Subject: A New Start-up in Middle East Date: Nov 23 1998

Hello Everyone,

This is an attempt on my part to bring everybody up to date on School Online's efforts in Middle East. My plan is to share information with all of you on a monthly basis, but I hope that you would send me your comments and ideas whenever you want.

Schools Online is a non-profit (501 (c)3) organization with a mission to help ensure that all schools have effective access to the communication and information resources of the Internet. The organization provides equipment to schools that have limited or no Internet access--and facilitates teacher training and support by local education partners. Since its founding in May 1996, the Organization has helped over 3400 schools in 45 states obtain access and make effective use of the Internet. You can find more information at www.schoolsonline.org.

In July of 1998, Schools Online started its international effort with the "HELLO 2000" project. The goal of this project is to bring Internet to 5000 under-served schools in 50 countries (100 per country). To this date a pilot project has begun in 17 countries :

Argentina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, China, Ghana Hungry, Japan, Lithuania, Netherlands, Poland Romania, Russia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Uganda.

In September of 1998 I went to Israel for the first time, and gave a lecture on Social Entrepreneurship- and the potential role of Internet in Middle East schools on bridging economic, social and communication gaps - to a group of High Technology investors and entrepreneurs (in a conference organized by Israel Venture Association). I met many High Tech businessmen who encouraged me to expand the HELLO 2000 activities to Middle East. I promised that I would study the situation and create a plan of action.

In Early November of 1998 I went back and visited many people in Israel (Tel-Aviv, Jerusalem and Rehovot) and Palestine (Ramallah (West Bank) and Gaza). It was quite an interesting trip and I met many fascinating individuals and organization. I also visited two Palestinian schools in Gaza and had many good conversations with Ministry of Education, principals, teachers and students.

In addition I have met many interesting people and organizations in USA since September. All together I have met close to 300 people (many on this distribution list)in about 100 different organizations.

Now, I am in the latter stages of creating a plan of action which is the result of my conversations with many of you. I will send you a copy of this plan in my next email.

Let me thank you in advance for all your support and I know that together we can make a difference in the lives of our next generation.

Warm Regards,

Kamran Elahian