Initiative fulfills government mandate to impart essential IT skills to all government agencies
The National Institute for Vocational Education (NIVE), an accredited International Computer Driving Licence center and an autonomously managed organization affiliated with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority, has announced that it has signed a major IT literacy agreement with Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to train and test at least 100 RTA employees under the ICDL-Start package of the globally recognized ICDL programme this year.
ICDL-Start is an IT literacy package under the International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL), the world's leading international computer skills certification program. Enrolled RTA personnel will have to complete four of the seven ICDL modules (Concepts of Information Technology, Using the Computer and Managing Files, Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Database, Presentation, Information and Communications) to obtain ICDL-Start certification.
"For almost a decade, the Dubai Government has embraced ICDL's philosophy of ICT skills for all and has made IT competency a requirement among its personnel. We commend the RTA for its support of IT literacy, as this will help its employees enhance their skills and boost their confidence in the use of IT while furthering their integration within the organisation. For the RTA, this initiative means better alignment with Dubai's strategic plans, particularly its progress towards a Knowledge Economy," said Jamil Ezzo, Director General of the ICDL GCC Foundation.
"Moreover, this program will have a positive spillover effect on the community as well, as it helps support the national economy by improving IT literacy, paving the way to a more equitable society, empowering citizens and facilitating the move to an IT-enabled society," added Ezzo.
For her part, Kawther Kazim Director of RTA's Human Resources and Development said: "Technology is vital to the success of our organization's operations and activities. By empowering our personnel with essential computer skills, we make the task of incorporating key IT components and standards into our plans faster and more efficient. ICDL certification complements our efforts to ensure the personal and professional growth of our staff. It will also boost productivity, enhance customer services, and provide a reference for gauging the IT skills of our employees. NIVE is an ideal partner for imparting computer literacy skills to our teams given its proven track record in delivering high-quality training and testing."
ICDL GCC Foundation, the governing body and the certification authority of the International Computer Driving License program in the Gulf region and Iraq, points out that this agreement between NIVE and the RTA also complements the 2005 circular issued by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, mandating that all civil servants under Dubai's government departments obtain ICDL certificates. ICDL certification ensures that public employees have the necessary skills to use computers and the internet and thus contribute to the success of the emirate's e-governance agenda. It also upholds international standards for information sharing and management across government agencies and services. The Foundation adds that the RTA is a formidable addition to its wide network of government partners.
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About ICDL
ICDL is an integrated digital literacy program recognized worldwide. The program empowers individuals with the essential skills and knowledge of computer and practical use of common desktop applications. ICDL is based on a recognized global standard, acknowledged through testing, and proves that the certificate holder has fundamental skills in IT, using the computer and managing files, word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, and information and communication (internet and e-mail). Available 41 languages, the program is endorsed by education ministries, universities and government organizations and is accredited by 148 countries.
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© Press Release 2012
