Intel Education in Sri Lanka

Intel® Teach Program in Western Province

Intel® Teach program was initiated in the Western Province in November 2006. Since then the whole province has been covered where 213 Master Trainers have been directly trained by the Intel® Team. These Master Trainers in turn have started the program in their schools. And now the training has reached to a mass level. We are in the process of training over 3,000 school teachers in the Province.

Intel® Teach Program in Uva Province

Intel® Teach program was launched in Uva province with the Directors Leadership Technology Forum (DLTF). The event took place on 3rd August 2007 at Hali-Ela Resource Centre, Hali-Ela. Several Directors and Computer Learning Centre Managers from all zones took part in this discussion about implementing Intel® Teach in the Uva Province. Mr. Jayasuriya, Uva Provincial Education Director was the Chief Guest at this distinguished gathering and he expressed a very positive outlook towards implementing the program in his province. The meeting was organized by Mr. Anura De Silva, SEMP Project Manager for the Uva Province. Mr. Anura Dissanayake, Director of SEMP explained to the audience the importance of making the Sri Lankan Student IT literate and he further went on to give the finer details of how Intel® is helping the Ministry of Education achieve this very important objective.

Picture: Mr. Anura De Silva Provincial Project Manager Secondary Education Modernization Project (SEMP) addressing the Teacher Felicitation Ceremony of Uva Province

Intel® Teach Program in Central Province

Intel® Teach program was launched in Central province with the Directors Leadership Technology Forum (DLTF). Mr. T. M. J. Dassanayake, Provincial Director of Central Province was the Chief Guest at the event held at Gurudeniya Resource Centre on 10th August 2007. The Zonal Officers from all 15 Zones also took part in this event which was held to create an awareness of the partnership between Ministry of Education and Intel. The event was organized by Mr. E. P. T. K. Ekanayake, Project Manager of SEMP Central Province. Mr. Anura Dissanayake, Project Director of SEMP made it a point to stress to the audience the need for IT to be used in the local curriculum. He was highly appreciative of the Intel® Teach Program and the success in the Western Province.

Picture: Mr. Tilak Ekanayake Provincial Project Manager Secondary Education Modernization Project (SEMP) addressing the Teacher Felicitation Ceremony of Central Province

Intel® Teach Program in Sabaragamuwa Province
Intel EM Limited, in collaboration with the Secondary Education Modernization Project of the Ministry of Education, Sri Lanka, launched the latest phase of the Intel Education initiative in Ratnapura today by bringing Intel® Teach program to the Sabaragamuwa province.

Picture from left: Mr. R. Abeysingha, Education Director, Sabaragamuwa province, Mr. P. Kodithuwakku, Chief Secretary, Sabaragamuwa Province, Mr. Anura Dissanayake, Director, Secondary Education Modernization Project (SEMP) of the Ministry of Education, Mr. Indika De Zoysa, Country Business Manager, Intel EM Limited, Sri Lanka Liaison office, and Mr. Thilak Ekanayake, Project Manager SEMP Central province

The introduction of the program to the province was preceded by an Intel® Teach Directors Leadership Technology Forum, which introduces to officials and education directors of the Ministry of Education from the respective zones of a given Province, the nature and services of the program, equipping them with the expertise necessary to present the program to schools in their zones. This forum was held at the Parakaduwa training centre in Ratnapura on 21st April from 9.30 AM to 1:30 PM and was presented to the Zonal Directors of Education in the Sabaragamuwa province.

Picture: Mr. Sepala Kuruppuarachchi Provincial Project Manager Education for Knowledge Society Project (EKSP) addressing the Teacher Felicitation Ceremony of Sabaragamuwa Province on 14th July 2010 at Samudhi Hall Ratnapura

Intel® Teach Program in Northern and Eastern Provinces
Intel EM Limited, in collaboration with the Secondary Education Modernization Project (SEMP) of the Ministry of Education, Sri Lanka, launched the latest phase of the Intel Education initiative in Polonnaruwa on 9^th October 2009 bringing the groundbreaking Intel Teach program to the North and East Provinces. Adopted in over 40 countries around the world, Intel Teach is aimed at enabling teachers to better exploit the full education potential of the technology age. The program has made tremendous headway in Sri Lanka as well, having already been successfully introduced to the Western, Central, Uva and Sabaragamuwa provinces. Over 9,000 teachers have already been trained under this program in the Island.

Picture from left: Mr. Anura Dissanayake Director SEMP addressing the forum, while Mr. K. Kalanithy Eastern Province Project Manager SEMP, Mr. S. Thandayuthapani Eastern Province Director of Education, Mr. Mahendran Northern Province Project Manager SEMP, Mr. Priyantha Weerabahu Intel Education Programme Manager Sri Lanka at the head table

The launching of the program was done at the Intel® Teach Directors Leadership Technology Forum, which introduced to officials and education directors of the Ministry of Education from the respective zones of North and East provinces, the nature and services of the program, equipping them with the awareness and understanding necessary to present the program to schools in their zones.

Mr. Thandayuthapani, Provincial Director Education Eastern province thanked Intel for their willingness to help the teachers in North and East provinces and said that Intel Teach is not just an IT program, but a truly teacher professional development program to integrate technology into classroom teaching and learning process.

Mr. Anura Dissanayake, Project Director SEMP talked about the background and partnership Ministry of Education is having with Intel their vision on developing ICT infrastructure and literacy in the education system.

Mr. K. Kalanithy, Project Manager SEMP Eastern province welcomed and thanked the participation of Provincial Director of Education, Mr. Anura Dissanayake for providing additional resources for the teacher training and Intel’s commitment to North and East provinces.

The status and vision of ICT in education in the Eastern province was laid out by Mr. T. Balachandran, ICT Coordinator of Eastern province. Intel Education Program Manager Priyantha K. Weerabahu made a presentation on the Intel Teach initiative worldwide and the progress it has made in Sri Lanka. On behalf of the Intel® Teach Education team Mr. Dulip Gunasekara, explained the curriculum and demonstrated a sample Lesson Plan incorporating 21^st Century skills to teaching and learning process.

Intel® Teach Program in Southern Province

On 21st December 2010, the Intel® Teach Directors Leadership Technology Forum was conducted for officials of the Southern Ministry of Education in Unawatuna, Galle as the first step in launching the world renowned teacher professional development program in the Southern province of Sri Lanka.

The forum was attended by Zonal Directors of Education and other officials in the Southern province of Sri Lanka and was an introduction to the Intel Teach In-service Teacher Training program. Prior to introducing the Intel Teach program, the Forum discussed the present status of ICT in the Southern province of the country while laying out the vision for the future role of ICT, especially in education in the province.

The Chief Guest Provincial Director of Education Mr. Kithsiri Liyanagamage thanked Intel for introducing a world class teacher training programme to Southern province. The Additional Director of Education and Project Manager of EKSP Mr. B. Jayatissa mentioned that the Intel Teach is the best teacher training programme they have received upto now as per the feedback from other provinces.

Picture from left: Mr. Dulip Gunasekara Manager Training Team, Mr. Indika De Zoysa Country Business Manager Intel EM Ltd, Mr. Kithsiri Liyanagamage Director of Education Southern Province, Mr. Priyantha Weerabahu Intel Education Program Manager, Mr. B. Jayatissa Additional Director of Education Southern Province/Project Manager EKSP

Intel® Teach Program in North Western (Wayamba) Province

On 20th September 2011, the Intel® Teach Directors Leadership Technology Forum was conducted for officials of the Wayamba Ministry of Education in Kurunegala as the first step in launching the world renowned teacher professional development program in the Wayamba province of Sri Lanka.

The forum was attended by Zonal Directors of Education and other officials in the Southern province of Sri Lanka and was an introduction to the Intel Teach In-service Teacher Training program. Prior to introducing the Intel Teach program, the Forum discussed the present status of ICT in the Wayamba province of the country while laying out the vision for the future role of ICT, especially in education in the province.

The Chief Guest Assistant Secretary of Wayamba province Mr. H. M. Karunarathna said "Wayamba province is almost competing with Western province in most of the education indicators and extremely happy that the Intel Teach program has come to help them further by incorporating 21st century skills into teaching and learning process in the education system".

The Additional Director of Education Mrs. N. H. Premawathie, Additional Director of Education IT Ven. Telambugammana Chandananda Thero, Procurements Specialist of EKSP Mrs. L. S. Senanayake , Wayamba Project Manager of EKSP Mr. U. P. Uyangoda, Zonal Directors, ICT Coordinators, In-Service-Advisors and Intel Education Program Manager Mr. Priyantha K. Weerabahu along with Intel Education team were the other participants at the event.

Picture from left: Ven. Telambugammana Chandananda Thero, Mr. U. P. Uyangoda, Mrs. N. H. Premawathie, Mr. H. M. Karunarathna, Mr. Priyantha K. Weerabahu and Mrs. L. S. Senanayake

Intel® Teach Master Teacher Forum in Kandy

On 26th September 2011, the Intel® Teach Master Teacher Forum was held at St. Sylvester's Primary College in Kandy.

Intel® Teach Master Teacher Forum in Matale

On 27th September 2011, the Intel® Teach Master Teacher Forum was held at St. Thomas' College in Matale.

Picture from left: Mr. Chandana Weera Wijaya Wimalarathne MV Inamaluwa, Mr. A. G. Wijekoon Buddhagosha MV Matale, Mr. Boragolla Project Manager EKSP Central Province, Mr. Y. M. M. S. Yapa Zonal Director of Education Matale, Mr. Priyantha Weerabahu Intel Education Program Manager for Sri Lanka, Mr. G. A. Yasapala Principal Sigiriya MV, A. M. Noor Mohamed Principal Ajmeer NS and Principal Madawala Ulpotha MV

Intel® Teach Master Teacher Forum in Nuwara Eliya

On 4th October 2011, the Intel® Teach Master Teacher Forum was held at Education Office in Nuwara Eliya.

Picture from left: Ms. G. Sasikala St. Joshep's TMV Maskeliya, Mr.W.D.S.A.K.Weerasinghe Ambagamuwa MV, Mr. L. Ranasinghe Principal Paynter Memorial MV Nuwara Eliya, Mr. Mahinda Zonal IT coordinator Nuwara Eliya, Mr. Bodaragama Zonal IT Coordinator Hatton, Mr. Boragolla Project Manager EKSP Central Province, Mr. Priyantha Weerabahu Intel Education Program Manager for Sri Lanka, Mr. S. Anton Ignacious Talawakelle TMV Talawakelle, Mrs. D. Nimali Hewage Good Shepherd Convent Nuwara Eliya

Picture from left: (Front row) Mrs. Dhammika Herath Deputy Principal Good Shepherd Convent Nuwara Eliya, Ms. G. Sasikala St. Joshep's TMV Maskeliya, Mrs. Lindakumbura Sumana CC Talawakelle, Mrs. N. A. C. Erandathi St. Gabriel's BMV Hatton. (Back row) Mr. Roshan Samaradeera Vidulipura MV Hatton, Mr. L. Ranasinghe Principal Paynter Memorial MV Nuwara Eliya, Mr. S. Anton Ignacious Talawakelle TMV, Mr. Bodaragama Zonal IT Coordinator Hatton, Mr. Mahinda Zonal IT Coordinator Nuwara Eliya, Mr. Boragolla Project Manager EKSP Central Province, Mr. Priyantha Weerabahu Intel Education Program Manager for Sri Lanka, Ms. Dissanayake Denike MV Hanguranketha

First Batch of Teacher Educators at National College of Education in Siyane
The first batch of Teacher Educators from National Colleges of Education (NCoE) successfully completed their Intel® Teach pre-service training program from 13th to 18th July 2009 at the NCoE in Siyane.

Picture from left: Mr. Tominaga, Volunteer from Japan, Mr. Priyantha Weerabahu, Intel Education Program Manager, Mr. Y. A. N. D. Yapa, Chief Commissioner Teacher Education, Mr. Nimal Jayasekara, President Siyane National College of Education, Teacher Educator from Mahaweli NCoE and Mr. Dulip Gunasekara, Project Manager Intel Teach training team with the Teacher Educators

The training program was organized by Mr. Y. A. N. D. Yapa the Chief Commissioner of Teacher Education with the support of Mr. Nimal Jayasekara the President of Siyane NCoE. All resources for the training program were provided by Mr. Anura Dissanayake the Project Director of Secondary Education Modernization Project (SEMP) of Ministry of Education.

This was a six day residential training program held from 8.00 am to 8.30 pm, which was attended by nineteen Teacher Educators from NCoEs in Sripada, Saripuththa, Siyane, Mahaweli and Hapitigama. The program was conducted by Mr. Dulip Gunasekara the Manager of Intel® Teach training team.

On the last day of the program, the Teacher Educators confidently showcased their project portfolios to Mr. Yapa, Mr. Jayasekara and Mr. Weerabahu who visited them to find out the outcome of the training.

Mr. Yapa was very happy to listen to the very positive feedback of the Teacher Educators and assured to continue the training program in other NCoEs too. He thanked SEMP project and Intel for providing the training with great enthusiasm and interest. Mr. Jayasekara who visited the training sessions from time to time was highly impressed by the disciplined and organized manner the training was conducted appreciated value of Intel® Teach program to NCoEs in Sri Lanka.

Intel Managers from India and Pakistan Visits Intel Teach Office in Sri Lanka

On 6th September 2010, Mr. Anshul Sonak, K-12 Manager for South Asia and Ms. Khadija Bashir, Education Manager for Pakistan visited the office of Intel Teach training team at the Ascon Residencies, Dematagoda in Sri Lanka to discuss and share ideas of Intel Education activities in each country.

Picture from left: Mr. Rukshan Edirisinghe, Mr. Shamly Ramanayake, Mr. Dulip Gunasekara, Mr. Anshul Sonak (India), Mr. Indika De Zoysa, Ms. Khadija Bashir (Pakistan), Mr. Priyantha Weerabahu, Mr. Pubudu Adikaram, and Mr. Aruna Balasooriya

On 30th June 2010, Mr. Rahul Bedi, Director Corporate Affairs Group (CAG), Intel South Asia visited the office of Intel Teach training team at the Ascon Residencies, Dematagoda in Sri Lanka to discuss the progress of training activities and to thank the team for their excellent work to promote the teacher professional development in the country.

Picture from left: Mr. Rukshan Edirisinghe, Mr. Shamly Ramanayake, Mr. Aruna Balasooriya, Mr. Priyantha Weerabahu, Mr. Rahul Bedi, Mr. Pubudu Adikaram, and Mr. Dulip Gunasekara

Picture from left: Mr. Rukshan Edirisinghe, Mr. Shamly Ramanayake, Mr. Aruna Balasooriya, Mr. Rahul Bedi, Mr. Pubudu Adikaram, Mr. Dulip Gunasekara and Mr. Indika De Zoysa

Launch of Intel® World Ahead Program

Intel® Corporation launched the Word Ahead Program in Sri Lanka on March 20, 2007 at a ceremony in the Ballroom, Galadari Hotel, Colombo, Sri Lanka.

The Intel® World Ahead Program aims to enhance lives by accelerating access to uncompromised technology for everyone, anywhere in the world. Focused on people in the world’s developing communities, it integrates and extends Intel’s efforts to advance progress in four areas: accessibility, connectivity, education, and content.

Intel’s goal is not only to extend affordable PC access but also to develop the PCs tailored to local needs, drive critical connectivity, cultivate sustainable local capabilities, and provide the technology education needed to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

The program’s five-year objectives are to extend wireless broadband PC access to the world’s next billion users while training ten million more teachers on the effective use of technology in education with the possibility of reaching another 1 billion students. Intel® will invest more than $1 billion over the next five years across the three focus areas of accessibility, connectivity, and education. The program will also provide 100,000 free PCs to classrooms in those communities to improve learning skills.

Partnering with public and private organizations, Intel® is driving WiMAX broadband deployments that will reach cities as well as suburban and rural communities that previously were either impossible or too costly for carriers to pursue. Intel® World Ahead Program will connect another billion children and adults to the Internet and to the rest of the world.

Christ Thomas, Chief Strategist, Intel® Corporation, and architect of the program was present along with the Managing Director of Intel® (South Asia) Mr. R. Sivakumar for the launch of the program. The Secretary of Ministry of Education (MOE), Mr. Ariyaratne Hewage and many other senior officials of MOE were also present at the occasion.

This program is a continent-wide project, which includes an eSchools initiative targeting schools across Sri Lanka. Its ultimate goal is to equip students with the IT skills and knowledge to compete in a global information society.

Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Mr. Ariyaratne Hewage, said that action has been taken to provide computer access to 2,500 schools in the island and 50,000 teachers will get PCs by the end of this year. He added that discussions are underway on the entire spectrum of education, including policy, teacher training, infrastructure, student usage models and interface.

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