Etisalat Academy & Serebra / GMC-TIN Commence E-learning Initiative Throughout Middle East and North Africa
Announcement sees the collaboration assume a leading IT educational role in the region
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES AND VANCOUVER, BC CANADA - October 25 2004 - Serebra Learning Corporation (TSX VEN: SBR), one of Canada's leading providers of e-learning solutions, reports that the United Arab Emirates based Etisalat Academy, a division of Emirates Telecommunications Corporation ("Etisalat", www.etisalat.ae), has announced its intention to commence a region-wide e-learning educational initiative.
This announcement comes subsequent to Etisalat being appointed by both Serebra and GMC-TINCCI's G77 Network for Business Worldwide Ltd. (GMC-TIN), as their joint representative in launching the EasyLearning (www.easylearning.org) initiative in the Middle East and North Africa. This cooperative learning project was launched to facilitate the development of e-learning opportunities throughout the developing countries. Etisalat Academy's statement of intention took place at GITEX 2004, the largest technology exhibition in the Middle East and the technology hub for professionals from the region and worldwide, during the visit of a senior delegation from GMC-TIN accompanied by Serebra's President and CEO, Ted Moorhouse. Obaid Saeed Bin Meshar, Senior Executive Vice President of Emirates Telecommunications Corporation, welcomed the delegation and offered encouragement for the initiative's success.
Dr. Doa'a Fares, General Manager of the Etisalat Academy, stressed both the uniqueness of the project and its importance for the development of both the region's private and public sectors. "This confirms the Academy's leading role and the confidence of the international bodies in our outreach and linkage with the Region. The Academy is pleased to be able to play this supporting role for the project, which has been a priority since our inception. We consider the development of e-learning a priority and one we will endeavor to do everything in our power to progress in both the private and public sectors within the UAE and abroad."
The EasyLearning initiative augments the important role of learning institutions in providing much needed knowledge and experience for the labour market. GMC-TIN has put significant efforts into promoting locally affordable e-learning course offerings, accessible through simple PIN-based learning cards. As each unique PIN code is redeemed through the Serebra-created web site, the selected course is downloaded to the individual's computer where it will remain active for 3 months.
Serebra's courses address a wide range of learning needs in the areas of Administration, Human Resources, Accounting & Finance, and Information Technology, where among others, the curriculum provides training in Microsoft, Oracle and Cisco technologies.
The Etisalat Academy was chosen by Serebra and GMC-TIN as its area representative due to its recognition as the first centre in the Middle East to examine IT experts and Engineers wanting to receive international accredited certification in IT Security through (ISC)2 USA/International. Furthermore, the Academy provides the EasyLearning initiative with significant regional coverage and contacts with major organizations which will assist Serebra and GMC-TIN with ongoing business development activities.
The EasyLearning initiative (www.easylearning.org) supports and encourages the cultural benefits of lifelong learning. A primary goal is to improve the lives of students and those in the workforce by providing the skills and tools they need to succeed in the new knowledge-based economy. The EasyLearning system was designed by Serebra to overcome significant e-learning issues, such as inconsistent infrastructure support and intermittent on-line access that have long been impediments to the dissemination of educational material. Serebra's system allows its users to experience cost-effective Internet connections, straightforward log-in procedures and timely courseware delivery.
About Etisalat Academy
Etisalat Academy is one of the major professional Centers of Excellence in the Gulf Region & Middle East, offering training solutions & consultancy services in career development for diversified and different levels of professionals. The Academy offers specialized courses in Telecom Engineering, Information Technology, Information Security, Networks & Systems Administration, Management, TQM, Accounting and Finance. The training indicators of the Academy are published annually in the American Society of Training and Development (ASTD) review report, which is distributed worldwide to professional institutions. The Academy is ISO Certified in training management, technical and business training, career development and training operations, and also provides consultancy services in human resources development for various local firms using its highly qualified professionals and training consultants. Visit Etisalat Academy at www.eacademy.ae.
About GMC-TINCCI's G77 Network for Business Worldwide Ltd. (GMC-TIN)
GMC-TIN is an international organization established on the mandate of the Conference of the G77 Chamber of Commerce and Industries (G77CCIs). The G77 Chamber of Commerce and Industries (G77CCIs) has the mission to support sustained economic cooperation among developing countries.
GMC-TIN's principal cooperation mechanism, the G77 Chamber Trade Information Network (TIN), is designed to provide education and information on trade, technology and investment opportunities in 133 nations. Through professional assistance, regular education and training, the TIN strives to promote international trade and exchange information among individuals engaged in business and academic activities in all sectors of the economy. Visit GMC-TIN on the web at www.tradeinfonet.org, www.g77tin.org, and www.worldchambers.com.
About Serebra
Serebra Learning Corporation (TSX VEN: SBR) designs and delivers e-learning solutions for corporations, including the Fortune 1000, universities and schools, government organizations and individuals. Backed by a library of over 2500 courses and a global network of partners, Serebra's powerful Learning Management System, Serebra Cortex, hosts and manages Information Technology, Desktop Skills and Professional Development titles. Serebra is uniquely positioned to provide a broad range of on-line learning solutions to individuals who wish to advance their personal and professional development. For more information on Serebra, visit www.serebra.com or call 800 567.7766.
