Speeches

Remarks of Ambassador John Price on the occasion of the Unveiling of a Plaque Marking the EDDI-funded Computer Center at IVTB, Mahebourg

March 29, 2005, 10:00am

Mr. Venkatasawmy, Representative of the Ministry of Training, Skills Development, Productivity and External Communications,
Mr. Areff Salauroo, Chairman, Industrial and Vocational Training Council,
Mr. Roland Dubois, Director IVTB
Mr. Paraouty,
Teachers, Students,
Other distinguished guests:

I am honored to be here today to officially unveil the plaque marking the Computer Center here at IVTB Mahebourg, funded by the U.S. Government's Education for Development and Democracy Initiative.

This computer center represents an important aspect of the commitment that the U.S. Government has made to supporting and enhancing education in Mauritius.   The education and training offered here will help Mauritius fulfill its goal to become the knowledge hub of the Indian Ocean Region.  People who are trained in computers and information technology will be in greater and greater demand as businesses which operate within computer- based industries grow and expand.  We at the U.S. Embassy want to assist Mauritians in your efforts to develop the trained pool of technical personnel who will provide the human resources for these businesses.  

As the world grows more technologically advanced, it becomes more and more critical for students all over the world to become knowledgeable in computer skills.  This is nowhere more so than in Mauritius.  Your future may lie in your ability to offer skills and understanding of computer programs and tools to corporate and government employers.  Some of you, I hope, will use your computer expertise in other ways besides working for computer-related companies.  You might start your own new business that provides a computer-related product or service.  You might create a company that produces devices or services that incorporate computer technology in their development.  You could develop products that require computerized manufacturing. 

That is how you will be part of the future of Mauritius, and education is the only way that you can acquire those skills.  Who knows?  There may be a Bill Gates of the future right here in Mauritius!

The IVTB Computer Center is providing just such an education.  It is offering an education that enables the training of a new generation of talented young people, with excellent computer skills, and the professional abilities to enter the workplace of the 21st century.  I am proud that the EDDI funds provided 25 computers, one printer and two air conditioners.  As part of the Ambassador's Girls' Scholarship Program, the grant also funded a four-month course in computer skills and life skills development for 80 girls, and paid their exam fees to enable them to obtain a certificate in computer proficiency.  

The technology revolution is happening now, here, in Mauritius.  It is happening at CyberCity.  It is happening in the Free zone.  It is happening in the private sector and in the public sector.  It is happening in the schools and in the businesses.  The students who learn here at the ivtb Computer Center are part of it.  You are part of this revolution, this incredible dynamic new environment in Mauritius.

I am pleased to officially unveil the plaque marking the IVTB Computer Center, noting the support of the U.S. government and the U.S. Embassy Port Louis for this project.  I know that the Center is helping to make the students here move forward toward their futures with a better education.  I am glad that we at the U.S. Embassy have had the opportunity to make that possible.

I wish you all the best of luck in continuing your fine education.