Integrated Systems Events, the producers of the Integrated Systems Europe trade exhibition, is linking up with Education for Children in Need, an international educational program headed by UNESCO Special Ambassador Dr. Ute-Henriette Ohoven.

The Education for Children in Need program provides educational and vocational training to stimulate social development through the provision of quality education and gender equality. Since its launch 20 years ago the program has supported more than 450 different projects in over 100 countries working alongside “the poorest of the poor.” Dr. Ute-Henriette Ohoven has been involved with the program since its inception.

The initiative, being piloted by Education for Children in Need, will see Integrated Systems Events paying for specialist consultants and integrators to assist in the installation and equipping of a new E-Start-Up Academy in Chisinau, Moldova. The academy will be constructed to provide a base for the running of modern educational programs that cover Web, IT, economics, marketing and business English. Specifically, the course in Chisinau will cover the basics of economics, accounting and the creation of business plans. Plus, there will be an optional online module designed to lay the groundwork for students to take the InfoComm Certified Technology Specialist (CTS) exam as well as the opportunity to access the CEDIA track of residential networking courses leading to certified networking credentials.

Ultimately, the goal of the program will be that graduates gain the necessary skills and confidence to return to their local community and launch a sustainable micro, small or medium sized business. The five week course will seek to train 400 Moldovans annually of which 50 percent will be women. As well as teaching practical business skills there will be a focus on personal development for students. After course completion graduates will be mentored by local entrepreneurs and business people to increase their chances of success.

ISE’s move is part of its charitable SeeHearTouch work that has seen in recent years it subsidizing the design, installation and support of cinema theatre systems in children’s’ hospices. Equipment for the theatres has been donated by AV equipment manufacturers. This program will now be expanded to encompass the E-Start-Up Academy. ISE’s decision to fund local installers and integrators is to ensure that the academy receives full ongoing technical support once the initial equipment installation has been completed.

ISE Managing Director Mike Blackman commented: “We are delighted to be able to be able to work with UNESCO Special Ambassador Dr. Ohoven and her foundation on this vital educational program in Moldova. It will help young people build a future for themselves and others within their own country. Given the support we have had for the SeeHearTouch charitable work I know the wider AV community will get fully behind this new initiative. From now on it will be SeeHearTouch and Learn.”

Check out ISE here.