Ericsson Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka Telecom Mobitel and the Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL) ceremonially unveiled the “Connect to Learn” initiative in Badulla. Harin Fernando, the Minister of Telecommunications and Digital Infrastructure, graced the occasion as Guest of Honour.
‘Connect to Learn’ is the global education initiative that was founded by the Earth Institute, Ericsson and Millennium Promise, which provides ICT for a 21st century education in the developing world. The techno-logy deployed at the ‘Connect to Learn’ lab in Badulla allows female students and teachers access to the 21st century educational tools and resources, cross-cultural understan-ding, global awareness and improved employment opportunities.
Harin Fernando, the Minister of Telecommunications and Digital Infrastructure, said, “By empowering female students coming from farming communities across this nation, we believe the ‘Connect to Learn’ initiative will invariably open up a world of new as well as highly exciting employment opportunities for all of them. I believe that when we empower a girl, we do empower a nation.”
“A public-private partnership of this nature will provide the ideal way forward for Sri Lanka to wisely achieve its vision of education for all, regardless of gender or race. By empowering farming communities with ICT skills, we hope to enhance their livelihood, whilst opening up whole new avenues of learning and employment for young girls from these communities”, said Denis Brunetti, Head, Ericsson Sri Lanka.
