Intel Chairman Visits Pilot Schools in Earthquake-Devastated Areas and Joins Hands with Local Government to Rebuild Sichuan

Intel Chairman Craig Barrett, today met with Sichuan provincial government officials to launch the “iWorld” Project, an effort focused on rebuilding and restoring services in areas devastated by the recent Sichuan earthquake. The project will place heavy emphasis on getting students back into school by establishing 200 state-of-the-art “e-classrooms”, and extending Intel education programs to schools across eight severely-affected counties in Sichuan province.

The company is also donating RMB48 million ($US6.9M) - raised from employees and the Intel Foundation-as well as using employee volunteers to help reconstruct the local community.

“Though saddened by the disaster, we are inspired by the strength the Sichuan people have shown in these difficult times,” noted Barrett who oversaw the “iWorld” project signing ceremony between Sichuan provisional authorities and Intel China. “We hope our efforts inspire courage as the country rebuilds, and we are proud that Intel technology can accelerate the return of prosperity.”

The RMB48 million donation for the “iWorld” Project continues Intel’s steadfast commitment to China. The program will not replace damaged schools, but will try to supplement them with state-of-the-art classrooms equipped with computers** and high-speed Internet connections. The aim is to link teachers and students to the outside world and restore their schooling as quickly as possible.

The project will include the Intel Teach program and will be fully implemented within one year. It is currently piloted at Long Menshan Scool, Tong Ji Elementary School and Ju Yuan Middle School. As of today, the Intel Teach program has trained more than 1 million teachers in China – a historic milestone in Intel’s China operations.

Before the signing ceremony for the iWorld Project, Dr. Barrett visited Long Menshan School in Peng Zhou, one of the worst-hit areas less than 20 kilometers from the quake epicenter. Students only recently resumed classes in temporary buildings, and Dr. Barrett participated in a class held at one of the pilot Intel “iWorld” e-classrooms.

“Intel has worked and lived in China for more than 20 years. And as a member of the Sichuan community, our employees have shown unfailing solidarity with those in need from the very first day.” Dr. Barrett continued, “I am particularly proud to see our advanced technology and tireless volunteers supporting local communities and instilling confidence in the reconstruction process.”

Dr. Barrett encouraged more Intel employees to actively participate in local community restoration programs. Intel has a long-term dedication to educational programs and to building communities in China.