Adobe to expand its youth voices programme to 25 sites

Noida, July 31 (UNI) Adobe Systems India today said it will expand its Adobe Youth Voices programme to 25 sites in Delhi and Bangalore from the existing 14 in partnership with the American India Foundation (AIF).

''The company plans to add another 11 sites in the country under the Adobe Youth Voices programme,'' said company Managing Director and Senior Vice President Naresh Gupta while addressing the first anniversary celebrations of the programme in the country.

As announced at the launch of the programme in 2006, the company has also committed 10 million dollars in funding worldwide over five years as well as donating Adobe software and encouraging employee volunteerism.

On this occasion, the company showcased the best projects created by the nine schools and five non governmental agencies in Delhi and Bangalore.

Students used Adobe tools and digital technology and Adobe employee's volunteered to help students and teachers train.

''It is a matter of great pride and honour for Adobe to see groups of extremely bright kids using tools and digital technology to raise awareness of social issues,'' Mr Gupta said.

''Community based learning in informal settings develops critical skills such as creative thinking, analysing, problem solving, strategising and collaborating with others. The Adobe Youth Voices programme provides this type of learning environment to young people outside their classrooms,'' he added.

Adobe Youth Voices (AYV) is a global initiative that empowers youth worldwide to comment on their world using multimedia and digital tools to communicate and share their ideas, demonstrate their potential and take action in their communities.

The initiative aims to engage youth from marginalised communities worldwide in exploring and commenting on their world using video, multimedia, digital art, web, animation, and audio, Mr Gupta said.

It also works to enhance the skills and knowledge of educators so they can use the tools more effectively and, ultimately, exhibit the students work in community, broadcast and online forums.

Adobe Youth Voices will add 47 new sites to the global network of youth in the 2007- 2008 program year, bringing the total number of schools and nonprofit organisations to 75, including 150 educators.

UNI