New Delhi, India, July 19, 2001
—The International Finance Corporation has signed an agreement to invest US$1.6 million in a pilot project to develop Internet-based education for poor children living in India’s urban slums and rural areas. The project will be developed jointly with NIIT, India’s largest and most reputable information technology education firms.
The project, called “Hole in the Wall”, will encourage under-privileged children to learn from a Web-based curriculum through Internet kiosks. NIIT recently conducted studies to determine if illiterate slum children could use the Internet without instruction. By giving them computer access, NIIT observed their rapid learning abilities and keen interest in gaining knowledge. “Hole in the Wall” hopes to improve education for poor children with minimum intervention. This learning tool ensures equal access to girls and boys.
Over the next three years, Internet kiosks will be installed in more than 60 locations in India to test the concept of this Minimally Invasive Education tool and to assess its potential to increase literacy. The project will be managed by Dr. Sugata Mitra, who heads NIIT’s Centre for Research in Cognitive Systems.
“The rapidly spreading use of the Internet in India is restricted to affluent urban areas, thereby creating a knowledge gap in society,” said Mr. Pawar, Chairman of NIIT. “This project will broaden access to the Internet and provide education to children of all social classes.”
“Information technology has been an incredible instrument of change in India,” added Mr. Bernard Pasquier, IFC’s Director for South Asia. “The ability of children to learn with computers coupled with NIIT’s success in computer education will help to eradicate illiteracy in India.”
Founded in 1981, NIIT’s mission is to successfully bring computers and people together. So far, NIIT has trained 2 million Indians in computer skills, currently has about 2,300 education centers across the country, and has enrolled about 320,000 students. It is among the largest education and training organizations in the world. With half of its revenues generated by its software business, NIIT is the third largest publicly-listed information technology company in India.
The mission of IFC, part of the World Bank Group, is to promote sustainable private sector investment in developing countries as a way to reduce poverty and improve people’s lives. IFC finances private sector investments in emerging markets, mobilizes capital in the international financial markets, and provides technical assistance and advice to governments and businesses.
