11 June 2008
ANC President Jacob Zuma today (11 June 2008) encouraged Indian children from poor households in Mumbai, India to use education as a weapon against poverty.
Zuma was speaking at a graduation ceremony at the Gandhi Institute of Computer Education and Information Technology in Mumbai at the conclusion of his three-day visit to India, aimed at strengthening relations between the ANC and the Indian National Congress party.
The academy trains disadvantaged youth in IT skills.
The ANC President said: "We have taken a resolution in our country to invest heavily in education, including information technology. We see a lot of areas of collaboration with India in this regard given the strides this country is making in information and communications technology."
Zuma shared his own experiences with the graduates and members of the community.
"I know and understand your circumstances very well. I come from a very poor background, and never went to school because my parents had no money. But I was determined not to let that stand in my way so I taught myself. I am encouraged by a spirit of determination amongst the youth here. Some are holding down two jobs and still make time to come here for training in order to improve their lives. We want to inculcate the same spirit and values in our youth."
Zuma is heading an ANC delegation that arrived in India on Sunday for discussions with leaders of the Indian National Congress (INC).
The delegation also met Indian business leaders.
The delegation travels today to Beijing, China, where President Zuma will meet with Hu Jintao, Secretary-General of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and President of the People's Republic of China.
The delegation will meet with other senior officials of the CPC. ANC President Jacob Zuma will also address the Pudong Executive Leadership Academy in Shanghai.
The delegation returns to South Africa on Sunday, 15 June.
Issued by:
Jessie Duarte
Spokesperson
African National Congress
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