A deal was signed by Batelco chairman Shaikh Hamad bin Abdulla Al Khalifa and the governors of the five governorates at the company's headquarters in Hamala.
"We will provide free computers and Internet access at 30 centres spread across villages, for those who are not normally able to afford them," said Batelco media and government relations general manager Ahmed Al Janahi.
"The first centre will be operational in a few days, with all of them becoming operational in the next two months."
Shaikh Hamad said that the venture was part of the Batelco Live theme.
"It supports our ambition to provide Internet access for a majority of residents.
"It also supports our philanthropic remit to assist those in the community who need it most."
Present at the event were Capital Governor Shaikh Humood bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, Northern Governor Jaffer Bin Rajab, Central Deputy Governor Mubarak bin Ahmed Al Fadhel and Jamal Al Motawa, a representative of Southern Governor Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa. Muharraq Governor Salman bin Hindi, who could not attend the event, had signed the agreement earlier.
Shaikh Hamad said that the project would offer up-to-date computer equipment and software with free high speed broadband connections, to most clubs and youth centres in villages.
"We are happy at the results of several months' research taking shape and look forward to reaching thousands of young Bahrainis who otherwise may not have the opportunity to experience the wonders of the world-wide web."
He said that up-to-date technologies had become an acknowledged measure of a nation's progress and how it was regarded on the world stage.
He said the initiative supports His Majesty King Hamad's Schools of the Future project which aims to link all government educational establishments with an e-learning network.
"Batelco also supports the government's visionary e-government initiatives which play a crucial role in maintaining Bahrain as a premier destination for global investors."
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Autor(en)/Author(s): Mandeep Singh
Quelle/Source: Gulf Daily News, 23.10.2008
