5.16.2003 ET

(CSRwire) Nokia, the International Youth Foundation (IYF), Pearson and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) today launch Bridgeit — an innovative program that uses mobile technology to bring interactive, multimedia learning materials to local classrooms around the world. The program will be tested in the Philippines in an initial countrywide pilot, beginning in June, with a view to expanding its geographic reach and range of educational content.

A fast and easy-to-use service, Bridgeit combines existing mobile technologies to deliver these digital multimedia materials to teachers and students who otherwise would have no access to them.

Speaking today at an event attended by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Nokia Executive Vice President, Veli Sundback said: “Today’s launch is truly unique, not only demonstrating how advanced mobile technology can be used for educational purposes, but also how the public sector, civil society and the private sector can cooperate successfully both at the global and local level.”

Globally, the combined research and development resources of Nokia, IYF, Pearson and the UNDP in the areas of technology, content, training and processes make up the Bridgeit platform. These four organizations have together coordinated and integrated the efforts and commitment of local Philippines organizations who have similarly donated their time and services.

Known as text2teach in the Philippines, Bridgeit was developed locally under the leadership of the Ayala Foundation and with the commitment and involvement of the Philippines Department of Education, SEAMEO Innotech, Globe Telecom, PMSI-Dream Broadcasting, and Chikka Asia.

“In this first implementation alone, Bridgeit has the potential to improve learning opportunities for more than 13,000 elementary school children across the Philippines,” said Jaime Ayala, President of the Ayala Group and an IYF Board Member, speaking as a representative of the local support team. “Bridgeit takes advantage of familiar mobile technologies already in place, making it immediately accessible to teachers across the country. And, because each teacher has access to the same learning materials at the same time, students can explore the same state-of-the-art educational programs regardless of the location of the school or its academic-resource budget.”

From June this year, fifth and sixth grade teachers in more than 40 schools from Manila to Mindanao will be able to use mobile phones supplied by Nokia to access a library of more than 80 KnowledgeBox® science videos provided by Pearson. Once selected, videos are downloaded via satellite to a Nokia digital video recorder connected to a television right in the classroom.

IYF’s expertise in teacher training and overall project management, as well as the UNDP’s experience in process documentation is expected to ensure the successful implementation of both the pilot and a scaled program in the Philippines, as well as future replication in other countries and regions.


About BridgeIT

Bridgeit uses mobile technology to bring interactive, multimedia education programs to local classrooms around the world. Bridgeit is an initiative of Nokia, the International Youth Foundation, Pearson, and the United Nations Development Programme.

About Nokia

Nokia is committed to having a positive impact on society that extends beyond the advanced technology, products and services the company creates. Through its community involvement programs, the company prepares young people to embrace opportunities and possibilities created by the global economy and new technological advancements. The company has been an active regional contributor to youth and education causes for many years, with Nokia employees making their own contributions as volunteers in a range of programs throughout the world. More about Nokia can be found at Nokia.

About International Youth Foundation

The International Youth Foundation (IYF) is dedicated to supporting programs that improve the conditions and prospects for young people where they live, learn, work, and play. Since its founding in 1990, IYF has worked with hundreds of companies, foundations, and non-governmental organizations to scale up existing programs and build long-term strategic partnerships. Currently operating in close to 50 countries and territories, IYF and its partners have helped more than 26 million young people gain the skills, training and opportunities critical to their success. More about IYF can be found at: IYF.

About Pearson

Pearson is an international media company with market leading businesses in education, business information and consumer publishing. Pearson Education is the world's leading learning company. Its textbooks, online learning tools and testing and assessment programmes help to educate more than 100 million people worldwide. The Penguin Group publishes an unrivalled range of fiction and non-fiction, bestsellers and classics, children's and reference works for audiences in over 100 countries. The Financial Times and its network of business and financial newspapers and online services informs the daily decisions of more than 4 million businesses and investors worldwide. More about Pearson can be found at Pearson.

About UNDP

UNDP is the UN’s global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. We are on the ground in 166 countries, working with them on their own solutions to global and national development challenges. As they develop local capacity, they draw on the people of UNDP and our wide range of partners. More about UNDP can be found at UNDP.

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