MaltaMedia.com

‘Today, having basic skills in the use of Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) has become as important and essential as knowing how to read and write,’ said Hon Austin Gatt, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Communications, during the launching of a new Community Technology Learning Centre (CTLC) at Kordin Correctional Facility. ‘Irrespective of one’s age, occupation or social status, one should be able to make use of these technologies to ensure a better quality of life,’ he continued.

In recent years, Government has facilitated a number of projects aimed at minimising the digital divide and proliferating social inclusion by means of ICT. These initiatives have already benefited thousands of individuals. Individuals who are currently serving a sentence in the Correctional Facility at Kordin often face difficulties when reintegrating back into society. This centre will offer basic training in various areas of ICT with the aim of empowering these individuals with the skills to contribute to the well-being of the community in general and to enjoy a better sense of inclusion.

In addition to this centre, a further two were opened in recent weeks, one at the Local Council Association in Balzan and another at the Farmers’ Association in Ta’ Qali, bringing the total number of CTLCs to 14. The establishment of these CTLCs has been possible through the collaboration between a number of Government entities, non-profit organisations and Local Councils, all sharing the same eInclusion objective, that of ensuring that all individuals in their respective localities have the opportunity to gain the ICT skills that are required today.

Over the past months the Malta Communications Authority (MCA) has facilitated the delivery of basic courses which proved to be a success with 5100 individuals benefitting from such training.

Microsoft is supporting the new Community Technology Learning Centre (CTLC) at Kordin Correctional Facility with the donation of respective software packages that should enable the Centre’s users make use of the installed equipment in the most effective of ways.

Cognisant of the value of ICT in individual’s quality of lives and how this can facilitate social inclusion, in the coming weeks, the Malta Communications Authority will be donating 30 reconditioned computers, as well as the new curriculum, to a community in Egypt where a centre is currently being set up to teach basic computer skills to underprivileged children.