base, we also understand that 'one size does not fit all'. So we believe our task is straightforward - find the local need and match it to an IT solution from our portfolio. The real challenge is to provide innovative content that will challenge and create enthusiasm in individuals to leverage the opportunities we provide and impact their lives, not just their lives - the lives of their families and their communities", he said.
He said in its efforts to enhance learning at the Kindergatten level, HP had partnered with both Intel and the Nigerian government on the Teacher-Assisted Purchase Plan (TAPP) where about 5,000 notebooks (PCs) were made available to teachers trained on Intel provided portal and curriculum.
"Within three months, in comparison with classes without access to technology, the difference was significant - it was easier for students to grasp concepts, retention of studies was also significantly improved in these classes. For the teachers, access to these tools made teaching a much more fulfilling and rewarding experience".
He disclosed that as part of its contributions to e-learning initiatives, HP has just concluded the NEPAD implementation project with three secondary schools across Nigeria stressing it would further develop curriculum and additional learning portals to see technology changing the lives of children.
He said efforts will be intensified to equip small businesses with requisite tools that would enhance their chances of accessing funds from financial institutions through its MicroEnterprise Accelerated Program (MAP).
"We are in collaboration with tertiary institutions to teach specific entrepreneurship curriculum to students who want to open their own businesses. Because there is a great need here, we are also in close collaboration with the Nigerian Government through the SME bureau (SMEDAN) and an NGO - Shehu Ciroma Foundation", he added.
Ume said HP education services accredit an estimated 3,000 students per annum.
"These graduates are supporting the small businesses and foraying into the enterprise for extensive support and management requirements, bringing jobs to people who will over time hire others to support the constantly growing ICT industry".
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