Cisco Announces Major Collaborative Initiatives With Moroccan Government at Cisco Expo Morocco 2009

From Marketwire

Highlights / Key Facts:

    * Today's announcement represents a milestone in Cisco's ongoing commitment to work with the government, businesses and citizens of Morocco to help build the future through the intelligent application of information and communications technology (ICT), using the network as the platform.
    * Cisco will work with Morocco's Ministry of National Education to introduce the Cisco Networking Academy program into the curriculum in K-12 schools, as well as colleges, universities and other educational institutions throughout the kingdom of Morocco.
    * As the government's strategic technology advisor, Cisco will help to formulate and develop Morocco's ICT strategy. This collaboration will enable the government to benefit from Cisco's experience in setting up similar programs and educational networks across the globe and particularly in Africa and the Middle East.
    * Cisco Expo Morocco 2009 took place on June 30 and July 1 at the Le Center International de Conference de Mohammed VI, Shkirat. The event was Cisco's third expo to be hosted in Morocco. It brought together more than 600 decision makers from all over the country to discuss key technology trends, showcase the latest technology solutions, and share best practices that will drive the success of businesses in Morocco. This year's VIP keynote speaker was the Hon. Ahmed Reda Chami, Morocco's minister of industry, trade and new technologies.
    * The Networking Academy program provides ICT skills to students globally to improve their career and economic opportunities. It operates in high schools, colleges, universities, technical and military schools, community-based organizations and government bodies. Its curriculum combines the theory and practice of designing, developing and implementing the networks that underpin businesses and other organizations. In addition, its advanced technology curricula in areas such as security, wireless and Internet Protocol (IP) telephony provide exposure to the latest technology skills in those fields. It also has a module teaching basic ICT skills.
    * The Networking Academy is present in 41 countries in Africa, with 41,000 students taking classes and 92,000 students since its inception. There are 760 instructors in 350 academies.

Executive Quotes:

    * Morocco's secretary of state for the ministry of national education, Ms. Latifa El Abida
      "The kingdom of Morocco has embarked on an ambitious program of  reform of  its  educational system, in order to position ICT at the core of the change that will be operating at all levels of the school curriculum. We consider such reform to be an essential step towards the modernization of the education system throughout Morocco. Our commitment to develop education at all levels was reinforced in recent the message delivered by H.M. the King, in 2007, which  placed the student at the heart of Morocco's development into the 21st century. A modern educational system, built around a powerful technology teaching and learning platform that Cisco can provide, is absolutely vital."

    * Yvon Le Roux, Cisco's vice president for Africa Levant
      "Broadband infrastructure and education are critical for the future of Morocco and the entire African region. Therefore, one of the most important steps that government and business leaders in this region can take is to concentrate efforts, collectively and collaboratively, on providing information technology training opportunities. This can enhance students' careers, improve economic opportunities, and raise the quality of life and economic prosperity of generations to come. Cisco is committed to working with administrations and businesses to support this new wave of societal evolution."

    * Hassan Bahej, general manager, for Cisco in Morocco
      "Morocco has all the right ingredients to create a sustainable and successful ICT industry. This is why the country is an important growth market for Cisco. We see a great opportunity to play an important role in realizing the country leadership's vision for essential educational developments by providing Cisco's proven experience in setting up educational networks throughout the world."