The Fundacion Cisneros, Intel and Barrick Drive the Dynamics of Teaching and Learning in Chile, Peru and Argentina

Intel, Barrick and the Fundacion Cisneros, through its AME educational program signed a cooperation agreement in 2008 known as the Clase 21 alliance to create positive change in the dynamics of teaching and learning. During its first year, this agreement has met with much success in the delivery of computers to students and teachers by Intel, one of the largest companies in the world in developing solutions through technological innovation, to create the so-called “digital learning environment” in the rural schools of Huasco Valley in Chile, and in other schools in Peru and Argentina.

In the first phase of the Project, Barrick provided internet connectivity to rural schools, and in the case of Chile, the Catholic University provides training for teachers and students in Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

As part of the second stage of this agreement, teachers will join the AME (Actualización de Maestros en Educación) program of the Fundacion Cisneros to help improve their teaching skills through an on-line course network system on relevant curricula courses.

This initiative began in June 2008 as a pilot project that included two rural schools in the Huasco Valley in Chile, and will extend to 12 other schools in the region over a three year period to include schools in Argentina and Peru.

“This agreement allows us to reach educational institutions and expanded opportunities through the AME program, resulting in better academic performance,” said William Phelan, Vice President and Executive Director of the Fundacion Cisneros. “The alliance with Intel and Barrick also provides our program with strong technological support, which we hope to bring to other areas of the region in the short term,” he added.