(MENAFN- Gulf Times) Ooredoo Myanmar has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Myanmar Book Aid and Preservation Foundation (MBAPF) for the transformation of 150 libraries to community centres across the nation.
The announcement was made at the ‘All Literate People have to Read' event at the Myanmar International Convention Centre 2 (MICC-2) in Naypyidaw, Myanmar, and was attended by Myanmar's state counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, Union Minister for Ministry of Information Dr U Pe Myint, and Union Minister for Ministry of Education Dr U Myo Thein Gyi.
As part of the MoU, Ooredoo Myanmar will help transform 150 libraries to become digital libraries and community centres that will benefit the surrounding communities. Ooredoo will support the project with computers, modems, unlimited Internet connectivity for two years, and digital literacy and capacity building training for 190 librarians, valued at approximately 280mn Myanmar kyat (MMK) through Beyond Access Myanmar project.
This project aims to connect libraries across Myanmar with the internet, creating new digital hubs in communities across the country, which is one of the global trends of public libraries.
This will provide learning tools and services to improve the digital literacy and access to information to the people of Myanmar, fostering an environment of technological inclusivity.
Ooredoo Myanmar CEO Vikram Sinha said: 'We are delighted to provide tools and internet access to the libraries. With the computers and fast internet provided by Ooredoo, we hope that the library patrons will be able to open the door to new knowledge as well as equipping themselves with benefits brought to them by technological advancement. Through the programme, libraries in Myanmar will have the power to connect, educate, support and engage everyone.
Ooredoo Myanmar's work is in partnership with the MBAPF, an organisation that works to provide libraries with books, ICT, and training across Myanmar.
This is the third MoU that Ooredoo Myanmar has signed with MBAPF since September 2014, having previously signed MoUs in 2014 and 2017, amounting to a total contribution of nearly MMK516mn. Ooredoo Myanmar has already provided 539 tablets and connected 90 libraries across the past five years.
According to a third party IREX survey, 300,000 people have used those devices in which 50,000 accessed the internet for the first time in their lives. Among them, over 45% used the libraries to access news or learning opportunities, 32% sought to improve their technology skills, and 23% applied for jobs.
More than 350,000 have visited the library to improve their digital literacy, with over 120,000 people have been provided training on how to use the internet and digital literacy skills.
MBAPF executive director Dr U Thant Thaw Kaung said, 'Information becomes the most valuable resource and very important asset in our day-to-day lives. Since this project is reaching out to the most vulnerable and underserved population in Myanmar, we welcome and appreciate such support. We would like to thank Ooredoo for continuous support for this programme.
Beyond Access Myanmar has been working with the Ministry of Information and Ministry of Education, as well as a number of local and international partners to build up competency skills for the most vulnerable and under-served population in Myanmar.

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