Feature Story

June 20, 2003

Cisco is about to discover just how powerful technology and collaboration between public, private, and non-profit organizations can be in advancing education in developing countries. At the World Economic Forum on June 20, Cisco announced a leadership role in the newly formed Jordan Education Initiative. This initiative aims to improve education within Jordan and establish a successful model for education reform in other developing countries.

Cisco is providing substantial funding, technology, and resources, as well as promoting collaboration among initiative participants to help ensure a coordinated effort. By wielding technology and the Internet to bring quality education to a broader audience, Cisco and other participants seek to bridge the education gap between industrialized and developing countries. For Cisco, the Jordan Education Initiative represents a unique opportunity—not only to improve the lives of Jordanian citizens and build a model for education reform around the world, but also to contribute toward long-term economic stability in the Middle East.

News@Cisco recently talked with Tae Yoo, vice president of corporate philanthropy for Cisco, regarding the company's leadership role in education reform within Jordan.

What was the origin for this project? When did it begin?

Tae Yoo: John Chambers planted the seed for the Jordan Education Initiative at the World Economic Forum in January 2003. During an IT Governors dinner at the forum, Chambers proposed that companies interested in corporate citizenship around education join forces and collaborate with government and non-profit organizations to create a focused program in one country. Based on the lessons learned and successes of the first initiative, the goal would be to take the model elsewhere in the world where education reform is needed.

That was the spark for this initiative, but the philosophical roots of education reform run deep within Cisco. We recognize that there is a wide economic and social divide between wealthier countries and the developing world. The Internet and education are the two great equalizers that can help solve this issue. The Jordan Education Initiative is just one example of the Cisco commitment to delivering quality education to broader audiences. This initiative represents an exciting opportunity to see what is possible when there is a coordinated effort between public, private, and non-profit organizations.

Why was Jordan selected?

Tae Yoo: The Jordan Education Initiative dovetails well with Jordan's vision for the future of education in the country. One of Jordan's immediate priorities is building a knowledge-based economy and helping citizens become entrepreneurs and participate in the information communications technology industry. Jordan has already taken steps in that direction through a project called E-Readiness for the Knowledge Economy.

There is a strong existing relationship between the Jordanian government, Cisco, and other initiative participants that bodes well for ongoing collaboration. In addition, education is tightly integrated into the planning process within Jordan's ministries, an advantage in terms of implementing policies and programs as quickly as possible. This is vital because the sooner we can garner results, the sooner we can bring the model to other countries in the world where people can benefit.

Why are you announcing this at the World Economic Forum?

Tae Yoo: The World Economic Forum is a gathering of public, private and non-profit organizations from around the globe. This session of the forum was designed to create a platform for peace and development in the Middle East, and education is a key component in making this happen. Representatives from multiple sectors are here at the forum, actively discussing how to implement the Jordan Education Initiative.

Who else is involved?

Tae Yoo: Cisco, the World Economic Forum, and Jordan's Education, Information Communications Technology, and Planning Ministries are the leaders in the initiative. Together, we drafted the initial proposal. Other corporations including Microsoft and non-profit organizations such as WorldLink are also involved.

What is Cisco's role in this project?

Tae Yoo: Cisco helped spearhead the initiative and is investing significant financial resources, technology and time. Cisco is also providing curriculum support and personnel. This initiative is a tremendous opportunity to harness the Internet and education to benefit Jordanian citizens. We have made a substantial commitment toward making the program a success.

What are the specific goals of the initiative, and how long will it take?

Tae Yoo: Ultimately, we want to discover an efficient model for accelerating education reform in developing countries. We will be using information and communications technology to help unleash the innovation of teachers and students. If successful, we hope to replicate the model and export it to other countries in the region and around the world.

The specific components of the initiative include a top-quality curriculum, teacher training, technology infrastructure for classrooms, and an Internet-based delivery model that allows premium education to be distributed to schools and lifelong learning centers throughout Jordan.

We've learned that successful development requires a long-term commitment. The results of our efforts will be measured in years, not in months or quarters.

Why are you expending this energy in foreign countries, when there are dire issues here in the US?

Tae Yoo: Cisco is a global company with employees and customers from all over the world. It is important to note that Cisco has made significant investments in education and community service in the U.S. as well as in developing countries. In addition, we realize that what occurs internationally can have strong local impact. Improved education and economic stability in the Middle East has the potential to benefit the entire world.