NEPAD e-Schools Project Launch in Kenya, Isiolo - 27th September, 2005

Mecer is a member of both the Oracle & Microsoft Consortiums of companies that are spearheading the continent?s e-Schools DEMO project. Through the Mecer headquarters in South Africa, Mecer was involved in setting up the Demonstration Labs that are to be replicated in 13 schools all over Africa, in this pilot phase. Each e-school will be equipped as follows:- Computer Lab with 21 Mecer PCs, a Mecer Server, 2 mono printers and a VSAT equipment set. Each PC is secured with a PC dome that will enclose the monitor and the tower case. The computers are interconnected with wireless networking to form a Local Area Network. There is also learning management software that?s provided as well as digital content for the students? usage.

The Project was officially launched in Kenya by H.E. the President, Hon. Mwai Kibaki at an eventful ceremony at one of the demo schools based in Isiolo, Isiolo Girls? Secondary School. In attendance were key members of the consortium including Mr Desi Lopez Fafie, MD Oracle Africa Operations, the Minister and PS for Education, NEPAD officials, as well students and teachers from the various participating schools in this project.

Oracle Corporation is spearheading the pilot initiative in Kenya and will be assisted by Microsoft and both are partnering with Mecer to provide them with the computer hardware and support that is needed for the project.

Of importance to the project implementation in this region, is the fact that Mustek Limited, the owners of the Mecer brand and who are based in South Africa, have set up assembly, distribution and support operations (Mecer East Africa Ltd.) for their computer equipment. This therefore makes it much more viable to supply, monitor and support the e-schools operations, as the project is rolled out.
Mecer has successfully provided turnkey solutions focused on outcomes based education for the past 11 years. Mecer Education is currently supporting more than 1000 schools in South Africa, making them the leader in the field. It was therefore an easy & practical choice for the other members of this project to choose Mecer as a formidable partner. Indeed.

Going forward, Mecer East Africa Ltd. continues to strengthen its operations and hopes to be a key player in this initiative to ensure African Youth are active participants in the IT society.

http://www.oracle.com/global/ao/press/en/nepad_us_eschool.html