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Bangalore , Sept. 19

IBM India on Friday announced the launch of its community relations initiative — IBM KidSmart Early Learning Program — in Bangalore. The `IBM KidSmart' is aimed at introducing technology at the pre-school level.

IBM India has donated 250 "Young Explorer Units" across 44 schools in 16 states throughout the country. Plans are afoot to donate another 250 units by the end of the year to reach close to 10,000 children, said Mr Abraham Thomas, Managing Director, IBM India.

"The objective of the IBM KidSmart Early Learning Program is to reach technology to the economically weaker and disadvantaged sections of India to accelerate their progress and also to bridge the digital divide between various sections of the society," Mr Thomas said.

The Young Explorer Units are specially designed computer units with colourful furniture, pre-loaded with age-appropriate software, printers and educational materials. The program helps children understand basic concepts such as alphabets and numbers, and focuses on developing reading skills among children at an early stage in their lives.

The KidSmart software focuses on reading and writing skills, numbers and assists children in concept formation and self-directed learning, he said.

A wide range of schools including Aanganwadis, government schools, Corporation schools, Army schools, Navy Schools and trust run schools have been brought together under this project, Mr Thomas said adding that this programme will be further enhanced by adding local language software to customise the program to meet local requirements.

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