NEW YORK and PLEASANTON, Calif., March 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Global Nomads Group (GNG), a cross-cultural exchange organization based in New York City, today announced the launch of Mozambique Alive, a virtual journey through Mozambique via Polycom video conferencing technology. As part of the program, which begins on March 23, 2006 and concludes April 12, 2006, thousands of American K-12 students will have the unique opportunity to "visit" this African country through interactive video conferencing. Participants will have the chance to speak face-to-face with their Mozambican peers and learn about Mozambique's culture and history through them. Mozambique Alive is the latest of many programs undertaken by Global Nomads Group with the goal of broadening students' horizons and creating international links.

Mozambique is a country with breathtaking landscapes, a diverse population and rich cultural traditions. Still recovering from a history of prolonged civil war, the country's reconstruction efforts are inspiring evidence of a more optimistic future. GNG, an organization with the mission of exposing students to the world and its people through the use of video conferencing, aims to expose American students to the unique blend of cultures that make up Mozambican society and its path to recovery.

"Sadly, it's rare to hear about any part of Africa without the mention of war or famine, or a combination of the two," said Mark von Sponeck, president, GNG. "Through this interactive program, we'll celebrate what makes Mozambique unique and reveal the many great things happening in Africa."

Mozambique Alive includes nine interactive broadcasts stretching from March 23 to April 12. The broadcasts will range from discussions with former child soldiers who fought during the civil war to highlights of local non- governmental organizations (NGO) working with children.

Four K-12 schools from Indiana, Texas, Missouri, and New Jersey will represent the United States as Ambassador Schools. In Mozambique, two schools will in turn serve as hosts for their American counterparts. Additionally, hundreds of schools around the world will watch the program live via "view- only" videoconferencing and send in questions to speakers in advance via e- mail.

Throughout the program, students and educators can log onto the regularly updated Mozambique Alive Web site to learn more about the country's culture, geography, and history. Schools interested in participating can sign-up for each video conference through the Web site, http://www.gng.org/mozambique, as well as find a complete schedule of events and interactive opportunities.

This week's program announcement coincides with GNG's presentation, "Bringing the World into the Classroom," at the 2006 Polycom Users Group (PUG) European Global Interest Forum, being held in Barcelona, Spain. David Macquart, director at GNG, will speak about GNG's distance learning the global applications of Polycom's equipment and share ideas with fellow Polycom users.

"Polycom is proud to be a Global Nomads sponsor, enabling global discussion among today's youth," said Bob Hagerty, chairman and CEO of Polycom. "Our systems have been used to connect students to discuss topics as diverse as Saddam Hussein, the Rwandan genocide, the formation of a Palestinian homeland, the recent and tragic tsunami, AIDS and now a cultural perspective of Mozambique. The ability to collaborate face to face helps people truly understand the human impact of these issues and fosters a global connectedness among the next generation of leaders."

About Global Nomads Group

Global Nomads Group (http://www.gng.org/) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to fostering cross-cultural dialogue and understanding among youth. Using videoconferencing and satellite communications technology, GNG moderates conferences between K-12 classes in different countries, organizes virtual lectures, and conducts remote broadcasts from the world's historical and cultural sites.

About Polycom

Polycom, Inc. is the worldwide leader in unified collaborative communications (UCC) that maximize the efficiency and productivity of people and organizations by integrating the broadest array of video, voice, data and Web solutions to deliver the ultimate communications experience. Polycom's high quality, standards-based conferencing and collaboration solutions are easy to deploy and manage, as well as intuitive to use. Supported by an open architecture, they integrate seamlessly with leading telephony and presence- based networks. With its market-driving technologies, best-in-class products, alliance partnerships, and world-class service, Polycom is the smart choice for organizations seeking proven solutions and a competitive advantage in real-time communications and collaboration. For additional information call 1-800-POLYCOM (765-9266) or +1-408-526-9000, or visit the Polycom Web site at http://www.polycom.com/.

NOTE: Polycom and the Polycom logo are registered trademarks of Polycom in the U.S. and various countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

CONTACT: David Macquart, Director of Communications of Global Nomads
Group, +1-212-529-0377, or david@gng.org; or Mo Skotak of VisiTech PR,
+1-303-752-3552 ext. 226, or Mo@VisiTechPR.com, for Polycom

Web site: http://www.gng.org/

Web site: http://www.polycom.com/