Barbadians will get another opportunity next month to learn the fundamentals of information technology.
The Community Development Department (CDD) will be offering the introduction course in Information Technology from Monday, September 10, at its 14 centres across the island. Persons interested in attending the classes should collect and return application forms to the resource centres by Friday, August 31. They may also receive further information from the CDD by calling 310-1700.
During the 13 week Community Technology Programme, the topics covered will include introduction to the computer, the internet, keyboarding and the fundamentals of word processing.
Since the start of the programme in 2002, approximately 11,200 persons have been trained in information technology. Acting Deputy Chief Development Officer, Endearl Lorde, said the response to the course “has been great” and this was reflected in the large number of persons on the waiting lists at some of the centres.
“There is a strong demand for the programme, especially at the Bush Hall, Bonnetts, Deacons and St. Mark’s Resource Centres, as well as the St. Christopher Centre, which recently came on board,” Mr. Lorde disclosed.
He pointed out that after completing the basic course, several persons pursued advance training in information technology, while others used their new skills to enhance their businesses. The Community Technology Programme is open to school leavers and adults, and the oldest person to graduate was an 86-year-old.
The aims of the programme include making computer training and internet accessibility more readily available to the society, increasing and improving the technological literacy of community members, and providing a linkage and support to the EduTech Programme, so parents could have an understanding of the computer and lend assistance to their children.