Inauguration of the SCIMA Digital Enhancement Project in Mesco Grades,Malakpet,Hyderabad

8^th June 2009, the Hyderabad launch of the SCIMA Digital Enhancement Project a Learning Links Foundation (LLF) and Dell Youth Connect initiative, was held at Mesco Grades School, Malakpet, Hyderabad. An MOU was signed between LLF and the Mesco Schools, at the Mesco Grade School Malakpet where the project is to be implemented.

Dr. Mohammed Iftekharuddin Director, Mesco, who signed the MOU spoke about Mesco, the Muslim Educational Social and Cultural Organization which is a philanthropic body established in the year 1983, by the prominent doctors of Hyderabad to provide education and health care. He stated that MESCO’s mission was to support the education of the poor and the under privileged with emphasis on inculcating Islamic values while imparting modern education.

The Chief Guest, Pro Vice Chancellor, Prof Maya Pandit-Narkar, inaugurated the Computer Lab while the Knowledge Centre was inaugurated by Ms. Nuriya Ansari, Vice President Learning Links Foundation. Dr. Teri T Maddox Professor of English and Speech inaugurated the Smart Class room where a Smart Class Demo was provided for them. The Principal, Mesco Grades Mustaidpura, Sameena Yasmin gave the welcome address.

Ms. Nuriya Ansari, Vice President Learning Links Foundation, in her address to the audience spoke about the Learning Links Foundation, a not for profit organization, comprising of educators working to inspire the future generations with innovative ideas towards making India a knowledge economy. She believed that their mission was to empower lives by providing innovative solutions to Education and Community Programs through Education, so as to create a generation of leaders for the 21st century She complimented MESCO’s vision of providing life oriented skills along with academic education and community values and commended their efforts to use ICT as an enabler and driver for empowerment helping students achieve 21st Century skills.

Mr. Rajeev Kapoor, Director Dell, Hyderabad site, said that the YouthConnect initiative focuses on youth who will be the successful generation of tomorrow because of their exposure to technology. He complimented LLF on their implementation of ‘SCIMA’, a Digital Enhancement Project. The goals of ‘SCIMA’ are to enhance Science and Math skills in students and provide digital literacy skills in a 21st Century learning environment to students between 5 -17 years.

Learning Links Foundation will be implementing the Program in India in the urban areas of Delhi, Mohali, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Chennai

Mr. Rajeev Kapoor said he was looking forward to neighborhood children being involved with the Learning Links Foundation curriculum series Explore@myworld.com which covers key essential concepts like digital literacy, 21st century skills, health, etc. He felt that this Smart Class concept gives kids an edge over others and that strategic partnerships like with Learning Links Foundation have provided focus to their project.

He was extremely glad to see the evident excitement of the students and management and promised to return to see the children using the lab and learning from it.

The Chief Guest, Vice Chancellor Prof Maya Pandit-Narkar felt being there was a wonderful experience. She congratulated the collaborative efforts of LLF, Dell and Mesco in putting together facilities augmenting learning and technology. She assured all cooperation from the University for the project

The vote of thanks was given by Principal of Mesco Malakpet Mrs. Shakeba Razavi