IBM, AFI partner to upgrade education

Manila, Philippines - IBM Philippines and Ayala Foundation, Inc. (AFI) partnered to foster academic excellence through technology for the students at the Center of Excellence in Public Elementary Education (CENTEX).

As part of this collaboration, IBM donated 10 KidSmart units to CENTEX, an academic institution which currently operates two public elementary schools in Tondo, Manila and Bauan, Batangas managed by the AFI in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd). It aims to provide bright children from under resourced families education that is at par with the best private schools in the country.

CENTEX educates approximately 900 students and trains over 70 teachers. Both schools run Kindergarten to Grade 6 programs, making them perfect recipients of the IBM KidSmart Early Learning Program.

The IBM KidSmart Early Learning Program aims to raise the bar on overall student achievement and to bridge the “digital divide” that separates people who have from those who do not have access to technology. It integrates new interactive teaching and learning activities using the latest technology into the pre-kindergarten curricula.

The program includes the Young Explorer, a computer housed in brightly colored, kid-friendly Little Tikes furniture and equipped with award-winning educational software to help children learn and explore concepts in math, science and language.

The computer centers can also help children learn important socialization skills such as how to work together and share. Exploration and socialization skills are important to prepare children for future success in school, help level the playing field and ensure all children have access to educational tools.

“As part of our Centennial Celebration, IBM is also working with AFI for a series of activities and initiatives to address local community challenges and societal needs,” said Chestnut Andaya, country manager for Marketing, Communications and Corporate Citizenship & Corporate Affairs of IBM Philippines.

Since its inception in 1999, over 260 KidSmart units have already been donated, benefiting more than 800,000 children from remote to underprivileged towns and cities across the nation.