IBM Sets Up Computer Training Center for War Refugees in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia
Vienna (March 04, 1998) – IBM today announced the establishment of a computer training center in Novi Sad, the capital of the northern province Vojvodina, in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.
The project is designed to provide computer training to the refugees of the region who lost their homes during the war — most of whom have neither a job nor often the up-to-date skills to find employment. The refugees who will take part in the program will acquire the computer skills needed to find jobs to support themselves or set up their own businesses in the future.
IBM is working in close cooperation with the Vojvodina Red Cross who is making its building available for the Computer Training Center. IBM has donated equipment including ten of the latest IBM desktop personal computers, one ThinkPad for the teacher, two printers, and additional presentation hardware. The training course will cover basic PC, word processing and spread sheet applications.
“The Computer Training Center project, implemented at the initiative and in cooperation with IBM, differs from our other numerous humanitarian projects. It gives a new dimension in providing to the needy. By requiring active involvement from the refugees, they will acquire new skills to solve their problems themselves,” said Prof. Dr. Vukovic, President, Vojvodina Red Cross.
Even more important than the hardware and software, IBM will provide a “Teach the Teacher Program” — an IBM project that aims to empower individuals with technical training and know-how, so they have the capabilities to pass this knowledge and expertise on to other people.
The plan is to train six teachers at first. Once the center is fully operational, it will train up to eighty participants during any three-month period. Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive an “Certificate of Achievement”. IBM, together with Serbian Business Systems (SBS), an IBM alliance partner, will provide the “Teach the Teacher” program. The first class is scheduled to begin March 9, 1998.
“IBM is pleased, along with our partners, the Red Cross, Novosadska Banka and Serbian Business Systems, to be in a position to help the refugees in Novi Sad, and thus make a contribution to their personal and economic well-being,” says Michael J. Strang, Manager of Operations, IBM Central Europe & Russia.
The Novi Sad program models a similar one established in Bosnia to train women of Srebrenica who lost their husbands, sons, and brothers during the war. This program, now over a year old, has helped many women acquire the skills they need to find meaningful employment.
The computer training centre in Novi Sad represents yet one more example of IBM’s commitment to the personal and economic well-being of people and their communities. Over the last ten years, IBM has been the largest corporate contributor of cash, equipment and expertise to non-profit organisations and educational institutions around the globe. In 163 countries, IBM assists people to use information technology to help other people.
Source: IBM