ICTA and Intel take digital literacy to the grassroots

Thursday, 5 December 2013 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

50 Nenasala operators trained under Intel Easy Steps program
ICTA hopes to spread basic technology literacy through Nenasalas
Operators to be trained using Intel Easy Steps Senior Trainer training

As part of its efforts to spread technology education through the Nenasala network, knowledge centres established under the e-Sri Lanka initiative, the Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA) together with Intel Sri Lanka commenced Intel Easy Steps Senior Trainer training for Nenasala operators recently. The first set of 50 candidates was trained in two batches at the National Institute of Education in Maharagama by a specialist trainer from India. “As part of our efforts to help the country achieve its ambitious goal of attaining 75% ICT literacy by 2016, the ICTA entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Intel to use their globally successful Easy Steps basic technology literacy education program free of charge. We believe that by being present at the Grama Niladari division levels, Nenasala centres will serve as the ideal channel to deliver this program,” said ICTA Chief Executive Officer Reshan Dewapura. “In the first phase, we have started ‘train the trainer’ sessions for Nenasala operators. Run by certified Intel Easy Steps Senior Trainers, this will enable them to train fellow Nenasala operators which will in turn set off ICT training island-wide.” Commenting on the agreement, Intel EM Ltd. Sri Lanka Liaison office Country Business Manager Indika de Zoysa said: “We are involved with several initiatives aimed at expanding digital literacy, working closely with the Government, especially the Ministry of Education and the ICTA. Intel Easy Steps has been successfully adopted by over 20 nations around the world to train adult learners with little or no experience with computers and we are confident of seeing great results in Sri Lanka too.” “Having undergone the training, I’m convinced that Intel Easy Steps is a very practical tool which helps us learn the ‘basics’ of computing. The program also gives us access to course material comprising the basic course, a facilitation guide for trainers, an activity book, Intel Education Help Guide, Intel PC Basics, an evaluation toolkit, and marketing templates. It has given me the confidence that I can go beyond just working with computers and train others too. I would like to thank the ICTA and Intel for providing us this valuable training,” said Nenasala Teldeniya Manager Nandana Madugalle. Going forward, the ICTA will offer this training to all Nenasala operators with the help of these senior trainers.