The Discovery Channel Education Fund is a non-profit charitable organisation committed to increasing the educational opportunities of under-resourced communities around the world through the use of appropriate technology, programming and training.

So far, the following countries have benefitted from the fund: South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Mexico and Peru.

In Africa the project is driven by MultiChoice and in Ghana MCG will donate ten free DStv systems (decoder, smartcard, dish and installation) with a television and VCR for ten schools (one in each region) at a total value of $10,550. The monthly subscription to the Discovery channel and other educational and news educational/infotainment channels will also be provided at no cost.

With the kind assistance of the Ghana Educational Service, 10 schools are being identified to benefit from the fund and the criteria for the selection of schools to receive this facility are as follows:

The schools should be located in an under-resourced community.

Principles of the schools should have a good relationship with the teachers and community and should all demonstrate interest in the project.

The school should exhibit a willingness to engage in project-sustaining activities.

The school must designate a video-viewing room accessible to all classes and the community, for easy viewing and must be secure with burglar bars if necessary free of dust which will damage the equipment.

Provide a TV/VCR cabinet to protect the equipment.

The school will be responsible for the safety and maintenance of the equipment and the equipment should not be moved without the permission of MultiChoice.

Preference should be given to schools that have some history of self- generating initiatives.

This project must not interfere with ongoing programmes devised by national or district education departments. It should complement or support Ministry of Education's goals and programmes.

An investment in education today ensures a thriving global economy.

Visit the Multichoice stand at the Edu Fair from the 5th to the 14th of October.