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The Cisco Networking Academy Program - Making a Difference in the Lives of Tanzanian Refugees
Peppered with intermittent power blackouts, and an unreliable phone system, life in the Mtabila camp in Kasulu, Tanzania is challenging. However, the Global Catalyst Foundation of California, the Cisco Networking Academy Program, the United Nations, and the Burundian and Tanzanian people bring a ray of hope and a link to the outside world in the form of an Internet connection and an IT education. Cisco has designated the Internet Center at the Kasulu teacher's college a Cisco Networking Academy. Twelve students, including three Burundian refugees from the Mtabila camp, will attend classes at the Academy for about 150 hours spread over six months, to learn IT and Internet skills. >> More

No Dream Denied: Teachers and America's Future
On January 29, 2003, the National Commission on Teaching and America's Future (NCTAF) released the report, No Dream Denied, which addresses the challenges the U.S. faces with teacher shortages and specifically teacher retention. NCTAF recommends that schools focus on inducting and mentoring new teachers. John Morgridge, Chairman of the Board at Cisco Systems and Commissioner of NCTAF spoke at the event, "The Commission's new report, No Dream Denied: A Pledge to America's Children, is a wake-up call to all who care about America's future. The children being taught by today's teachers will become the adults who will build tomorrow's society and shape its economy. Because we all have a stake in high quality education, it is imperative that business and education leaders work together to bring the best and the brightest people into teaching, and help them thrive as professionals. Our children deserve nothing short of the best teachers America can provide, every year, every grade, every class." >> More

The Cisco Networking Academy Program: A Reflection of Cisco's Philanthropic Endeavors
Recently, a Harvard Business Review article "The Competitive Advantage of Corporate Philanthropy" by Michael Porter and Mark Kramer, recognized the Cisco Networking Academy Program as a great example of the implementation of corporate philanthropic efforts. What makes this implementation so effective is that Cisco has maximized the value of philanthropy by focusing on both economic and social objectives with the development of the Academy program. This strategic philanthropic investment has enabled Cisco to "attract international recognition, generate pride and enthusiasm among employees, goodwill among our partners, and a reputation for leadership on Philanthropy." >> More

The Academy Program: Helping African Women Realize Their Dreams
As part of a weekly series on women in business, BBC News Online talks to women in Africa who have chosen a career in technology, a field normally dominated by men. "Africa's New Tech Warriors," tells the story of Naula Kebba, Julianne Sussane Sansa, Barbara Munyati and the role of the Networking Academy program in making their dreams a reality. Education and training in technology is not the only tool the program provides; it also gives the much-needed confidence these women need in working in a male-oriented environment. Women should not be scared of technology, says Naula Kebba, "It can give women a sense that they can do something beyond menial household tasks," she says. >> More