Sunday, 8 June 2008

German Government Offers Scholarships to Young Cambodian Entrepreneurs to Bridge Digital Divide

Posted on 8 June 2008.
The Mirror, Vol. 12, No. 563

“With the aim to support developing countries in their efforts not to be excluded from important global processes and not to be hampered in the use of new and resource-saving technologies and products the German Government has decided to offer scholarships to bridge this digital divide.

“One of the possible negative results of the lack of information technology related knowledge is that productivity in developing countries is by international standards declining and the achievements of the UN Millennium Development Goals may be jeopardized.

“The programme is intended to enable young entrepreneurs from developing countries to successfully start up an information and communications technology (ICT) business in their home countries.

“Konrad Zuse [the inventor of the world's first functional program-controlled computer in 1941] scholarships are worth Euro 1.200 per month and granted for up to one year. This sum is intended to cover all expenses incurred in Germany for medical insurance, accommodation, food etc. In addition the German Government meets the cost of air travel for one return trip to Germany per beneficiary.

“For all beneficiaries individual training plans are drawn up tailored to their specific requirements as well as the sector in which they intend to start up their business.

“The training includes an academic component as well as internships in German companies active in the same sector as the prospective start-up.

“Further information is to be obtained on the website of the German Embassy Phnom Penh.

“Deadline for applications is 25 July 2008.”

Koh Santepheap, Vol.41, #6365, 7-8.6.2008

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