Grameenphone partners with Microsoft
Nov 4, 2009
Grameenphone Ltd. partnered with Microsoft to use Microsoft Digital Literacy Curriculum in order to increase IT literacy among the rural people across the country. The agreement was signed at the Grameenphone head office in Gulshan today, 4 November 2009.
The Digital Literacy Curriculum a unique e-learning module which will educate people on relevant IT skills such as basic computer skills; accessing the internet and world wide web; using productivity applications; understanding computer security and privacy; and leading a digital lifestyle.
Notably all the contents will be in Bengali and is targeted towards the rural students, unemployed youth and women. The curriculum will be disseminated through the over 500 Grameenphone Community Information Centers (GPCIC), and other vehicles of GP CSR initiatives (Info Boat, Alok deep & other educational institutions) located across the country.
Present at the signing on behalf of Microsoft was Ms. Sandi Thomas, General Manager, Communication Sector, Microsoft Asia Pacific, and Mr. Feroz Mahmud, Country Manager, Microsoft Bangladesh. Also present were Grameenphone CEO, Oddvar Hesjedal and Chief Marketing Officer, Arild Kaale. Kazi Monirul Kabir, Chief Communications Officer and Odd-Egil Aasen, Director, Internet Services, Commercial Division of Grameenphone were also present on the occasion.
In the agreement between GP and Microsoft, Microsoft will be the licensor, GP will be the Licensee and CICs & other CSR initiatives (Info boat, Alok Deeps & educational institutions) will be the authorized centers.
Microsoft is providing this digital literacy curriculum including examination free of cost for this initiative. Under the terms of the agreement Microsoft will provide licensed e-learning content to each authorized GPCIC, Alok Deep (non-formal school-cum-cyclone shelters), Information Boat (Tothya Tori) and educational institution.
Through e-learning, users will be able to access and learn through online digital literacy resources with the provision for online assessment tests through the GPCIC website. The assessment modules will be certificate tests and successful candidates will be presented with a certificate of their achievement.
Grameenphone strives to deliver information and communication based services in rural community for socio-economic development.