Internet For All...

RITSEC established the first Internet HUB for service providers in Egypt and the region. The initial gateway was built using an analog line to France and a few email servers. Over time, it evolved into an extensive digital infrastructure with capacities of up to 10Mbps. In Syria, users dial up to the local X.25 network which automatically connects them to Egypt’s X.25, providing them with immediate access to the Internet. RITSEC also provided users in Syria and Jordan with email and mailing list services.

The Communication and Networking project team additionally submitted project proposals to UNESCO to develop an “Environment Highway,” an “Education Highway,” and a “Tourism and Culture Highway.” The latter proposal was accepted, and the project is currently in progress.

C@inet

Starting in 1993, RITSEC launched an international conference and later on - each year for Internet users and information technology experts and professionals to meet to exchange knowledge and experience. The three-day event, one of the most popular international workshops in the country, is organized in cooperation with the Regional Information Technology Institute (RITI) under the auspices of the Internet Society of Egypt (ISE). The objective behind the yearly conference is to bring the Egyptian market up to date on the newest Internet technologies and to discuss how to best facilitate the use of information technology in different fields in the country.

Some of the topics discussed at C@INET conferenced included:
• Doing Business on the Net
• Financial Services on the Net
• Broadcasting and Multicasting Services on the Net
• Internet in Education
• The Internet and Medicine
• Legal Policy and Social Issues
• Managing the Electronic Market Place
• E-Commerce Strategy and Implementation
• Challenges
• The Internet Shaping the 21st Century: A Global Vision
• The Internet and Child Education
• Community Networking and Socio-Economic Development
• Technology and the Transformation of Learning: Global Frontiers

Privatizing the Internet

RITSEC led and supported the privatization of the internet and establishing more than 60 IPS’s in Egypt at its early stages. Today, the number of user in Egypt only exceeds 70 million users.

Buidling Human Capacity:

Regional Information Technology Training

The Regional IT Institute (RITI), established in Cairo in 1992 as a subsidiary of RITSEC, is a non-profit center of excellence specializing in training and professional development. Over the past decade, RITI has become a regional leader by offering cutting-edge academic and executive programs tailored to the evolving needs of business and IT professionals. Its focus on emerging technologies and commitment to quality have earned it a strong reputation and a proven track record of success.

• Mission

  RITI is dedicated to empowering a new generation of leaders through transformative education, cutting-edge training, and the creation and sharing of knowledge in business, management, and information technology. Building on a legacy of excellence, we embrace the future with purpose—driving innovation, shaping minds, and contributing to the region’s growth and prosperity.

• Services

  RITI's core activities encompass postgraduate academic programs, professional training and development, research, and consultancy services. It also organize conferences and exhibitions focused on emerging trends in information, communication, and computing technologies.

  Through various partnerships with renowned organizations such as Maastricht School of Management, Middlesex University, University of Louisville, Project Management Institute...etc., RITI has been able to build the capacity of thousands of professionals throughout the Arab world.

• Training Programs

  ■   Project Management Diploma
  ■   Project Management Professional
  ■   Marketing Management Diploma
  ■   Customer Service Excellence Course
  ■   Introduction to Public Relations Course
  ■   Learning Statistics through SPSS Course
  ■   Strategy Dynamics Workshop
  ■   Exploring Corporate Finance Course
  ■   Building a Winning Business Case Course
  ■   Adobe after Effects
  ■   Learning by Doing
  ■   Investment and Capital Market Program
  ■   Effective Presentation and Communication Skills
  ■   HR Diploma

Building Knowledge Society:

E-Learning Program

In 1997, RITSEC launched its e-learning program to create a global learning environment by integrating advanced information and communication technologies. This initiative supports human resource development, training, and education through innovative distance learning tools and methodologies.

• Projects

  Through RITSEC e-learning program we succeeded in implementing numerous leading e-learning projects. Sample of these projects are as follows:

  Arab Workforce Skill Development (E4All) Project

  The Arab Workforce Skill Development project aims to equip the region’s youth for the job market by enhancing their English language proficiency, computer literacy, and understanding of management principles.

  RITSEC led the initiative by overseeing training content acquisition, portal development, product testing, trainee selection across Arab states, and full operational management of the platform.

  Beneficiaries

  ■   Fresh graduates from Arab educational institutions
  ■  Unemployed youth lacking digital or soft skills
  ■  Employees in government, private sector, and NGOs seeking upskilling
  ■  Grassroots and marginalized communities across the Arab region

  Outputs

  ■   Educational portal on the internet
  ■   New mechanism for measuring skills gap in the workforce (English Language, Computer Literacy and Management principles.
  ■   A mechanism for managing the educational and training e-content

  Women’s Health Awareness Learning Objects Project:

  The project involves developing seven dynamic, interactive learning objects on key health issues affecting women and children, aimed at enhancing Arab women's knowledge and skills in caring for their own and their children's health, in collaboration with the Arab Women Organization. These seven objects are: Osteoporosis, Obesity, Breast Cancer, Child Teeth, Child Psychology, Diabetes and Heart Diseases

  RITSEC was responsible for implementing the following tasks:

  ■   Acquiring the content from professors and physicians
  ■   Designing the Learning Object (script and scenarios)
  ■   Developing the Learning Object (graphics and cartoon)
  ■   Integration and assembly of the Learning Object (final object with the audio)
  ■   Testing and publishing

  Beneficiaries

  ■   Arab Women in the rural and urban areas, working women, families and communities in general
  ■   Governmental and Civil Institutions
  ■   NGOs in mainly villages and cities
  ■   Community Development Associations

  Arab Regional Distance Learning Network “Learn Net” Project

  Launched in collaboration with the World Bank’s Info Dev Program, this project provided access to high-quality professional IT training developed by leading international agencies. Aimed at helping Arab countries advance into the information age, it focused on building professional skills by training educators, trainers, and professionals in advanced IT tools and techniques. Using videoconferencing technology, the first phase connected Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Kuwait, the UAE, Tunisia, and Morocco to deliver education and professional development across the region.

  RITSEC was responsible for implementing the following tasks:

  ■   Designing the network architecture and needed solution.
  ■   Putting the specs of the needed equipment.
  ■   Acquiring the needed equipment.
  ■   Installing the equipment in the different locations.

  Beneficiaries

  ■   IT and Research Institutions in the participating countries.
  ■   Trainers, educators, and professionals in field of IT.

  Global Knowledge Support Program (GKSP)

  The Global Knowledge Support Program (GKSP-Egypt) aimed to lay the foundation for a sustainable knowledge economy by fostering innovation, learning, and development across sectors. Bringing together experts from diverse industries, the project supported holistic education systems and promoted the use of knowledge, innovation, and ICT to empower individuals, enhance decision-making, and boost global competitiveness.

  RITSEC was responsible for implementing the following tasks:

  ■   Selecting the content provider and localizing the course material.
  ■   Approaching different Egyptian organizations to get nominees.
  ■   Interviewing the nominees to get the best caliber needed.
  ■   Managing the workshops implementation
  ■   Hosting the course material on the Global Campus (RITSEC’s educational and training portal)
  ■   Following up the implementation of the trainees’ projects in their organizations.

  Beneficiaries

  ■   Middle Management staff in different organizations who will be decision makers in their organizations (especially the governmental agencies).

  Illinois University Courses

  In 1997, RITSEC and the University of Illinois launched a pilot project delivering two engineering MSc courses via distance learning, with an Egyptian instructor tutoring U.S. students. Assessed by UNESCO, the pilot showed a remarkable improvement in student comprehension and retention, leading UNESCO to endorse its success and recommend full implementation.

  The Global Campus “GC”

  The Global Campus, initiated by RITSEC, is the first Arabic/Latin learning management system (LMS) designed to deliver academic and professional web-based courses through an interactive, online distance learning platform. It connects universities, instructors, and students worldwide, offering customized learning experiences across multiple disciplines. Partnering with top global institutions, the platform integrates highquality educational resources in innovative formats, accessible exclusively through accredited academic support centers in each participating country.

  Global Distance Learning Center- Egypt (GDLC Egypt)

  In 2000, RITSEC partnered with the World Bank to establish the Egyptian node of the Global Distance Learning Network (GDLN), a worldwide network spanning 50 countries. The initiative aimed to deliver cost-effective, interactive learning for policymakers, fostering knowledge exchange and executive development to support strategic decision-making and regional collaboration.

  Lifelong Learning Program and Center

  The purpose of this project was to facilitate the collaboration between Finnish and Egyptian educational institutions to establish a Lifelong Learning program and centers in Egypt. The project was implemented with the cooperation of the Finnish Embassy in Cairo

  RITSEC was responsible for implementing the following tasks:

  ■   Identifying all potential individuals and institutions that can help build and benefit from the LLC in Egypt.
  ■   Inviting and hosting Finnish experts in Egypt to survey the needs of the LLL Egyptian Market.
  ■   Conducting a workshop with the identified Egyptian organizations interested in LLL to formulate an outline for the LLL center.

  Beneficiaries

  ■   Egyptian Universities, Schools and Training Institutions
  ■   Federation of Egyptian Industries
  ■   First and second lines Executives and Professionals
  ■   Entrepreneurs and SMEs
  ■   Instructors and trainers

Digitizing Culture:

Culture ware Program

Introduction

Launched in 1992, RITSEC’s Culture ware Program was the first initiative of its kind in the Arab region, aimed at preserving and promoting the region’s rich cultural heritage through comprehensive information technology solutions. The program focuses on the documentation of rare manuscripts, museum collections, and archaeological sites, and on making this information widely accessible. By leveraging multimedia technology—including text, sound, graphics, and animation—Culture ware creates immersive digital experiences that bring historical content to life. The program has implemented numerous projects at both national and regional levels, developing integrated information systems, databases, CD-ROMs, and websites. It also supports human resource development, combining science, art, and technology to preserve and disseminate cultural heritage.

Below are some samples of the projects implemented under this program:

Preservation of Tunisian Heritage Project

In an effort to preserve the rich cultural heritage of Arab countries, RITSEC— in collaboration with the Tunisian Ministry of Culture and Heritage Conservation and with the support of the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development (AFSED)—has implemented several projects focused on the conservation and global dissemination of Tunisia’s cultural heritage.

• The main objectives of the project are:

  ■   The documentation and digital publication of Tunisian women’s historical achievements through CDs and online platforms.
  The primary objective of this initiative is to collect and document comprehensive information on Tunisian women’s contributions across various fields, highlighting their unique role in enriching the nation’s cultural heritage.
  ■   the establishment of a multimedia terminal at the Okba Ibn Nafea Mosque in Kairouan to enhance public access to cultural content.
  The core objective of this initiative is to establish a specialized unit for the digital recording and presentation of the architectural elements of the Okba Ibn Nafe’i Mosque, showcasing its historical development over the centuries. The project offers panoramic digital coverage of the mosque—both interior and exterior—captured during day and night to provide a comprehensive visual experience..
  ■   the organization of a specialized symposium to present and evaluate Arab experiences in electronic documentation and publishing in the fields of culture and heritage.

  The Integrated Museum Information System Project

  One of Culture ware’s most impactful initiatives is the Integrated Museum Information System (IMIS), designed to enhance museum collection management and facilitate scholarly research by providing online access to images and information.

  In 1995, RITSEC was commissioned to develop an IMIS for the Egyptian Museum, home to the world’s largest collection of Egyptian antiquities.

  Faced with the challenge of managing over 142,000 artifacts, the museum needed a more efficient system. RITSEC responded by creating a standardized registration system and a comprehensive database that included detailed text and images—covering date, material, category, and location—for each item. Key features included a thesaurus, search and retrieval tools, and control systems.

  In the second phase, RITSEC focused on sustainability by training museum curators and establishing an internal information center. The project also produced two CD-ROMs and installed visitor workstations to enhance public engagement. .

  Following this success, Culture ware extended the IMIS model to Egypt’s Islamic and Coptic Museums. In partnership with the Islamic Museum, RITSEC developed an Arabic-language IMIS covering more than 100,000 artifacts, along with a thesaurus of Islamic art and visitor terminals. A human resources strategy was implemented to ensure long-term maintenance through staff training.

  At the Coptic Museum, RITSEC created an information system for managing, documenting, and conserving a collection of 16,000 artifacts, only 3,000 of which are currently on display. The team developed a Coptic art thesaurus and a bilingual text-image database forming the basis of the museum’s Arabic-language IMIS .

  To share expertise regionally, RITSEC organized a seminar for museum professionals and proposed the creation of an Arab Region Virtual Museum. The proposal was approved, and RITSEC launched a website for ICOM, a regional museum network. The site includes a directory of 390 Arab museums and serves as a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration.

  The Integrated Museum Information System

  Culture ware’s Integrated Museum Information System (IMIS) is a major initiative aimed at improving museum collection management and scholarly research through digital access to artifact data and images.

  In 1995, RITSEC developed the IMIS for the Egyptian Museum, digitizing over 142,000 artifacts with detailed records and a searchable database. Sustainability efforts included training curators and creating an internal information center, CD-ROMs, and public workstations.

  The IMIS model was later expanded to:

  • ■  The Islamic Museum, with an Arabic-language system for 100,000 artifacts, a thesaurus of Islamic art, and visitor terminals.
  • ■   The Coptic Museum, covering 16,000 artifacts (3,000 on display), with a bilingual database and Coptic art thesaurus.

  RITSEC also promoted regional collaboration through a professional seminar and the launch of a website for the Arab Region Virtual Museum, featuring a directory of 390 Arab museums to support networking and knowledge sharing.

  The Multimedia Manuscripts Retrieval System Project

  The Multimedia Manuscripts Retrieval System (MMRS), initially implemented in Egypt, has become a global model for the cataloguing and preservation of Arabic manuscripts.

  Designed to digitally archive the full text and images of rare manuscripts, MMRS offers users advanced functionalities such as text reproduction, resizing, printing, and multimedia-based browsing through sound, text, and images. It was produced on both CD-ROMs and videodisks to ensure high-resolution output and facilitate institutional exchange.

  Through the Culture ware program, RITSEC has partnered with regional and international organizations—including Princeton University, the University of Chicago, UNESCO, Dar El Kutub, and the Cultural Foundation of Abu Dhabi—to preserve and disseminate a global collection of ancient Arabic manuscripts.

  In 1996, RITSEC launched a collaborative project with Princeton University and the Arab Fund for Social and Economic Development to develop a comprehensive information system, database, and multimedia CD-ROM for Princeton’s prestigious collection of over 1,200 Islamic manuscripts—one of the most valuable in the United States.

  Drawing on its extensive expertise in manuscript preservation through information technology, RITSEC developed an integrated system featuring advanced modules for data retrieval, updates, maintenance, report generation, and powerful search capabilities.

  The project resulted in a fully indexed bibliographic database encompassing detailed information on the manuscripts, along with an index referencing over 14,000 related manuscripts. Additionally, a multimedia CD-ROM highlighting 75 of the collection’s most significant manuscripts was produced, and research workstations were installed in the university library to support academic access and exploration.

  The Regional Culture and Tourism Information Highway Project

  The project, developed by member institutions of the Regional Arab Information Technology Network (RAITNET) with funding from UNESCO, aims to create a regional information highway for culture and tourism in Arab states.

  Executed by RITSEC in collaboration with the National Information Center in Jordan and Tunisia’s IRSIT, the project involves developing a website in English that covers cultural, historical, and tourism-related information for Egypt, Jordan, and Tunisia. The site includes details on art, history, language, religion, tourism services, and more. Additionally, two training courses on software programming and database administration were conducted.

  Other Projects

  
  

  Preservation of Tunisian Heritage

  In an effort to help preserve the rich cultural heritage in Arab countries, RITSEC in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture and Heritage Conservation in the Tunisian Republic and the sponsorship of the Arab Fund for Social and Economic Development (AFSED), have implemented several projects aiming to serve in conserving and disseminating information on the Tunisian heritage to the world.

  The main objectives of the project are:

  ■  Documenting and recording the Tunisian women's achievements throughout history to be published on a digital format i.e. on CDs and the Internet.
  ■  Establishing a multimedia terminal for Okba Ibn Nafea mosque in Kairawan.
  ■  Introducing a specialized symposium that aims to present and evaluate the Arabs' experience in electronic documentation and electronic publishing in the fields of culture and heritage.

  The Multimedia Manuscripts Retrieval System

  The MMRS is a digital preservation system for Arab manuscripts, offering text/image access, search tools, and multimedia features, developed with global institutions like Princeton and UNESCO to protect rare Arabic texts.

  
  

  The Environmental Map of Archaeological Sites

  The EMAS project helps protect historical sites using 3D models, maps, and multimedia. It documents buildings like the Zeinab Khatoun house in Islamic Cairo and provides detailed information for researchers and visitors. After the 1992 earthquake, EMAS created a system to assess damaged sites, especially along Moez Street. The team also built an interactive map of Egypt's archaeological sites using GIS technology.

  
  

  The Regional Culture and Tourism Information Highway Project

  This project, developed by RAITNET with UNESCO funding, aims to build a regional information highway for culture and tourism in Arab states. Executed by RITSEC with partners in Jordan and Tunisia, the project includes creating a multilingual website covering cultural and tourism information for Egypt, Jordan, and Tunisia. It also offers training in software programming and database administration to support regional development in information technology.

  
  

  The MENA Economic Summit CD-Rom

  In cooperation with Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, RITSEC produced a multimedia CD-ROM with information about Egypt’s economy and investment opportunities. The CD-ROM was distributed to participants at the Cairo Economic Summit in November 1996.

  
  

  The Manuscript Preservation Program

  One of the primary goals of RITSEC is to leverage its expertise throughout the region. Building on its accumulated expertise in using information technology in manuscript preservation, RITSEC initiated the idea of a global manuscripts preservation program to be implemented with agencies such as the UNESCO, Arab National Librarians, and the Arab League, among others.

  
  

Empowering a new generation

Kids & Youth Program

Introduction

Launched in 1995, RITSEC’s Kids and Youth Program aimed to empower children in the Arab region through the use of Information Technology. Initially starting as a single initiative, it has grown into a network of projects focused on educational excellence, professional development, and cross-cultural collaboration. The program has gained both national and international recognition for its impact on knowledge dissemination and global enrichment.

Vision

Empower Arab children through the use of ICT to become critical thinkers and learners, thus fostering cross-cultural dialogue and equipping children with the skills to engage and contribute on a global scale.

Goals

Empower Arab children through ICT to drive the development of youth across the region.
Encourage a generation committed to creating and supporting conditions that foster social and cultural progress within their communities.
Build a sustainable foundation of educational tools and technologies to strengthen capacity-building efforts throughout the region.

Objectives

■   Foster a generation of critical thinkers who are capable of competing globally, bridging the digital divide.
■   Empower future leaders with ICT tools to accelerate the development of knowledge-based societies.
■   Promote cross-cultural dialogue and the exchange of ideas through digital platforms.
■   Encourage new initiatives using ICT to enable collaboration among children, youth, and the international community, creating a world rooted in peace, love, and tolerance.

Partners

The Kids and Youth Program took pride in its successful collaboration with government agencies, civil society, the private sector, and international organizations. Partnerships with entities such as the National Council for Childhood and Motherhood, UNICEF, Microsoft, the Ministries of Education and Communication and Information Technology, iEARN, Think Quest Africa, SchoolNet Africa, Hewlett Packard, and others have been essential in creating a sustainable foundation for management and the development of new initiatives across the region.

• Projects

  Enabling ICT Environment, The Kids and Youth Program promoted the integration of ICT across the Arab region to foster development and contribute to the socio-economic growth of the area. By incorporating ICT into education, the program aimed to enhance the utilization of resources and empower children and youth to leverage their potential for regional advancement. Below are same samples of the projects implemented under this program:

  21st Century Club

  An innovative way to the future

  ■   In 1997, the first 21st Century Club was established as a model to engage children with ICT, enabling them to play an active role in the digital world.
  ■   By the end of 1997, the program expanded to reach both urban and rural areas, with 18 new clubs established across 16 Egyptian governorates.
  ■   The success of these clubs exposed thousands of children to the world of ICT, fostering a new learning culture and helping parents and grandparents recognize the value of digital tools for the future.
  ■   The clubs played a pivotal role in equipping young leaders with essential skills, empowering them and opening doors to new workforce opportunities.
  ■   By 1999, the number of clubs had grown to over 50 across various Egyptian governorates, becoming a model for other Arab countries to study and replicate.
  ■   That year marked a turning point, as the Egyptian government—through the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology—adopted the initiative as a national Human Resource Development Program.
  ■   The success of the 21st Century Clubs lies not only in the concept, but also in the collaborative model that underpins it.
  ■   Built on partnerships among NGOs, the private sector, government, and international organizations, the program fosters shared responsibility. Its sustainable business model invites stakeholders to invest in Egypt’s most valuable asset—its children and youth.

  Tangible goals and objectives of 21st Century Club

  1. Provide access to internet infrastructure and create an enriched educational environment.
  2. Build bridges of knowledge among children to promote peace, tolerance, respect, and global friendship.
  3.Expose children to new ways of thinking to prepare them for future global competitiveness.
  4.Encourage cross-cultural collaboration among youth to foster shared learning and mutual understanding.
  5.Mobilize national efforts to equip children with the tools and mindset needed for the challenges of the next millennium.
  These objectives were accomplished through the four main pillars of integrating ICT in education and learning:
    1.Providing appropriate technology and Internet access,
    2.Capacity building & teachers' professional development,
    3.Fostering a culture of sharing knowledge and experience through online collaborative programs.
    4.Developing locally-driven management and sustainable models.

  In a nutshell, the program has reached hundreds of thousands of youths, fostering a generation of critical thinkers and demonstrating the power of collaboration for sustainable impact.

  CISCO Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Project

  Launched in 1999, the RITSEC-Cisco Regional Networking Academy aims to empower Arab youth with advanced skills in networking and communications.

  It provides hands-on training in areas such as network design, administration, and cybersecurity, using Cisco's global curriculum.

  The Academy equips participants with internationally recognized certifications, enhancing their employability and enabling them to compete in the global job market.

  Through this initiative, RITSEC plays a key role in bridging the digital skills gap and fostering a technically proficient workforce in the region.

  Since 2001, RITSEC has successfully completed over 10 CCNA programs, preparing students to meet the demands of the information economy and building a skilled talent pool for network development and maintenance.

  Recognizing the importance of capacity building for ICT infrastructure, RITSEC played a pivotal role in scaling this initiative nationally.

  Internship Program

  RITSEC developed a youth-focused program to nurture student talent and support career readiness by fostering interpersonal and workplace skills. In 2002, the Kids & Youth Programs conducted a school roadshow across five governorates, where high school and university students delivered training in computer and web design.

  Web Designing
  Graciously supported by HP, RITSEC established a state-of-the-art Invent Lab to offer students and trainers a modern IT environment along with capacity-building programs in web design, empowering them to actively participate in the knowledge economy.

  Content Development and Collaborative Programs
  The Kids and Youth Programs, in collaboration with international organizations, focused on providing students with access to the Internet for learning and cross-cultural dialogue, promoting online projects and integrating knowledge through technology.

  Little Horus

  Egyptian child cyberspace gateway

  The Kids and Youth Programs launched Little Horus, Egypt’s first website dedicated to children.

  Aimed at ages 6 to 15, the bilingual site (Arabic and English) features over 700 pages of interactive content, combining education, culture, and entertainment.

  It offered children engaging learning experiences through games, stories, and illustrations while taking them on a virtual journey through Egypt’s 7,000-year-old civilization—from Pharaonic, Coptic, and Greek heritage to modern Egyptian life.

  Little Horus also introduced children to Egypt’s contemporary economy and culture, making it a valuable resource for young learners, educators, and families .

  Little Horus established a digital presence for Egyptian children, encouraging global collaboration and cultural exchange.

  It promoted values like tolerance and respect while showcasing Egypt’s heritage.

  With over 12,000 daily visitors from 54+ countries and regular use by educators worldwide, the site has earned international acclaim. It won top awards including the Cable & Wireless Child net International Award, the Internet Society of Egypt Award, and recognition in Bill Gates’ book as a top children’s site

  ATFAL

  Launched in 2001, Atfal.org—a collaboration between the Kids and Youth Programs, UNICEF MENARO, and the Arab Institute for Human Rights—serves as a regional platform to promote child rights and participation in the Arab world. The trilingual site offers over 500 pages of themed content such as "Children in Armed Conflict" and "Girls' Education," aimed at informing policy and raising awareness. Widely recognized for its accessibility and relevance, it attracts over 5,000 daily visitors, including key regional and international figures.

  Africa Child

  Launched in June 2001 by RITSEC in partnership with UNICEF, Africachild.org is a platform dedicated to raising awareness and promoting action on the challenges facing African children. It serves both grassroots activists and government officials, supporting efforts to uphold children's rights and improve their living conditions across the continent.

  Think Quest

  A new style of learning

  Think Quest, launched in 1995, is a global educational competition encouraging youth aged 12–19 to create educational websites, fostering cross-cultural collaboration, technical skills, and leadership.

  Since 1998, over 4,000 Egyptian students have participated, with a milestone in 2000 when Egypt hosted the awards and won its first silver medal in Science and Mathematics, along with two honorary mentions.

  In 2001, six websites developed by Egyptian students across various disciplines were submitted to the Think Quest competition, with four receiving honorary mentions and one winning an award. This success contributed to the launch of Think Quest Africa, expanding the initiative's impact across the continents

  Think Quest Africa

  (TQA) is a Pan-African, learner-centered program for youth aged 12–19, aiming at fostering teamwork, ICT skills, and educational website development.

  Think Quest Africa, launched in June 2002 under the patronage of the H.E. the wife of the vice president of Nigeria and the Minister of Education, aimed to foster youth collaboration in web-based educational projects.

  In its inaugural year, 709 learners and coaches from 26 African countries (including 220 girls and women) formed 171 teams. Of these, 56 teams successfully submitted their websites for evaluation by a panel of 22 African and international judges.

  Twelve teams from 12 countries reached the finals, with 50% of the finalists representing Egypt and North Africa—highlighting the region’s strong contribution to youth digital innovation and education.

  Operating in partnership with 30 African countries, it provides access to a network of experts to support participants, promoting youth development and preparing future leaders across the region in an attempt to sow the seeds of champions and prepare them to:

  ■   learn to work in international teams and obtain collaborative skills.
  ■   learn how to conduct research and acquire investigative skills.
  ■   learn how to develop websites and procure technical skills.
  ■   learn how to design effective web interfaces and acquire design skills.
  ■   learn how to develop African education content and become producers of knowledge.
  ■   prepare to participate in an increasingly global labor market.

  Software and Internet Application Competition

  Child content and Industry development
  The Software and Internet Application Competition, launched in 1998, it aims to cultivate the intellectual and technical skills of youth in Egypt and the region.

  The competition encourages innovation in software design, web development, and application creation, focusing on themes like Science, Technology, Health, Sports, Culture, and Arts.

  It has seen significant participation, growing from 41 projects in 1998 to 172 projects in 2002, with categories for children, youth, and IT companies.

  The competition promotes creativity, enhances local content, and supports the development of a children’s software industry, creating opportunities for young developers in the region.

  Other Projects

  
  

  Internet Learning Centers in Public Schools

  The first shift in the paradigm was to implement the model of 21st Century Clubs in Egyptian schools. RITSEC in partnership with Schools Online and in collaboration with the Ministry of Education (MOE) and the Ministry of Communication & Information Technology (MCIT) has taken the initiative towards the implementation of the Schools Online project in Egypt.

  The project's objectives were fulfilled through preparing 11 highly equipped Internet Learning Centers (ILC) in 11 schools in 7 different governorates. Each ILC is fully equipped with Pentium III computers, scanners, printers, digital cameras, local area networks and internet connectivity of 64K. More than 550 teachers received comprehensive professional training through our different teachers development programs.

  
  

  Orphanage Internet Learning Center

  The success of the 21st Century Club fueled a passion of creating opportunities and means to share and exchange ideas across the geographical boundaries through the integration and use of ICT. The department created a pilot project that was established in an orphanage as a dynamic approach to provide and create an appropriate environment through the development of an ICT infrastructure for internet access for these underprivileged children in order to enhance their skills through the use of the internet.

  The Internet Learning Center was designed to cater to the needs of over 200 resident orphans in an effort to provide them with internet connectivity, training programs for all the students, teachers, and administration of the orphanage.

  
  

  Children with Special Needs Internet Learning Center

  Since 1998, H.E. First Lady Mrs. Suzan Mubarak has given direction to support programs and initiatives to enhance the lives of children with special needs. The 21st Century Club provided a model to enhance the learning process of children with special needs, it was evident that the establishment of an Internet Learning Center would provide an exemplary initiative to create awareness throughout the region.

  The Kids and Youth Programs in collaboration with Microsoft equipped the center for children with special needs hosted by the Integrated Care Society, and provided a fully furnished computer lab with the latest technology in an attempt to provide universal access in a learning environment. The main objective of this initiative lies within the realm of creating a prototype for replication throughout the Arab World.

  The center has a specially equipped telecenter which offers training programs for the children, training of the trainer, and software development resources specially designed for the mentally challenged. The success of this initiative is attributed to the constant assessment and evaluation of the project to ensure the highest standards of quality assurance.

  
  

  International Education Resource Network (iEARN)

  iEARN has been linking schools internationally since 1988. The heart of the program was, and continues to be, the principle that students can be empowered to enhance their learning through interactive project based learning and that they can, by addressing local, national and global issues in these projects, make a meaningful difference in the quality of life on the planet.

  
  

  Teacher Development Program

  In 2001, The Kids and Youth Programs collaborated with Schools Online, and the World Bank to introduce the Teacher Development Program in Egypt. The program objectives aimed at creating a professional development capacity by working with regional teams of master trainers committed to advancing progressive educational ideas, in an attempt to transform the role of the teacher from instructor to facilitator. The program was designed to introduce the participants to new methods for integrating ICT into the classroom. In December 2002, the first regional Teacher Development Program workshop involved 16 educators from Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon facilitated by master trainers from the United States was hosted by RITSEC.

  
  

  Global Teenager Project

  Global Teenager Project (GTP) is a program initiated by The International Institute for Communication and Development (IICD) in an attempt to promote teacher and student cooperation in order to create a circle of teams from different schools simultaneously working on the same topic, exchanging information and integrating knowledge, otherwise known as Learning Circles.

  
  

  School Net Africa

  SchoolNet Africa with a network of 30 African countries is an established non-governmental organization headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa with a mission to support national SchoolNets throughout Africa by mobilizing resources, building effective partnerships and knowledge in promoting education through sustainable use of ICTs in African schools. SchoolNet Africa seeks to enhance education and learning outcomes across Africa by progressively extending sustainable access and use of information and communications technologies to teachers and learners. SchoolNet Africa supports a partnership among national school networking initiatives, and their constellation of stakeholders, that is aimed at mobilizing and networking Africa's human and financial resources, and intellectual wealth in an Africa- wide partnership.

  
  

  Microsoft/RITSEC SMEs Training

  The project aims at empowering the SME’s through the use of ICT’s to enhance their productivity, increase market share and open up new markets both locally and internationally. It targets a very important sector in the Egyptian economy and is expected to strengthen its capacity and their contribution to the national economy.