The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation, which seeks to develop knowledge and human capabilities in the Arab world,  has tied up with Intel Corporation for its ’World Ahead Programme‘ in Palestine.

This marks a new phase of partnership between the two organisations in terms of knowledge creation and empowerment of teachers.

The duo made the announcement at the ongoing 'World Economic Forum on the Middle East 2009' in Jordan in the presence of Lamis Al Alami, Palestinian minister of education and higher education.

The ‘World Ahead Programme’ is an outcome of a four-year agreement signed between the Foundation and Intel in April 2008 to provide free of cost online professional training for two million teachers in the Arab World by 2011.

Through its participation in the programme, the Foundation aims to enable teachers to prepare the Palestinian youth for assuming responsibilities of citizenship and good governance.

Intel has already trained several senior teachers in Palestine, who are mandated to pass on the skills to thousands of other teachers over the next three years.

Adel Al Shared, vice chairman and managing director of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation, said: “Since the Foundation’s launch in 2007, we have been led by our leadership’s vision to empower a competent and skilled future generation capable of facing challenges for achieving sustainable development.

'Our goal is to enhance the capability of teachers in the Arab World and create inspirational leaders that are equipped to pioneer change in education,' he noted.

Gordon Graylish, vice-president, Intel Europe Middle East and Africa, said: 'We are strong believers in the potential of the Arab youth and are committed to supporting their growth and empowering them with knowledge and education so they can aspire for a brighter future.'

'Over the last few years, Intel has trained more than six million teachers in over 40 countries,' he added.

Intel’s collaboration agreement with the Foundation aims to accelerate 21st century education for the knowledge economy, by improving teaching and learning through the effective use of technology.

The initiative will expand the Intel® Teach programme across Arab countries, to include teachers, lecturers, principals and ministry officials who will benefit by having access to professional development training modules, curriculum materials, sample unit plans, and other resources that support 21st century skills in students and teachers.

Training will occur throughout Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, the UAE and Yemen.-TradeArabia News Service