DRAFT FORUM LETTER TO MINISTER OF EDUCATION OF GHANA FOR ENDORSEMENT OF COUNTRY WORK.

WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM
DRAFT FORUM LETTER TO MINISTER OF EDUCATION OF GHANA FOR ENDORSEMENT OF COUNTRY WORK.

Professor Christopher Ameyaw Ekumfi
Minister of Education
Republic of Ghana
P. O. Box M.45
Accra, Ghana

Dear Professor Christopher Ameyaw Ekumfi,

I am writing to you to inform you and invite your support for the pilot educational technology initiative being undertaken in the Republic of Ghana under the auspices of the Education Steering Committee of our Global Digital Divide Initiative. The Ghana pilot is co-led by Africa Online and World Computer Exchange. A full report outlining the proposal for this initiative is attached for your review and endorsement.

The Global Digital Divide Initiative of the World Economic Forum was launched at the Annual Meeting 2000 held in Davos, Switzerland, by the senior level executives of the information technology and media communications and entertainment industries. This Initiative seeks to harness the global and multi-sectoral platform of the World Economic Forum to develop and propagate creative public and private sector initiatives to transform the digital divide into an opportunity for growth. Since January 2000, we have been working the member companies, government officials and civil society organisations who make up the task force to mobilise resources to build-out digital divide-related initiatives and to advance this issue on the global and regional public policy agendas.

The Education Steering Committee, composed of such leading companies as Vivendi Universal, Microsoft, Sony, Siemens and Sun Microsystems seeks to promote universal access to quality education, wiring of schools and libraries, training of teachers, skilled volunteer programs, and access to technology tools for education in the developing world.

The Country Programme, launched at the Annual Meeting 2002 of the World Economic Forum in New York, will target six countries initially – including Ghana. It aims to coordinate, provide resources for, and deliver expanded education technology programs - building on private sector regional priorities. Through the individual country proposal documents, setting out existing provision and country needs, the “lead company” and “lead NGO” team for each country is working together to mobilize resources, implementation and liaison with government and other partners. We anticipate showcasing and recognising the successful outcomes of these pilots at our Annual Meeting 2003.

As you review the attached document, I would ask for your support and governmental commitment to the work being undertaken: The adoption by the University of Ghana and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology of ICT at local primary and secondary schools, a pilot of telecenters in rural schools with Africa Online and World Links, and working with local NGOs to connect rural schools. A letter from you to the Commissioner of Customs and Excise would be very helpful.

This pilot represents an innovative partnership between the private sector and an NGO with a demonstrated record of sustainable results. They are working to approach other leading companies with interests in Ghana to donate and participate. With the further endorsement of the Ministry of Education for this work, we recognise that the opportunities to develop such work will be much increased. We request a letter of support that we can attach as we seek corporate sponsors of these initiatives.

Thank you for your attention to this work,

With warmest regards,
Jose-Maria Figueres