Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa, governor of the Southern Governorate in the Kingdom of Bahrain, officially opened the first 'Batelco Live' free computer laboratory in Riffa.

Batelco Live is the ambitious project, announced by Batelco in November last year, with the noble aim to provide fully equipped computer labs and free internet in villages throughout the Kingdom.

Located in Fatima Centre - Riffa attached to the Islamic Education Society, Batelco Live project, provides free Internet service to all governorates via its computer labs.

The project supports the Kingdom’s leading telecommunications company’s ambition to enable internet access for the majority of Bahrain’s residents.

It also fully supports the company’s philanthropic remit to assist those in the community who need it most.

The BD300,000 ($795,696) project is being fully funded by Batelco and is being implemented with the co-operation of the Kingdom’s five governorates.

A number of laboratories, situated in existing clubs and youth centres have already been equipped with up-to-date computer equipment and software with free high speed broadband connections.

The Batelco Live project includes provision of 30 fully-equipped computer labs in clubs and youth centres in the five governorates.

Toobli Club, Sitra Club, A’ali Club, Busaitain Club, Sanabis Youth Centre and Noaim Youth Centre are some of locations that have already been provided with the labs.

"This will greatly enhance facilities for the residents of Bahrain, especially those who would otherwise not have access to the educational benefits offered through the huge body of knowledge available on the internet,” said Shaikh Abdulla.

"The initiative also supports His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s Schools of the Future project, which aims to provide all of Bahrain’s government educational establishments with a linked e-learning educational network,” he added.

He lauded the Batelco's initiatives launched over 26 years ago, which had contributed to the development of the country. "It reflects the private sector’s positive participation in the social development and at the same time, translates the company’s social responsibility," he noted.

The opening ceremony was attended by Batelco chairman Shaikh Hamad bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, MP Sami Al Behairi, MP Khamis Hamad Al Romaihi, members of the house of representatives in the Southern Governorate, Southern Municipality Council member Thiyab Mohammed Al Noaimi, Middle Area Municipal Council Member Abdulrazaq Abdulla Hattab and a number of officials from the Governorate, Batelco and Islamic Education Society.

“We are delighted to see the results of several months’ work taking shape and look forward to reaching thousands of Bahrainis who otherwise may not have the opportunity to experience the wonders of the world-wide web,” said Batelco chairman Shaikh Hamad.

“Fatima Centre in Riffa is the first to be officially opened, and we are honoured that Shaikh Abdulla has taken a personal interest in our project and officially patronized over the opening ceremony,” he added.-TradeArabia News Service