ICTA-Intel take digital literacy to grass roots

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 group 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 percent ICT literacy by 2016, the ICTA entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Intel to use its globally successful Easy Steps basic technology literacy education programme 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 programme,” 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 islandwide.”

Commenting on the agreement, Intel EM Limited 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 Education Ministry and the ICTA.

The 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.