IESC funded by USAID supports the launching of the fifth PICTA Center in Qana, Lebanon

The Professional Computer Association of Lebanon (PCA) in partnership with local and international partners opened the fifth PCA ICT Academy (PICTA), in the Qana Al-Jalil center in Qana, at 4:00 PM, March 9, 2007. The launching of the Fifth PICTA Center in Qana was a result of the ongoing support and collaboration of the PICTA initiative partners including PCA, IESC / USAID, Mercy Corps, CISCO, Intel, Microsoft, UNDP, Computer Associates, Universal Knowledge Solutions , Booz Allen Hamilton, and other local and international organizations.

The PCA ICT Academy (PICTA) mission is to provide ICT training and Internet access to Lebanese individuals and businesses located in rural areas and in areas most affected by the recent conflict. The International Executive Service Corps (IESC / USAID) provides key support to the PICTA Academy through collaborating with CISCO in equipping the PICTA Centers with wireless Internet networks and providing the centers with Internet connectivity. IESC supports the PICTA Centers sustainable operations by providing technical assistance services and training to the PICTA Center managers in order to properly support the wireless network setup.

In partnership with local and international organizations and corporations, the PICTA Academy initiative targets to bridge the digital divide in rural areas of Lebanon and to enhance the creation of new job opportunities in local communities. The PICTA Academy plans to open ten PICTA Centers in different locations throughout Lebanon.

The PICTA training centers provide affordable ICT training and wireless Internet access to the residents and businesses of the local communities. The PICTA Centers issues certificates to the students that successfully complete their training courses. The PICTA initiative empowers local rural communities through technology based centers to affordably learn and connect to the global community and economy.

IESC / USAID support to PICTA initiative meets an IESC program objective: to stimulate the economic growth of rural areas by increasing the number of beneficiaries receiving affordable access to technology, connecting to the Internet through Wireless access, and creating new job opportunities. IESC plans to provide equal support for future PICTA centers that will be opened in different areas throughout Lebanon.