Schools go online with FREE BROADBAND!

from left to right: Bernard Shamlaye – Minister of Education; Jeanne Simeon – Principal Secretary, Ministry of Education; Jacquelin Dugasse – Minister for Investment, Industry & Technology; Cyril Bonnelame – Director, C&W Seychelles; Charles Hammond – CEO, C&W Seychelles and Richard Dodd – CEO C&W Monaco & Islands.

On Wednesday the 4th of April 2007, Cable & Wireless Seychelles proudly signed an agreement with the Ministry of Education to roll out free broadband Internet access to all public educational institutions in Seychelles. Billed as the Broadband for Schools Programme , this is one of a number of initiatives that the company is undertaking to show its ongoing commitment to working with the local communities.

Charles Hammond, CEO Cable & Wireless Seychelles, and Cyril Bonnelame who represented Atlas (a subsidiary company of Cable & Wireless Seychelles that offers Broadband/Internet services) officially signed the agreement with Jeanne Simeon, Principal Secretary, signing on behalf of the Ministry of Education. Also present were Richard Dodd, CEO of Cable & Wireless Monaco & Islands whose timely visit to Cable & Wireless Seychelles coincided with the signing of the agreement. Minister of Education, Bernard Shamlaye was also on hand to deliver a thank you message to Cable & Wireless in front of a number of representatives of the local media.

Below are extracts from Mr. Hammond’s speech that was delivered at the ceremony:

"Cable & Wireless recognises the significant contribution that Information and Communication Technology – that is ICT – can have in the development of our education system. Research has shown repeatedly that ICT can contribute significantly to teaching and learning if properly used. Across the world, creative use of ICT by teachers has transformed the learning experience of students as it exposes them to a range of exciting and innovative learning content and ways of learning.

As part of our Corporate Social Responsibility programme, Cable & Wireless is investing over SR1.3 million (Seychelles Rupees) over the next three years towards the development of ICT in Seychelles. We will provide:

1. Free always on internet access to all public schools, including primary, secondary and post secondary institutions for a period of 3 years;
2. A Secure & Managed Internet Sharing Solution;
3. A period of free consultation for the Ministry of Education to assist with the management of schools’ networks provided by our qualified network and IT engineers;
4. Training sessions and other IT related activities organised in collaboration with Ministry of Education for the benefit of teachers, students and technicians managing the schools’ networks.

It could be said that this programme could help prepare our children for the future. However, we at Cable & Wireless Seychelles believe that the future is already here . . . so why not bring it to the children. Cable & Wireless Seychelles is delighted to contribute toward the education and future development of our children."