Representatives of Egypt's e-Learning Competence Centre (ELCC) have embarked on a week-long visit to Europe, which will include training for eSTEM projects at the STEM Resource Center in England.

ELCC develops e-content, applies standards and ensures the quality of e-content in Egypt and is the result of collaboration between the country's Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) and Cisco Systems.

The organisation plans to design and implement a diploma for teachers of science, technology, engineering and mathematics at Egyptian schools, based on information gathered from the visit, which has the backing of the European Union (EU).

The project aims to enable schools to use STEM strategies and methodology, based on the integration of technology, engineering, science and mathematics as a holistic approach in the teaching process, according to a statement issued by Egypt's Ministry of Communications and Information Technology.

"The center will involve many of the virtual electronic experiments that help the teacher to explain concepts and complex theories in a simple and easy manner. It allows students opportunities for experimentation, observation and active participation in the learning process. On the other hand, the center will be equipped with a number of experiments and modern devices such as robots, which can be used by students in implementing projects and activities that enrich the educational process," the Ministry explains.

The visit to the UK by the Egyptian delegation comes just over a week after the ICT Ministry's Information Technology Industry Development Agency conducted a site inspection of Borg Al-Arab Technology Park, another project aimed at spreading access to ICT learning tools.

The first phase of the four-year project to construct the 126,000 square metre Park is underway.

A communiqué on the outcomes stated, "Borg Al-Arab area is one of the most attractive regions of population, especially for young people seeking better opportunities of education or work. The park is set to become a centre of knowledge and attractive area for investments in the fields of technological innovation, entrepreneurship and applied research."