Brasília - President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva says that the government will stimulate the participation of 5 million children and youths in knowledge competitions. Speaking at the opening the Knowledge Olympics and International Seminar on Education and Technology in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Lula said the ministries of Science and Technology, and Education would sign contracts to increase the presence of Brazilian youths in the International Olympics of Mathematics.

The idea is to reduce our educational deficit,he said. "As a result, we will be able to take a place we should have occupied long ago." said the president.

The Belo Horizonte Knowledge Olympics has brought together 370 students from professional training courses around the country. The winners will represent Brazil at the 38th Professional Student Tournament in Finland in 2005. In the last tournament, Brazil finished in 12th place.

Agência Brasil
Reporter: Carolina Pimentel
Translator: Allen Bennett
08/09/2004