JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, Nov. 17, 2005 – Intel Corporation Chairman Craig Barrett today urged government and business leaders in South Africa to invest in information technology to improve the quality of life for its people and better compete in the global economy.
Appearing in a speech before government and business leaders with Barrett was Mandla Mandela, grandson of former South African President and Nobel Peace Prize winner Nelson Mandela. Barrett, with the younger Mandela, announced that Intel will donate a state-of-the-art supercomputer to help find cures for some of South Africa’s most devastating illnesses.
“South Africa has already begun taking important steps to curb the spread of, and find cures for, diseases,” said Barrett. “Digital healthcare technologies can help accelerate research.”
The new system will be hosted at the Meraka Institute in Pretoria, a center for conducting advanced research in information and communications technologies.
During his visit, Barrett said South Africa can ensure its future by making education a national priority.
“Effectively integrating technology into classrooms opens up new and exciting learning opportunities, giving young people the knowledge and skills to compete in an increasingly complex world,” Barrett said.
To assist in this effort, Barrett announced plans to extend Intel’s commitment to train teachers through the Intel® Teach to the Future program, a worldwide effort to help teachers apply technology to improve student learning. Intel and South Africa’s Ministry of Education have trained more than 26,000 teachers. Under the new plan, they will train an additional 14,000 teachers.
“Students in South Africa are already using after-school technology learning centers called Intel Computer Clubhouses more than youths in any other European or African nation,” said Barrett.
Barrett called on government and business leaders to accelerate progress by expanding the network of Intel Computer Clubhouses, which provides underprivileged youth access to equipment and adult mentors to develop skills that lead to career opportunities, encourage self-confidence and foster creativity.
Intel, the world’s largest chip maker, is also a leading manufacturer of computer, networking and communications products. Additional information about Intel is available at www.intel.com/pressroom
