Microsoft: teaching Panamanian teachers

The software giant has agreed to train 40,000 panamanian teachers in how to use computers and the Internet, so that they can increasingly use them as classroom tools. Details of the arrangement are still undefined, but the concept in principle is important. Central American public-school education is generally deficient in imparting computer skills.

The Panamanian program will at the same time create brand loyalty among hundreds of thousands of young people. Several major hardware and software suppliers have expressed interest in increasing their brand awareness, especially among small and mid-size businesses in the region, which are often hard to reach.

Providing equipment and/or software to young people - many of whom are future owners or managers of such businesses, is a smart way to achieve their objectives.

Opportunities

• Software suppliers
• Hardware suppliers