Information and Communications Technology has transformed many aspects of our lives. Everyone is a consumer of ICT; through their mobile devices, television or computer, we are all connected. The Office of the Prime Minister-Industry and Innovation Unit recognises the need to have the populace digitally connected; thus has continuously engaged residents throughout the country with several training courses, including the Basic ICT Training Programme.

Under the theme of Creating a Brighter future through ICT, the Unit has engaged the populace in several regions, including one, Two, Three, Four, Five and Six, with the basic skillsets of ICT.

The recent beneficiaries include the residents of Buxton, ECD, where thirty- five (35) residents, on Saturday, November 12th, 2022, completed the Basic ICT Training Programme. For one week at the Buxton Secondary School, participants were taught; Introduction to Information Technology, Introduction to Office Productivity and Introduction to Internet Literacy. Each module was crafted to develop and reinforce persons’ ICT capability and literacy.

Delivering brief remarks at the graduation ceremony earlier today, November 12th, the Director of the Industry and Innovation Unit, Mr Shahrukh Hussain, underscored the importance of basic ICT skillsets. At the same time, he noted that ICT would continue to be a significant part of our everyday life and for the future. He stressed that the Unit is committed to engaging persons and visiting communities to encourage personal growth and creativity through ICT. The Director also emphasised that his Unit would continue to engage the populace in every region; and urged the participants to evolve with technology.

Meanwhile, the Headmistress of Buxton Secondary, Ms. Francis Dawnette, who was also a participant in the training, indicated ICT would act as a tool for lifelong learning. She noted that knowledge and skills gained can be integrated into everyday life. She also expressed her satisfaction with the ICT Literacy training.

To date, The Office of the Prime Minister- Industry and Innovation Unit has trained over 2500 persons In ICT Literacy.