DUSHANBE, February 16, 2009, Asia-Plus  -- On February 13, the Ministry of Education (MoE) and international organization, Relief International (RI), signed a memorandum of cooperation in Dushanbe.

Speaking in an interview with Asia-Plus, Noilsho Nouraliyev, a spokesman for a MoE, said that under the signed document, RI would provide 100,000 US dollars to promote improving resource-and technical bases of educational facilities and raising education quality level in the country this year.

The document provides for connection of 26 general schools to Internet and holding of training for more than 500 teachers on information and communication technologies program.  Besides, a number of educational modules, recommendations and other educational supplies will be prepared and published.

Founded in 1990, Relief International provides emergency, rehabilitation and development services that empower beneficiaries in the process.  RI''s programs include health, shelter construction, education, community development, agriculture, food, income-generation, and conflict resolution.  RI employs an innovative approach to program design and a high quality of implementation performance in demonstrating deep and lasting impact in reducing human suffering worldwide.

The Tajikistan Global Connections and Classroom Exchange Project has established 24 Internet Learning Centers (ILC) in secondary schools across Tajikistan.  Each ILC features six to eight new computers, a laser printer, digital camera, and unlimited access to the Internet.  The program’s main goal is to increase global dialogue and educational opportunities by installing modern computer equipment with Internet access in schools, as well as developing training and learning projects for teachers and students.  It also provides youth in Tajikistan, particularly girls, with the opportunity to participate as equals in a global civic education platform and to learn democratic values.