© UNESCO
UNESCO, Microsoft, True and partners join in ‘Mobile Learning for Out-Of-School Children’ initiative at Thai-Myanmar Border
19 November 2015
France
Microsoft tablets pre-loaded with UNESCO app and True educational TV packages to benefit learners as part of joint initiative with Office of Informal and Non-Formal Education
BANGKOK, 17 NOVEMBER – UNESCO Bangkok, Microsoft, True Corp and Thailand’s Office of Informal and Non-Formal Education (ONIE) will formally launch an initiative aimed at harnessing the potential of ICT to benefit migrant learners along the Thai-Myanmar border on 24 November.
The “Mobile Literacy for Out-of-School Children Project” aims to enhance the basic literacy and numeracy skills of the thousands of migrant, ethnic minority and stateless children in Thai-Myanmar border areas through the use of ICT devices. It is funded by Microsoft and implemented by UNESCO, Microsoft Thailand, True Corporation, and ONIE.
The is a unique collaboration utilising the respective strengths of each partner organization: UNESCO designed a comprehensive offline app that features a wealth of educational resources targeted to Myanmar learners; Microsoft has provided funding, the tablets for the programme and relevant training; True will provide internet and satellite TV packages that focus on educational TV, while ONIE will play a key role in implementing and ensuring the long-term viability of the initiative.
The 24 November launch event brings together representatives from each of these partner organizations and others involved on the ground as well as teachers and students from the migrant learning centres who stand to benefit directly from the programme.
WHAT: “Mobile Literacy for Out-of-School Children Project”.
WHO: UNESCO Bangkok Director Gwang-Jo Kim, Mr Orapong Thien-Ngern, General Manager, Microsoft (Thailand) Ltd., Mr Suphachai Chearavanont, Vice Chairman, Charoen Pokphand Group/President and CEO, True Corporation Plc., and Mr Surapong Jamjod, Secretary-General, ONIE.
WHEN: 24 November, 10am-12pm. Agenda attached.
WHERE: The Sukosol Hotel
477 Si Ayuthaya Road, Phaya Thai
Tel: +66 (0) 2247–0123
MEDIA CONTACT: Noel Boivin, UNESCO Bangkok Media and Communications Officer: n.boivin@unesco.org