Government starts the computerisation of schools campaign

Tuesday, 13 March 2007

Government started the campaign "Computer for every pupil" by announcing a public bid to purchase first 100.000 PCs for primary and secondary schools in Macedonia, which will be delivered and paid by the end of 2007 and the beginning of 2008. The rest of 50.000 PCs will be paid from the 2009 budget when the campaign for computerisation of schools is expected to be finished. The resources are provided from the budget, without country to be indebted. The goal of the action is pupils to be trained to learn subjects through computer and teachers to be trained with modern methods and techniques to teach the teaching materials. - We expect in the last quarter of this year the installation of the first third of the computers to begin, around of 40.000 PCs. In the period January, February, March the second third around of 60.000 PCs will be installed while 50.000 PCs will be installed at the beginning of 2009, in accordance to the budget capabilities, PM Nikola Gruevski said at the government's press conference in the presence of ministers and deputy PMs for economy and education. Installation will begin in the secondary schools by the end of 2007 and in January - March 2008 will continue in primary schools, and the third and the last phase will include installation of computers from first to fourth grade in primary schools in 2009. They will have LCD monitors which will protect pupils from radiation and will be robbery protected. The teaching staff will be trained to use computers. These days a bid to purchase higher performances PCs for new faculties in Stip and Bitola will be announced as well. The government also promoted the project for building of at least 100 new schools, for which the mayors should give answers on their needs for new schools. The construction will be financed by government with 5 to 10% and the private sector will be the main financier. The goal of the project is pupils to be closer to the schools and gradually the second shift to be revoked. Model is successfully used in Croatia. The third project that was promoted today was construction of 100 sports halls in schools and the Council of Europe Development Bank is expected to approve the detailed proposal of the Ministry of Education and Science. Gruevski said that it will contribute for health life and physical culture of the pupils. The credit for construction of the sports halls will be around of 40 million Euro. The advantage of the credit is that the Council of Europe Development Bank offers favourable conditions ad lowest interest rates since it is specialised for project of social interest.

 

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