DILI, June 1, 2009:    Two e-learning centres and a cybercafé were successfully launched in Timor Leste’s national university (UNTL) in a project funded by USAID, with SOLS 24/7 awarded the vital role as implementing partner of American contractors, SRA International.

The new state-of-the-art centers offer technology training and a high-speed internet connection that will equip UNTL students with the skills needed to participate in today’s global and knowledge-based economy.

Economics, Social, and Political Science students excitedly welcomed the e-Learning Centres as they would have free access to computers and training in basic computer literacy and using the internet for research

U.S. Ambassador Hans Klemm and USAID Director Mark Anthony White were joined by former Minister of Education Armindo Maia (representing UNTL Rector Benjamin Corte-Real), and Director-General for Higher Education Abrão dos Santos, in inaugurating the e-Learning Centers at two UNTL campuses.

SOLS 24/7 international director Raj Ridvan Singh said the e-learning centres and cyber cafe, managed by SOLS 24/7 for 24 months before handing over to the UNTL staff, would train participants in software, such as Microsoft Office, utilizing, researching and communicating via the Internet as well as touch typing and English language classes.

“SOLS 24/7 is sincerely grateful to SRA for choosing us to be their local partners as well as USAID and the United States government. This is a great opportunity to work with the university to provide technical support for both faculties and the students,” he said.

According to SRA International project director Steve Rynecki, the setting up of two e-learning centres and a cybercafé was the first step towards transforming UNTL into a 21st century learning centre, as well as begin bridging the immense digital divide in the country.

The e-Learning Centres and cybercafé are also benefiting students who were struggling to source for online information, crucial for completing their course projects and thesis.Students, many of whom come from low-income families, said the e-Learning project was helping their studies and easing the financial burden of finding Internet resources for their assignments as access to the Internet was scarce and expensive in the capital, in some cases as much as USD 6 per hour.Under the project, the cybercafé, established at the UNTL library offers the same services to other UNTL teachers and students for a minimal fee to help the university maintain the e-Learning Centers.

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