Twelve hundred persons in St. Kitts and Nevis will be trained in Information Technology (IT), as they work towards achieving certification for an International Computer Drivers Licence (ICDL).

The ICDL is the world?s leading computer skills certification programme which equips successful participants with the skills to be fully competent in the use of a personal computer and common computer applications. Holders of the licence will also be equipped with the essential concepts of IT.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education Osmond Petty told SKNIS that the programme is part of the ongoing IT based Training and Management Project funded by the European Union. The project started three years ago and advocates the establishment of an IT foundation and training in undergraduate and postgraduate areas. It also provides personal computers and related equipment and software to be used in schools and other educational and community institutions.

Mr. Petty added the project augments government?s policy to encourage the use of Information and Communication Technologies by all levels of society towards the total development of St Kitts & Nevis.

The IT training will be offered to teachers, civil servants and private sector workers. Four hundred persons from St. Kitts and Nevis in these categories will be selected to attend the 12-week, 60-hour sessions.

Mr. Petty said teachers were targeted based on the enormous influence they have in shaping young minds. Their use of a PC to execute the curricula is expected to boost efficiency and introduce students to the many applications of the computer. Civil servants were chosen due to government?s continued move towards an E-government culture, while private sector employees were identified to begin preparation for the changing technological demands of a globalised world.

Training will be done at community centers and other community access points during the day and expand to include schools and other educational facilities at evenings.