Masrour Institute of Technology
2005 Masrour Institute Inauguration
On October 21, 2005, the Association for the Cohesive Development of the Amazon (ADCAM) in collaboration with the Brazilian Federal Government's Program for the Expansion of Professional Education (PROEP) under the auspices of the National Fund for the Development of Education (FNDE) together inaugurated the Masrour Institute of Technology at ADCAM's center in Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil.
Representing the National Fund were the Chief of the Cabinet and the Director of Special Programs. Representing ADCAM was its General Director, Mrs. Ferial Sami. The ceremony opened with the National Anthem, folowed by a recitation by an Amazonian poet, a prayer read by a student, and a musical interlude by students of Tahirih University.
In attendance were representatives from the regional Lab or Commision, the Office of the Mayor, the business community, the Office of Lab or and Income, the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Brazil, and the Masrour Family.
The event was well attended by many educators and officials of federal, state, and municipal agencies and organizations from public and private secotrs, representing business, social, and service organizations, medical and social service organizations, television and print media.
The site was toured by the offical representatives, including the new computer lab and language lab facilities.
topProfessional Programs
The goal of this Institute is to provide quality basic professional technical education for youth and adults in various fields such as business administration, mechanics, refrigeration, carpentry, social and economic development, social work, graphic design, music, environmental studies, and nutrition. When fully operational, the Institute will serve 1,500 students each term.
The Institute will also provide higher educational opportunities for the students of the ADCAM Project, serve the larger community by upgrading workers' skills and encouraging the creation of new businesses, and can also help ADCAM's efforts toward self-sustenance through income derived from tuition and the use of the equipment at the school to develop paid services offered in the community such as graphic design, environmental testing, air conditioner and refrigerator repair, consulting services and so on.
At this time a new stage of growth is in process with the Masrour Institute and assistance with a complete development plan is needed.
2002 Government Grant
A grant from the Federal Government of Brazil for approximately US $1 million was awarded in 2002 to construct and equip the Masrour Institute of Technology. This Institute, which has now opened in October 2005, will offer a variety of courses, 4-year degree programs and technical associate degrees for youth and adults.
In light of the economic difficulties in the Amazon area of Brazil and the scarcity of jobs and lack of qualified craftsmen, the Association for the Cohesive Development of the Amazon (ADCAM) formed a partnership with the Secretary of Labor (SETRAB) and began to plan and offer short-term professional courses with an eye toward upgrading the skills of workers in the job market or enabling them to start their own small businesses to better sustain their families.
Since 1997, approximately 500 families per year have benefited from these professional courses. Based on the success of this initiative, ADCAM determined to expand these services and through this grant from the Federal Ministry of Education (MEC).
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