UNESCO launches second version of Miftaah, set of FOSS in Arabic
Miftaah is a USB key comprising a set of free and open source software (FOSS) for Arabic users. Its second version contains applications frequently used in technical and science education, such as physics, chemistry, computer science, as well as tools for image processing and entertainment.
Most applications have been translated into Arabic and are presented in a customized and user-friendly interface, ensuring accessibility to the FOSS package in three languages (Arabic, English and French). The user has nothing to install, and the use of the USB key provides the mobility and convenience of carrying a personal desktop and files that can be used on any computer.
The main feature of this second version is the Arabic editorial chain OPALE, which enables production, management and publication of educational resources in various formats: ODF for Open Office, PDF, HTML, etc. OPALE is also adapted to different pedagogical contexts, such as physical courses, paper documents, distance learning and content exchanges.
UNESCO recognizes the importance of the social value of FOSS and contributes to the development and expansion of FOSS communities. In this context, UNESCO's Office in Rabat coordinated the development of Miftaah 2 with the financial support from ISESCO and in cooperation with various partners of higher education and scientific research:
<li><a target=_blank href="http://www.cerist.dz">Research Centre on Scientific and Technical Information (CERIST)</a> in Algeria,
<li><a target=_blank href="http://www.emi.ac.ma/spip.php?page=accueil">Mohammadia Engineering School</a> in Morocco,
<li>Ecole Normale Supérieure of Fès in Morocco,
<li><a target=_blank href="http://www.mines-albi.fr">School of Mines Albi-Carmaux</a> in France, and
<li><a target=_blank href="http://scenari.utc.fr/ics/co/site_ics.html">Technological University of Compiègne</a> in France.
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