In April, Africa joined Europe, the European Union, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East as the fifth region to open a Microsoft Schools Technology Innovation Centre (STIC) that provides teachers with information, training, and equipment to encourage the innovative use of information and communications technology (ICT) in teaching and learning.

The Africa STIC will enable teachers to align their professional development to the latest educational innovations and help schools derive optimal value from learning technologies.

The launch was attended by Naledi Pandor, Minister of Education, Dr. Cheick Modibo Diarra, Microsoft's Africa chairman, and Pfungwa Serima, MD of Microsoft SA. The Africa STIC is situated at the Central Johannesburg College Campus in Troyville.

"Our objective is to empower our citizens with the ICT skills they need for life-long learning, both in the workplace and in private life. Life-long learning is essential because technology is pervasive, dynamic, and ever-changing. Our citizens must have the technical and learning skills, confidence, and flexibility they need to adapt over the course of their lifetimes," said Diarra.

"The STIC will support skills transfer and teacher training for a 21st century education system. It will expose teachers and learners to innovative technology toward greater employability and active citizenship," said Pandor.

"Digital inclusion is not only achieved by giving people access to information - putting computers in schools or providing Internet access - but by empowering people to use technology and information to shape their own futures," said Diarra. "At Microsoft, we continue to strive to bring the promise of opportunity and access to the communities where we live and work."