A group of primary school children attending Theresa Nuzzo School in Marsa participated in the launch of two new Microsoft packages at reduced prices yesterday.

The children donned T-shirts with the motto “Be the first” to show that Malta is one of the first to announce the launch of Windows Vista Upgrade and Microsoft Office 2007 Professional.

Attending the launch, Investment, Industry and IT Minister Austin Gatt said these two software packages will be offered to students, teachers and people with a disability for Lm46 – a discount of more than Lm300 on the original price.

“We want students to be the first when it comes to computer literacy and IT and it is for this reason that we are investing heavily in this regard. They are the first to be able to access the latest in desktop software,” said Dr Gatt, adding that the government’s aim is for Malta to be one of the front-runners in Europe in the IT sector. Microsoft’s business development manager in Malta Pierre Mallia said this third initiative, launched together with the Investment, Industry and IT Ministry, provided fast access to students.

“This will increase their employability and will help in the development of new ideas and concepts,” he said. The offer is open to students and teachers who had purchased the second software package at a discounted price, which included Microsoft Office 2003. The package including Office 2003 may still be purchased for Lm13.99 from Maltapost branches and this gives one the right to register for the new software packages. A letter will be sent to those who purchased Office 2003 through the government scheme. This should be completed and returned by hand to any Maltapost branch by 15 December. Upon

registration, a Lm10 deposit is required. More information may

be obtained by visiting www.miti.gov.mt, by sending an email to [email protected], or by calling 2125-55495.