Kuwait Central Agency for IT adopts ICDL digital literacy programs

The move also aims to boost government performance and empower citizens with computer skills to take advantage of today's technologies and online services.

The partnership agreement, which was signed by His Excellence Ali Al-Sharida, General Manager of the Central Agency for Information Technology in State of Kuwait; and Jamil Ezzo, Director General of ICDL GCC Foundation; will offer 100,000 employees and job seekers in the government sector an equal opportunity to acquire computer skills essential in today's workplace. The partnership also includes 200,000 citizens from various social sectors in Kuwait over the course of five years.

Commenting on the partnership with ICDL, Mr. Al Sharida said:

"This partnership agreement with ICDL is a launching pad for our drive to develop ICT skills capabilities and digital awareness within the government and society. The Kuwaiti Government is committed to raising the performance level by creating suitable initiatives that conquer the digital divide and create a digital society by implementing the ICDL and the e-citizen programs."

"The agency will be overlooking the implementation of the training and execution of the programs at no cost while the ICDL GCC Foundation, as the regional arm of the ECDL Foundation, a not for profit organization, will be responsible for the structuring and the planning for the and hence implementing its mission of creating a social movement to bridge the digital gap by empowering everyone with essential computer skills to realize the benefits of technology, " added Al Sharida.

The Kuwaiti Central Agency for IT is responsible for developing the country's eGovernment capabilities, maximizing the use of IT-enabled services that would streamline government processes, reduce expenditure, and eliminate technical problems resulting from incorrect application of technology.

It is also responsible for creating education and training systems for IT development that will boost adoption of eServices and promote the eCitizenship program, which aims to provide citizens with IT skills and allow them to fully utilize various eServices for bill payments, bookings, electronic trade, visa issuance, and job searching.

Commending the Kuwaiti Central Agency for a proactive approach in its IT literacy program, Jamil Ezzo, said: "The initiative taken by constitutes the largest scale digital literacy initiative in the region to date, which will lead to creating a digital society. Kuwait's comprehensive IT skills development program will deliver long-term benefits that will sustain the country's economic development. We believe CAIT's great efforts to bridge the digital divide will open up new opportunities for socioeconomic growth and strengthen the country's labour sector. ICDL GCC Foundation is delighted to assist the country in its quest for progress."

ICDL GCC Foundation has been established to manage and operate the ICDL programs in the GCC region. Its mandate is to collaborate with government and private organisations to increase digital awareness at par with international levels. As a vendor-neutral, non-commercial certification, ICDL has is an inclusive program designed to empower everyone with basic digital skills and boost their confidence to use a computer at home and in the workplace. Across the GCC there are more than 1800 ICDL Approved Centres implementing ICDL standard, including schools, universities, commercial centres and government organizations.