Finance Trust Bank in partnership with Craft Silicon Foundation have launched a free digital literacy programme which will see girls from slums in Kampala getting free Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) training.
The Craft Silicon Foundation and Finance Trust Bank Digital Literacy programme which was launched by the Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga targets girls aged between 12-24 years and it will be Implemented in the slum areas of Katwe, Kalerwe, Bwaise, Kazo and Kisenyi all slums of Kampala city.
Launching the programme in Kampala on October 25, the Speaker applauded the institutions behind the initiatives for coming up with programmes that empower younger girls especially those from poor families. She noted that the ICT programmes will prepare and empower the younger people to reach their full potential as productive members of their societies.
“Equipping younger people with ICT skills will give them tools they need to distinguish themselves in the competitive global economy and it will create the next generation of responsible digital citizens to continue the progress we have already started as a nation,” she said.
Craft Silicon Foundation Chief Executive Officer Priya Budhabhatti said the programme will bridge the wide gaps between those who have access to ICT and those that are Illiterate especially the communities in slum areas of Kampala city.
“Since ICT are increasingly becoming foundation of our societies and economies we need now to ensure that no single person is left out in acquiring ICT related skills since denying younger generation ICT skills it means they will not participate in the new ICT jobs in e-government, ICT improved Health services,” she explained.
Craft Silicon Foundation is the corporate social responsibility initiative of Craft Silicon Limited. It is a registered non-profit organization that works towards empowering youth, children and communities through free Information and Communication Technology education and services.
Technology in competitiveness
Commenting on the programme, Finance Trust Bank Chief Executive Officer Annet Nakawunde Mulindwa said the bank is investing in the programme as part of its strategic theme of leveraging on technology in order to advance competitiveness.
She advised the participants to take ownership of the programme because at the end of the six months training, the younger people will start seeing the positive Impact the programme can bring in their lives.
The Craft Silicon Foundation and Finance Trust Bank Digital Literacy programme intends to educate over 3400 youth per year in the next five years and it’s expected to cost the two Institutions about USD 100,000.The programme will equip the youth with fundamental ICT skills such as Introduction to computer and windows 4, Microsoft office application, Software development and Entrepreneur ship skills.
The Digital Literacy programme will be delivered through a van that is equipped with computers and moves around from one place to another, the van is powered by solar energy.
BY SAMUEL NABWIISO
